In January 2003, a long-cherished dream became a reality for the residents of Easton with the grand opening of the Easton Community Center. The journey began in the 1960s when the Larson family, prominent Easton residents, recognized the need for a safe and supervised gathering place for the town's youth. After years of advocacy and collaboration, the project gained momentum in 1996 when the Larso
ns approached Tony Colonnese, Easton's First Selectman, with the idea of establishing a Teen Center in the old firehouse. However, due to safety concerns, this plan was not feasible. In 1997, the Larsons generously offered a gift of one million dollars to build an entirely new facility primarily for Easton's youth. A dedicated group, including individuals like Bruce Debow, Agnus Debow, Edward Burger, Cyndi Blum, Tony Colonnese, Marty Wolf, and Dorothy Larson, came together to lead the project. Their mission was two-fold: to build and operate the facility through private donations and program income, and to establish an endowment to ensure its sustainability. The Easton Community Center was established as a 501C(3) organization, providing contributors with gift tax advantages, and the first fundraising appeal was soon launched. A prime location for the facility was secured, comprising 2.5 acres adjacent to Veteran's Field, with a 100-year lease from the Town of Easton. To ensure the center met the community's needs, comprehensive studies were conducted. The esteemed Friar Associates of Farmington served as project architects, while Primrose Construction of Bridgeport was awarded the general contract. The Groundbreaking Ceremony took place in September 2001, and it was accompanied by ongoing efforts to obtain town approvals, develop the board, and raise funds. Generous donations and personal contributions of labor and materials helped keep construction on track while reducing costs. Key support came from Connecticut Legislators John McKinney and John Stripp, who secured a state grant of $200,000 in March 2002. In July 2002, the Board of Directors appointed a facility director to oversee the center's development and programs. Today, the Easton Community Center is open and committed to providing "cultural, educational, and social opportunities" for Easton's children, teenagers, and adults. This will be achieved through innovative and high-quality programs and services designed to enhance the mental and physical well-being of all members of the greater Easton community.
