People have been making connections at the Marshall Community Center for decades and on Wednesday, the city celebrated the anniversary of the building

Paul Valencia
Clark County Today

Cupcakes. Balloons. And something for all ages.

Well, something for all ages is an everyday thing at the Marshall Community Center.

Cupcakes and balloons? That was a bit different Wednesday.

The city celebrated 60 years of the Marshall Community Center, welcoming visitors with a history lesson on the building as well as pictures from way, way back in the day.

“We’re very excited to be celebrating 60, and we’re not done yet,” said Andy Meade, director of Marshall Center, located at 1009 E. McLoughlin Blvd in Vancouver.

“It’s just so fantastic that this building has served the community for such a long time,” Meade said. “As the community has grown, it is still such an integral part of so many people’s lives.”

Last week, in preparation for the 60th anniversary, Meade noted that there are people who took swim lessons here when they were younger who are now bringing their grandchildren to the center.

Earlier on Wednesday, a woman asked to look through the old photos that were on display. She wanted to find a photo of her husband, who was in the Trapedero Club in the 1960s. That was the teen club of the day.

These days, the Marshall Center has day camps for youth, a fitness center, plus a program for seniors. It also has an after-school program for teens. Students who live in Vancouver and attend Vancouver and Evergreen Public Schools receive a special membership, as well.

Mead called this place special for the connections that have been made here.

Next week, the city of Vancouver will also note 70 years of Vancouver Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Services.

The 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.