Firstenburg Community Center and Marshall Community Center will close beginning on Mon., March 16, with a plan to reopen on Wed., April 1
VANCOUVER – In response to the Declaration of Civil Emergency issued by Vancouver City Manager Eric Holmes on March 13, and in alignment with current guidance from Clark County Public Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Vancouver Parks and Recreation will close the Firstenburg Community Center (700 N.E. 136th Avenue) and Marshall Community Center (1009 E. McLoughlin Boulevard) beginning on Mon., March 16, with a plan to reopen on Wed., April 1.
“The Firstenburg and Marshall community centers are vital amenities within the City of Vancouver,’’ read a news release issued by Vancouver Parks and Recreation. “Closing these facilities will cause difficulties for many residents who rely on community centers for fitness, education, social connection, youth services and a safe place to be during the day. Vancouver Parks and Recreation does not take this decision lightly but we believe these preventative measures are needed to slow the rate of spread of COVID-19 and reduce the virus’s impact on Vancouver’s citizens and healthcare systems.’’
“This is a decision without local precedent,” said City of Vancouver Parks Director Julie Hannon. “Given the seriousness of the current situation, we believe this is the most responsible choice we can make to best serve the interests of our employees and community. We are continuing to monitor this evolving public health situation and will provide further updates as needed.”
These preventative measures are not related to a presumptive case. At this time, no presumptive cases have been reported at any Vancouver Parks and Recreation facilities. These safety measures are consistent with current guidance from health authorities regarding social distancing and serving vulnerable populations.
Effective immediately:
· Sat., March 14 community centers closed at 5 p.m.
· Sun., March 15 community centers will operate on regularly scheduled hours.
· Classes, programs and meetings are canceled.
· Private rentals scheduled to take place over the weekend will be honored. Those wishing to cancel their event will receive a full refund.
Beginning March 16:
· Firstenburg and Marshall community centers will be closed Mon., March 16 with a plan to reopen on Wed., April 1.
· All classes, programs, leagues and meetings will be postponed until the centers reopen.
· Parks and Recreation will work to credit ongoing pass holders for the period of time the centers are closed.
· Private rentals scheduled to take place during the closure are canceled and will be fully refunded. For rental questions or to reschedule your event for a later date, please email rentals@cityofvancouver.us.
· Spring Break Camps scheduled for March 30 to April 3 are currently being evaluated to confirm those programs can be operated under safe conditions. Staff will notify registered families directly when a final decision is made. Those wishing to cancel their registration may do so and will receive a full refund.
· Meals on Wheels People will continue to provide seniors with to-go meals for pick up in the Luepke Center lobby from 10 a.m. to noon daily.
Customer service support for both Firstenburg and Marshall community centers will continue to be available by phone during regular business hours.
· Firstenburg: (360) 487-7001
· Marshall: (360) 487-7100
Information provided by Vancouver Parks and Recreation.
