Teen Center

Housed in the basement of the Elmwood Community Center, the Teen Center is a safe, supervised, substance-free, drop-in center open to West Hartford teens in grades 9-12. In addition to basketball in the light-filled court, the Teen Center offers billiards, video games, ping-pong, creative arts, and monthly field trips – and some teens just like to come hang out at "The Base".

Teens playing basketball

"The Base" at the West Hartford Teen Center

"The Base" was named by the members of our Teen Leadership Group as a nod to its location in the basement, and also for the feeling they have that the Center is their home base. "The Base" at the West Hartford Teen Center is sponsored by the Bridge Family Center, in collaboration with Elmwood Community Center. Funding support is provided by the Town of West Hartford, the Ensworth Charitable Foundation, the Ellen Jeanne Goldfarb Memorial Charitable Trust, and the George A. & Grace L. Long Foundation.

Hours of Operation & Activities

  • Open Monday and Friday from 2:30-5:00 p.m.
  • Wednesday from 1:00-3:30 p.m.
  • One Friday per month, Teen Night is held from 7:00-10:00 p.m.

There are billiards tournaments and 4-on-4 basketball tournaments with gift-card prizes for the winners. The "Teen of the Month" is also awarded a gift card.

There is NO CHARGE for any of the activities.

The Teen Leadership Group

The Teen Leadership Group focuses on community service and program planning, and strives to support the development of problem-solving and team-building skills.

For more information, contact Jonathan Merritt at 860.305.2792.

Teen room with games and chairs

Camden Grace Interiors Selected "The Base" as Recipient of 2023 Merry Makeover

Every year, West Hartford interior design firm Camden Grace Interiors, led by Founder Jeanne Barber, chooses a local recipient to benefit from a "Merry Makeover," where community members donate their time, services, and funds to redesign a community space. The 2023 Merry Makeover recipient was none other than our very own Teen Center; Jeanne and her sponsors worked to transform "The Base" into a warm, inviting space that encourages teens to spend time there.