Providing both a destination and an outlet for the week’s pent-up energy, the Teen Center, dubbed “The Garage,” is officially open Fridays from 3 to 5 pm for seventh and eighth graders to drop in after school. Located at 53 Church Hill Road, the facility is within walking distance from Newtown Middle School and St Rose of Lima School.

Newtown Parks & Recreation officially introduced this program at The Garage on January 20, offering cool activities including ping-pong, pool, air hockey, foosball, and Xbox.

“Everything is popular here to be honest,” says Garage supervisor Jackie Hegarty. That afternoon, some students simply chose to sit and chat with friends or practice dance sequences.

Hegarty worked as a camp counselor for middle schoolers in Parks & Rec camps for two years, and is a senior at Newtown High School. She reflected on her personal experience trying to walk around town on Fridays after school, but quickly going home because of winter weather.

“It’s cold out; they get to take advantage of this place,” Hegarty said about middle schoolers present that day. She described the teen center as “a nice in-between place” for students who “feel like they’re either at school or home.”

Hegarty acknowledged the impact an influx of students was having on businesses before the program.

“As students move down to Starbucks and the gas station it becomes more populated,” she explained.

“They seem to like it. They can bring their friends,” said Hegarty about the program, described on the Newtown Parks & Rec website as “a comfy, cozy and casual spot for grades seven & eight students to hang out with friends.”

After Parks & Rec ordered pizza for the students around 4 pm, most excitedly put their games on pause to enjoy an after-school snack.

The Garage will be open and supervised for all middle schoolers every Friday from 3 to 5 pm during the school year, and is free for all Newtown students.

Reporter Noelle Veillette can be reached at noelle@thebee.com.