Connect Community Center-Opening 2028
Your Future Connect
An expanded, multi-generational Connect community center will be built on the Civic Center Campus, starting in 2026. The new Connect will be a gathering place for all ages and nearly four times as large as the current Recreation Activities Center to meet community demand for programs and services.
The 48,000-square-foot building would feature:
- A dedicated lounge space for seniors to gather and socialize in as well as have opportunities to enjoy the activities they have come to love at the current center.
- Many amenities tailored to the interests of West Bloomfield’s growing population of older adults, such as indoor pickleball, table tennis, a walking track, fitness classes designed for seniors and more.
- A wider variety of recreation programs focused on both the mental and physical wellbeing of participants of all ages.
- More nature education offerings with a new, expanded outdoor natural play area, a large, interactive nature exploration exhibit and more live animals to inspire individuals to appreciate and learn about the natural world.
- More meeting and event space options.
Learn more about the project with our Connect Community Center FAQ here!
Latest News:
- In November of 2024, WB Parks hired LJH Development to serve as our Owners’ Representative as a project manager.
- In February of 2025, WB Parks hired HED as its architecture firm for the project as well as hired Nowak & Fraus Engineers for civil engineering.
- In April of 2025, WB Parks hired Frank Rewold & Sons as its Construction Manager.
- WB Parks leaders and HED led design workshops for WB Parks’ staff, Township Departments and instructors on April 29 and 30.
- WB Parks leaders and HED led a community engagement session with community partners and elected officials on May 13.
- In May of 2025, WB Parks hired Grissim, Metz, Andriese Associates (GMA) as its landscape architects.
- In May of 2025, WB Parks hired Intersect Studio as its Interior Designer.
- In July of 2025, WB Parks awarded the Low Voltage Agreement to TowerPinkster.
- In October of 2025, Executive Director Hyer shared project updates which can be viewed here.
- In January of 2026, the Environmental and Planning Commission approved the proposed site plan.
- In February of 2026, the West Bloomfield Township approved the proposed site plan. View the press release here.
Estimated timeline for completion:
View an update from Executive Director Kelly Hyer:
Commitment To Sustainability
The Connect Community Center reflects responsible stewardship. We prioritized smart, efficient choices while intentionally keeping options open for the future. The facility also positions us to actively showcase and highlight our sustainability initiatives.
Permanent Closure of the Recreation Activities Center
The Recreation Activities Center was closed permanently on December 12, 2025 at 11 am. Due to a number of factors including budget, design and site footprint, the decision was made to demolish the existing 8,400 sq. ft. building.
All programming that has previously taken place at the Recreation Activities Center has been relocated to one of our other facilities. Please review the new program location prior to registration. Nature programming will continue at our other parks and facilities and through outreach/appointment-based services.
Walk-in services will be relocated to Connect Senior Center (33230 W 14 Mile Rd.) starting December 15.
Civic Center Trail users will need to utilize the trailheads behind the library or by Town Hall. The trailhead by the Recreation Activities Center will be closed, starting in January.
View an update from Executive Director Kelly Hyer here!
FAQ's
Q. How is this project funded?
a. In August of 2024, voters approved a 20-year, 25-million-dollar bond to fund the community center as well as some park improvement projects. The majority of the bond will be put towards the new community center
Q. What will happen to the current Connect?
a. The leased space at 14 Mile and Farmington Road will remain in operation until we open the new community center in 2027. After the center is opened, all staff and programs will move to the new community center.
Q. What is the timeline?
a. Construction is slated to begin in April of 2026 and be complete in the fall of 2027.
Q. Why is the Recreation Activities Center being demolished?
a. The original concept proposed renovating the existing Recreation Activities Center however several factors, including site limitations and the existing building design, led to the decision to demolish the current one-level 8400 sq. ft. structure to make way for the new multigenerational Connect Community Center. Half of the existing building footprint will be restored to green space for the outdoor plaza, outdoor classroom and natural play area. Retaining the remaining 4,400 sq. ft. would have been cost-prohibitive. Renovation costs would have exceeded the combined expense of demolition and that needed to redesign the structure to support a second level, updated plumbing, window and door layout, fire suppression and elevations between both buildings on the site. Following the demolition, staff will be relocated to other facilities.
Q. How long do you expect the relocation period to last?
a. Staff is preparing for a relocation period of approximately 20 months. Construction of the new Community Center is expected to take about 16 months. These additional months of time allow for necessary preparation, demolition and site work before the new facility is built.
Q. How will these relocations directly affect daily operations and activities at Connect Senior Center?
a. WB Parks is taking care to ensure continuity and minimal disruption for our services. The phone line will remain the same (248) 451-1900 and mail service will still be received using the same address. The relocation of walk in services to Connect will begin December 15, 2025 at 8am. Connect hours are: 8am-4:30pm.
- All programming that has previously taken place at the Recreation Activities Center has been relocated to one of our other facilities. Customers can review program information in the program description or once registered, can view on their receipt.
- Meals on Wheels volunteers will pick up supplies at Drake Sports Park.
- Nature programming will continue at our other parks and facilities through outreach/appointment-based services OR pre-registration for a program. See our Activity Guide for details.
- Civic Center Trail users will need to utilize the trailheads behind the Library or by Town Hall. The trailhead by the Recreation Activities Center will be closed in January 2026.
Q. Which specific programs, departments, or services are being moved and where will they be operating during this transition period?
- Transit staff have been relocated to one of our other facilities, however, this will not disrupt any current customer services. Punch cards can be bought at Connect Senior Center or over the phone via (248) 451-1900. Rides can still be coordinated on the same Transit line at (248) 706-2411.
- Recreation staff have been relocated to Connect.
- Admin staff will relocate to Green Media Center in January 2026.
- Nature programming will continue at our other parks and facilities through outreach/appointment-based services OR pre-registration for a program. See our Activity Guide for details. Nature staff will be relocated with Admin staff during the transition period.
Q. What will happen to the Pewabic pottery tiles at the Recreation Activities Center?
a. We are including the removal of the Pewabic pieces, both the exterior sign and interior blue heron and ribbon plaques as a separate category in our contractor bid packages. The ability to safely salvage these items will depend on how they were originally adhered to the building. The design of the new Community Center includes plans to re-purpose these tiles.
Q. What benchmarks or milestones should the community watch for?
- Groundbreaking (Spring 2026)
- Anticipated move into new facility (Fall 2027)
Q. How will transportation be addressed for seniors during this transition?
a. Transit services have already been relocated and this relocation will not affect customers. Punch cards can be bought at Connect Senior Center or over the phone via (248) 451-1900. Rides can still be coordinated on the same Transit line at (248) 706-2411.
Q. Will the new Connect have enough parking?
a. Yes. We contracted with Fishbeck Engineering to complete a campus traffic study to determine how much parking we will need for the new center. They determined our planned parking lots will be sufficient.
Q. Will the new Connect have expanded hours?
a. Yes. We plan to be open on the weekends and during the evenings on weekdays. Exact schedule to come