For more than 85 years, the Troy Recreation Association, nicknamed “the Rec,” has served as a safe haven and community hub for the youth of Troy, Ohio. What began as Pop Dixon’s simple yet powerful mission of serving local teens has grown into a vibrant, welcoming space that provides critical support, recreation, and mentorship.
Executive Director of the Rec, Kelly Snyder, shares, “My goal is that every participant in our teen program feels loved, heard, and cared for by our staff.” Her team strives for an environment where young people not only have fun but also find common connections, guidance, and a sense of belonging.
One of the Rec’s cornerstone programs, supported by The Duke Foundation, is their “Summer Lunch Buddies” program, which focuses on improving literacy skills.
Through the program, 48 students have participated, sharing meaningful moments and stories with 49 volunteers. Together, they logged nearly 10,000 minutes of reading and enjoyed over 900 lunches, making a lasting impact on both their minds and hearts.
“Because of support from the Duke Foundation, we have been able to continue Summer Lunch Buddies, which was started close to 30 years ago with a boost from Pat Robinson (former Duke Foundation president),” Kelly says. “Without that initial interest and encouragement, the program would not be what it is today — a beloved, impactful, community program!”
Along with the meals, the Rec comes alive with a variety of activities each summer for children. Their open game room welcomes 6th-12th graders Monday through Friday from 12:00 to 5:00 p.m. completely free of charge. Whether the program’s teens are playing pool, video games, or just simply hanging out, they find a space where they can be themselves.
Another beloved tradition is the summer-long pool tournament. “It is hotly contested,” Kelly says, “and the winners earn their own pool cue at the end of the summer.” Beyond games, there are initiatives in partnership with the OSU Extension, offering courses such as Eat the Rainbow, which encourages healthy eating, and Safe@Home, which helps youth take their first steps toward independence.
The impact and need are obvious through numbers: teen participation has more than doubled over the past decade. “When I started 10 years ago, a big day meant 10 kids. Now we see 20-30 teens daily in the summer and up to 100 during the school year,” Kelly notes.
For many, the Rec is a second home, especially for those who may not have access to other extracurricular activities. The community connection is generational, with many current attendees being children or grandchildren of former Rec participants.
“Some kids feel so comfortable here, they’ll crawl onto the couch and take a nap,” Kelly says. “And that’s the highest compliment — we want them to feel safe and at home.”
Some stories have stayed with Kelly forever, like the one of two young boys who discovered they were brothers while playing pool at the Rec. “They had the same father but different mothers, and they had never met until that summer,” Kelly shares. “They’ve since built a bond, and the older brother still visits just to spend time with the younger. It’s been beautiful to witness.”
Stories like these underscore what makes the Troy Rec impactful — it’s more than just a building or a summer program. It’s a bridge to connection, healing, and lifelong relationships.
For families and community members looking to get involved in the mission, the Rec offers a range of volunteer opportunities, which are posted on their Facebook page and website. You can also call (937) 339-1923 or email troyrec@bizwoh.rr.com to learn more.