The free, drop-in celebration will include activities, treats and a look back at the center’s history of service to Vancouver residents of all ages and abilities
VANCOUVER – Marshall Community Center (1009 E. McLoughlin Blvd.) will turn 60 on Wednesday, July 2, and everyone is invited to join in a celebration of memories, milestones and community spirit.
The free, drop-in celebration will include activities, treats and a look back at the center’s history of service to Vancouver residents of all ages and abilities. Everyone is welcome, you do not need to be a current member to attend.
Event highlights:
- 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Celebration station in the lobby with giveaways, birthday treats, take and make crafts and historic photo displays
- 12:15 to 1:15 p.m. Free public swim
- 1 to 3 p.m. Gaga ball, cornhole and games in the gym
- 2:45 to 3:45 p.m. Free “Swim with a Swim Instructor” session
- Facility tours and opportunities to win a free one-month membership
Whether you learned to swim at Marshall as a child, took your first pottery class last year or just want to enjoy the festivities, this celebration is for you.
A lasting legacy in Vancouver
Dedicated on July 2, 1965, Marshall Community Center was named in honor of former U.S. Secretary of State General George C. Marshall Jr., who served at Vancouver Barracks in the 1930s. From its earliest days, the building offered a gymnasium, arts and crafts rooms, senior programs, teen recreation and aquatics. It was the first site in the city’s community gardens program and now serves as the home base for Vancouver’s Access to Recreation program for people with cognitive and developmental disabilities.
“Marshall Center is more than just a building, it’s been a community hub for generations,” said Director Andy Meade. “There are people who took swim lessons here during their childhood who are now bringing their grandkids to learn to swim. That kind of connection across time is what makes this place so special.”
As part of the celebration, community members are invited to share their Marshall stories through an online form or in-person at Marshall Center.
For more information about the anniversary celebration, visit www.cityofvancouver.us/Marshall.
Information provided by the city of Vancouver.
Also read:
- Northwest just finished warmest fall on record, scientists report
Scientists report the Pacific Northwest experienced its warmest fall on record, with snowpack at the lowest level for this point in winter since tracking began in 2001. - Opinion: More taxes sadly the Washington way
Elizabeth New (Hovde) argues that Washington lawmakers continue to turn to new taxes instead of addressing state spending priorities, particularly in health care policy. - C-TRAN offering free service, extended hours this New Year’s Eve
C-TRAN will offer free systemwide service and extended late-night hours on select routes for New Year’s Eve to support safe holiday travel. - Clark County Public Works is seeking three new live-in volunteer park hosts for the 2026 season
Clark County Public Works is accepting applications for three live-in volunteer park host positions at regional and community parks for the 2026 season. - Opinion: IBR administrator receives generous Christmas gift on his way out the door
Ken Vance argues that IBR leadership avoided accountability on rising project costs as Administrator Greg Johnson announced his departure without providing updated estimates. - Christmas Ships Parade enters final week with six nights of holiday magic remaining
The Christmas Ships Parade has entered its final week, with six remaining nights of illuminated boats visiting locations along the Columbia and Willamette rivers. - County Treasurer addresses penny shortage, encourages customers to pay with exact change
The Clark County Treasurer’s Office is asking customers who pay with cash to use exact change as a nationwide penny shortage affects the ability to obtain coins.
