The hidden treasure of Southwest Berrien County. New Troy, Michigan, offers a natural and serene setting for our community center. The forest with hiking trails that back the building provides a peaceful backdrop for yoga classes and our monthly Gather &...events. It is a beautiful space to have a wedding or family gathering. Our center is multi-faceted as it is home to small businesses and private offices, and offers affordable rental opportunities for events and gatherings.
Also available during the Activities Room Hours:
Little Free Pantry Access
Free Wi-Fi, Chromebook Lending, Kid's Tablets
Free Book and Movie Lending Library
Public Restrooms
-VISITORS: PLEASE REPORT TO VOLUNTEER HOSTS-
THE ENTIRE BUILDING IS NOT OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.
Exterior Revilatization Project
Rendering by Julie Strating of Changemaker Studio
It has been a while, but we are thrilled to share that the work on our project is officially complete! None of this would have been possible without the generosity and support of our incredible donors and volunteers. We sincerely thank you for helping us bring this vision to life!
In mid-November, landscaping was added to the front of the community center. While we eagerly await spring to see the plantings in full bloom, their presence already transforms the space, making the center more welcoming.
The parking lot received fresh striping. It has already become a hit with local rollerbladers and skateboarders. It’s also earned praise from the Monday night Pickleball crew, who remarked, “Sometimes it’s the little things, like a freshly paved parking lot, that make a big difference.”
The front entrance also saw much-needed additional improvements. The concrete was leveled, relief lines were added, and the surface was coated to enhance durability and provide better traction for our guests.
We hope you’ll visit soon to experience these changes firsthand and see how they’ve made our community center more vibrant, accessible, safe, and inviting. Together, we have created something truly special that will have a generational impact!
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Parking Lot: Resurface and restripe the deteriorated parking lot that is cracked, uneven, and full of potholes. Two 8' wide ADA-compliant parking spaces with 8' access aisles will be prominently located near the main entrance. DONE
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Entrances: Level and fix the two main entrance walkways which are cracked and uneven. Add new seating with accessible companion seating to make the space more welcoming and usable year-round. DONE
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Facade: Enhance the exterior with wooden architectural elements and planters to warm the space and make it more inviting, while improving the curb appeal by disguising unsightly pipes and trash cans. DONE
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Memorial Garden: Level the bricks in the existing Memorial Garden and add landscaping elements to make this feature more prominent and visible. DONE
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Walking Path: Install a clear and unobstructed 6' wide universal design walking path of nonslip concrete from the parking lot to the Memorial Garden for accessibility and safety. Include seating options and solar lighting along the walking path. DONE
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Signage: Install a new large sign near the front entrance to replace the weathered and dated sign for improved visibility and community pride. DONE
Weekly Offerings
Activities Room
Friends of New Troy's Activities Room is open six days a week and has some fun for everyone! We offer free Wi-Fi and loaner Chromebooks. There are kids Kindles and an iMac Pro available for use. In addition, we offer a preschool play area with interactive wall games, a game table with eight gaming options, an air hockey table, and two Lego tables that accommodate all ages 3+. A well-curated lending library includes classics, new book releases, and an extensive DVD collection. The Activities Room is open to all, come on in, visit a volunteer host, and check out our freshly renovated space!
Historical Room
Friends of New Troy's Historical Room is open on Saturdays from 10:00 am - 12:00 pm, or upon request. The Historical Room is full of artifacts from Weesaw Township and New Troy's schools. Learn about the history of characters and industries that helped shape early New Troy. Or take a trip down memory lane and browse through our extensive collection of yearbooks and newspaper archives. Local Historian, Mike Metz, is available on Saturdays to share some stories and help guide guests through our collections.
Pickleball
On Monday evening from 5:30 - 7:00 pm, our volunteer host opens up our Multi-Purpose Room for an evening of Pickleball! Beginners are welcome and encouraged to come at 5:30 pm for lessons in gameplay and rules.
Our Multi-Purpose Room is also available for private rentals and open gyms. Pickleball and basketball equipment are available upon request. For more information, visit our Rentals Page.
Wiggles & Giggles Story Hour Starts on September 10th!
On Tuesday mornings throughout the school year, we are gifted with the talents of retired Kindergarten teacher, Ollie Rosenthal, as she hosts her story hour. In the Activities Room from 10:30 - 11:30 am, preschoolers go on an adventure that includes reading, dancing, games, crafts, outdoor adventures, and much more!
All ages (3+ recommended) are welcome but a parent or guardian must stay with their child for the duration of story hour. Wiggles & Giggles Story Hour is offered free to the public. Make plans to join Miss Ollie, in the Fall!
Little Free Pantry
Friends of New Troy's Little Free Pantry is accessible in the main hallway of our community center during Activities Room hours.
Neighbors can help neighbors by exchanging non-expired shelf-stable goods, canned foods, as well as toiletries and self-care products.
The pantry serves many, so we request that visitors limit themselves to taking 8-10 items per week so there is enough for everyone. Please review and honor the pantry's posted rules when visiting the community center.
Photos by Fracesca Sagala
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• Find Us •
FRIENDS OF NEW TROY COMMUNITY CENTER
13372 CALIFORNIA ROAD, NEW TROY, MICHIGAN 49119
(269) 426-3909
STATEMENT OF INCLUSION
Friends of New Troy fosters community by providing a welcoming, safe environment where neighbors can meet and form meaningful connections. All are welcome, regardless of gender, age, race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, financial means, education, or political perspective. This 501(c)3 non-profit is politically neutral and non-religious.