Teen Center Revived, Reopening To Welcome Kids In Brick

BRICK, NJ — It opened in 2017 as a place Brick Township officials hoped would be a haven for students to hang out with peers, talk and play games.

For three years, the Lounge 270 Teen Center hosted activities and welcomed students weekly for an evening in a safe, supervised space. Like so many things, however, the center shut down during the coronavirus pandemic.

While many activities resumed as the pandemic abated, the teen center remained closed.

That changes on Tuesday, however.

A grand reopening ceremony is set for 6 p.m. Tuesday at the center in Civic Plaza, 270 Chambers Bridge Road. It returns with expanded hours and a revitalized space, town officials said.

There are Apple computers, board and video games, puzzles, arts and crafts, foosball, pop-a-shot basketball and dedicated homework spaces. The center also has new murals, which were painted by Brick Township Mayor Lisa Crate.

The center is scheduled to be open Mondays through Fridays from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m., with the new schedule beginning Wednesday, town officials said. It is open to Brick residents in grades 6 through 12 and is free.

There are planned activities in the coming months, including themed movie nights, video game tournaments, karaoke and open mic nights, craft sessions and more, officials said.

"We want this space to become a focal point for the young people of our community," Crate said. "As an educator for over 30 years, I know how important it is to keep young people engaged in the community. It is our hope and expectation that the Teen Center will become a beloved resource for young citizens."

The Lounge 270 Teen Center was conceived as a place for township teens to gather and hang out with friends and designed with input from Brick teens through the Brick Youth Club and the Mayor's Teen Advisory Council, officials said when the center opened in 2017.

In addition to fun and activities, the Teen Center will also offer volunteer opportunities, leadership workshops and youth-focused programs that help teens grow into confident, community-minded individuals. Local youth groups are welcome to use the space for meetings and events. Any group interested in booking space should contact Brandi White at 732-262-1053.