Woodbridge Celebrates New Community Center with Gov. Lamont

Residents Gathered at Renovated Old Firehouse for Community Open House

The Town of Woodbridge celebrated the opening of the new Woodbridge Community & Cultural Center on Saturday, October 10, welcoming residents, families, and special guests to explore the newly renovated Old Firehouse at 4 Newton Road.

Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont joined First Selectman Mica Cardozo and State Representative Mary Welander for the Community Open House, marking an important milestone in the Town’s efforts to create a welcoming gathering place for residents of all ages.

One of the day’s memorable moments took place in the Game Room, where Governor Lamont and First Selectman Cardozo joined young residents for a friendly game of foosball. The informal competition offered a glimpse of what the Town hopes the new space will become: a place where people of different ages and backgrounds can come together, interact and enjoy their community.

“This has been a long-awaited project, and it’s exciting to finally see residents enjoying the building,” said First Selectman Mica Cardozo. “We have taken a building that served Woodbridge for generations and given it a new purpose. Seeing families, young people and neighbors here together is what this investment was all about.”

The Woodbridge Community & Cultural Center is officially open to the public, following an extensive renovation of the former firehouse. Designed to complement existing Town services and facilities, the building provides flexible spaces for meetings, programs, classes, cultural activities, and informal gatherings.

Located on the Town campus alongside the Woodbridge Library, The Woodbridge Center and The Grove, the new gathering place is intended to become part of everyday life in Woodbridge. Residents are encouraged to stop in throughout the day, whether to meet a friend, work remotely, spend time with their children, play games or simply enjoy being part of the community.

“We can plan programs and events, but what really makes a place like this special is what happens in between,” said Alison Valsamis, the Town’s Community Communications & Program Coordinator, who leads programming and community engagement for the Woodbridge Community & Cultural Center. “It’s kids playing foosball, neighbors running into each other, or someone stopping in just because. We want this to become part of everyday life in Woodbridge, a place where people feel comfortable, connected, and welcome. Now that the doors are open, I am excited to see how residents make it their own.”

Mantra’s Café to Open Later This Month

Mantra’s Café, the newest offering from Julian Brown, owner of Mantras Market in Woodbridge, is preparing to officially open later this month inside the Community & Cultural Center. 

The café welcomed visitors during Saturday’s Open House, offering a preview of what will soon become a regular part of the building. With coffee, beverages, and light fare, Mantra’s Café will provide another reason for residents to stop in, meet friends, or spend time in The Commons.

The café reflects a consistent request from residents for a comfortable, informal place to gather.

The Woodbridge Community & Cultural Center features six distinct spaces, including the Great Room, Game Room, The Commons, The Studio, The Loft and The Study. Initial programming includes yoga, T’ai Chi, game nights and informal gatherings, with additional activities and community partnerships in development.

Residents are encouraged to visit, participate in programs, reserve space for meetings and events, or get involved by volunteering, sharing ideas and contributing their skills.

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The Woodbridge Community & Cultural Center is located at 4 Newton Road, Woodbridge, and is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For upcoming programs, room reservations and opportunities to get involved, visit www.woodbridgect.org/735/Community-Cultural-Center, email wccc@woodbridgect.gov or call 203-389-3455.##########