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:
- Battle Ground Harvest Days getting ready for big week
Battle Ground Harvest Days returns July 18–19 with a full lineup: carnival, cruise, parade, market, BMX show, and fireworks—all packed into a weekend of community celebration. - High pay, low test scores: WA teachers earn most when adjusted for cost of livingWashington leads the nation in adjusted teacher pay, but critics point to low student performance and call for tying pay to outcomes.
- Families celebrate 25 years of inclusive fishing at Merwin Day of FishingMore than 300 children participated in the 25th annual Merwin Day of Fishing, hosted by Pacific Power and WDFW, offering a joyful and inclusive day of fishing and outdoor fun.
- Opinion: In-n-Out Burger is so much more than fast food for so many of usPaul Valencia shares why In-n-Out Burger means more than just fast food for countless fans as Ridgefield nears its grand opening and Vancouver’s location begins construction.
- Obituary: Stephen Lloyd Randol, 1945-2025
Stephen Randol, a Clark County resident for over 80 years, passed away on June 15. A celebration of life is scheduled for July 26 at Northcrest Community Church in Vancouver. - Opinion: Washington’s June 2025 budget revisions – revenue up spending up moreMark Harmsworth of the Washington Policy Center critiques the state’s latest budget revisions, warning that new taxes—not organic growth—are driving revenue. He calls for fiscal restraint and long-term reform.
- Washougal fourth graders take flight with hands-on birdhouse projectFourth-grade students in Washougal connected science, math, and hands-on skills through a district-wide birdhouse building project supported by high school mentors and community volunteers.
