VBT announces June 24 ribbon-cutting for new community center

Van Buren Township announces the completion of the Van Buren Community Center (VBC). A ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held Monday, June 24, from 4 to 7 p.m. at 46425 Tyler Rd.
Construction began in September 2022 and concluded in late spring of 2024, adding an additional 21,763 sq. ft. to the township hall. The center features a full-sized gymnasium, an elevated walking track, an exercise area, a Black Box Theater, group and individual fitness areas, a teen space, multipurpose rooms, and an outdoor plaza.
The center also includes spaces dedicated to the senior center members, including a lounge, a fitness and activity room, and a multipurpose room.
Township Supervisor Kevin McNamara acknowledges all the officials and entities that made the vision possible, with support from Congresswoman Debbie Dingell, Wayne County Executive Warren C. Evans, Commissioner Al Haidous, the VBT Downtown Development Authority, the Van Buren Civic Fund, and thanks the Community Services Director Elizabeth Renaud and Deputy Director Tammy Dohring.
“Community centers serve many purposes – most importantly they serve as the heart of any neighborhood and help shape its identity,” said Wayne County Executive Warren C. Evans.
“Community centers are gathering places where friends and neighbors can meet and engage with one another – where people of all ages, ethnicities and socioeconomic backgrounds can come together to network and have fun. Wayne County is thrilled to be able to help create a space that will help foster and facilitate social interaction in Van Buren Township,” Evan said.
“Our hope is that this center brings a new level of culture, recreation, and community to our residents,” said Supervisor McNamara. “Every community needs a center.”
“I’ve been advocating for a community center since day one,” said Township Clerk Leon Wright. “I’m very pleased to see this come to fruition. This is a project I believe will be well accepted by the community.”
The township invites the public and sponsors of the project to come out and celebrate this addition to the community.
Van Buren Township news release