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.