Long-term plans pay off

Battle Ground Community Center wins awards, fills stomachs in time for the holidays

BY MAT Q. BOES of the VBJ

The Clark County Community Pride Design committee recognized one of Battle Ground's newest institutions, recognizing its innovative approach to architectural design and positive community impact - just in time for the holidays.

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"We were very excited and honored to win. I didn't even really know that they gave out awards like this until we won one," said Battle Ground Parks Director Debbie Hanson of Battle Ground Community Center, which received the honors earlier this month.

Opening in October 2008, the community center was the culmination of nearly a decade of careful planning, according to Bonnie Gilberti, public information officer for the city of Battle Ground.

In 2002, a group of citizens joined with the City Council to craft the Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan, including a multi-phase redevelopment of Fairgrounds Park, the eventual home of the Community Center near downtown Battle Ground.
-City of Battle Ground-
Seniors enjoying a meal served at Battle Ground Community Center, a facility honored by the Clark County
Community Pride Design earlier this month for its positive community impact.

The plan was accelerated by an allocation by Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.) of $400,000 in federal funding, as well as a $100,000 contribution from Loaves & Fishes, a group providing meals for homebound elderly residents. The remainder of the $4.2 million project was collected from an existing Parks bond, interest earnings and taxes.

Designed by Lombard Conrad Architects in a modern Northwest lodge style, the goal of the community center was to be aesthetically pleasing, cost-effective and environmentally conscientious, according to Gilberti. Council members studied other local community centers, with city engineer Scott Sawyer working closely with Emerick Construction during the 10-month project.

The 12,000-square-foot structure features open beams, stone walls and multiple floor-to-ceiling windows allowing guests to view the outdoor gardens and pavilions, as well as saving energy by maximizing day lighting. The Lewis River Reception hall also boasts an enormous fireplace and seating for up to 300 guests.

According to the design committee, the coup-de-grace of this award-winning building is the commercial kitchen hall, a state-of-the-art facility used daily by Loaves & Fish to provide meals to Battle Ground seniors. Although the community center will be closed on Thanksgiving, Loaves & Fishes will be using the kitchen to cook hundreds of hot, turkey meals to deliver to seniors with the help of 300 unpaid volunteers.

Since opening, over 23,000 people have attended meetings, classes or enjoyed a hot meal. The building was designed for a diverse number of uses, from business seminars to weddings to last October's Haunted House attraction.

And beyond instructing, entertaining and feeding the multitude, the community center is finding still other ways to give back. On Dec. 5 at 8 a.m., the Battle Ground City Council hosts a pancake breakfast to benefit the North County Community Food Bank, with a special appearance by Santa and Mrs. Claus. The cost is $5, or a donation of one can of food.

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