Have you ever wanted to try a pottery wheel? What about taking swim lessons in winter? Maybe you’d like to explore painting, or cooking, or even basketball? Clark County community centers offer affordable access for area residents to a wide variety of arts and activities. Check out some highlights below.
Firstenburg Community Center
Firstenburg Community Center serves east Vancouver and was recently named the Best Gym/Fitness Center in Clark County. The center is known for a two-court gymnasium, fitness center, dance and aerobics studio, and a 50-foot climbing wall. A standout feature of this facility is the newly refurbished indoor pool with waterslide and aquatic play area and the indoor elevated walking track. Both residents and non-residents can become members with youth passes ranging from $22-$28/month, plus drop-in classes, too. Bonus: There’s ample free parking. 700 NE 136th Ave., Vancouver
Marshall/Luepke Community Center
The west side community partner of Firstenberg, the Marshall/Luepke Community Center’s pricing mirrors Firstenberg’s city-run rates, including dual memberships. The Marshall Community Center has a gymnasium, fitness center, dance and aerobics studio, 25-yard lap pool and pottery studio. We love taking the parent and child pottery classes at Marshall each summer. Parking is free on both sides of the building, which also connects to the Luepke Senior Center. Pro tip: The community center is in the same parking lot as the CHAMPS Playground at Marshall Park. 1009 E McLoughlin Blvd., Vancouver.
Fourth Plain Community Commons
A new and inclusive hub in central Vancouver, there is a rotating array of programs year-round on the community floor. Current offerings include free health and wellness education and classes on youth financial literacy. Pro tip: There is limited free parking at the Commons, and nearby street parking is encouraged. 3101 E Fourth Plain Blvd., Ste. 101, Vancouver
Vancouver Arts Hub
The Vancouver Arts Hub began as a solution for an aging library building, and is rapidly expanding to become a centralized location for Vancouver arts. Currently open to smaller groups and events, theARTScentered nonprofit hosts a variety of classes at the hub including painting and intro to colored pencils. Costs vary by activity with many offerings beginning at $15. Parking is available in the former library lot. 1007 E Mill Plain Blvd, Vancouver
The Historic Trust
The Historic Trust encompasses the historic areas surrounding Fort Vancouver near downtown, and is managed by a nonprofit dedicated to the “education, preservation, and celebration of our community’s history.” Activities in the area include open picnic and walking spaces, as well as many events free and open to the community, and others events allow ticket purchase. The exact address and parking vary by event. Parking is free and widely available, though some specific buildings may have limited spaces and you will need to park a short walk away. Pro tip: The Historic Trust is a few minutes walk or drive from the Downtown Vancouver Community Library, featuring five stories of reading and community activities, including a free indoor play space for kids. General O.O. Howard House: 750 Anderson St., Vancouver
Battle Ground Event Center
Located in the picturesque town of a battle that never actually happened, the Battle Ground Event Center features a variety of spaces for events and facility rentals in town including a large, covered stone patio area. Due to the rental nature of the venue, specific events and fairs can vary seasonally, but current activities listed included community offerings like drop in Yoga with Kate starting at $15. Park in the free lot or on the street nearby. 912 East Main Street, Battle Ground
Camas Community Center
Like Battle Ground, this multi-purpose space is frequently rented for a variety of local events. Check out the wide variety of classes and activities offered in Camas, which includes sports, martial arts, and visual arts and crafts, too. Parking is free at both the community center and public lots downtown. 1718 SE 7th Ave., Camas