The Battle Ground community will soon mark two major milestones for its senior population, with one event hosted by the City of Battle Ground and another organized by Battle Ground Senior Citizens Inc. (BGSC).
At 10 a.m. Monday, June 16, the city will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the completion of long-awaited renovations to the Battle Ground Senior Center at 116 NE Third Ave. City officials, community members and representatives from BGSC are expected to attend the event.
The $565,264.09 project was funded primarily through a $300,000 grant from the Washington state Department of Commerce, secured by the city in 2023. The remaining costs were covered through city funds. The work includes major upgrades such as asbestos abatement, kitchen and bathroom remodels, storage room improvements, a covered patio, siding replacement, and optional upgrades including a new HVAC system and roof.
Sharon Wodtke, president of Battle Ground Senior Citizens Inc., is relieved to see the project nearing completion.
“We are glad that we will be back in our home port,” Wodtke said. “We’ve been bouncing all over the county here for a few months.”
While the ribbon-cutting will take place June 16, BGSC will not officially return to the center until July 1. Until then, the group will continue holding its regular activities at the Battle Ground Event Center, formerly known as the Community Center.
“I’m very much excited and I’m holding my breath,” Wodtke said. “But this one is the first time we’ve had a save the date from the city, so I’m encouraged by that.”
Wodtke noted the city played a crucial role in making the remodel happen.
“The city went after the grant that initially got this ball rolling,” she said. “Then the city added some money to the pot, and so it’s going to be a whole new building. That in itself is remarkable.”
She said she is especially looking forward to seeing the new outdoor and storage spaces.
“They have completely gutted and remodeled the kitchen … and they’ve redone the storage room so it can accommodate rolling carts to put away tables and chairs,” Wodtke said. “Probably the most exciting thing is they’ve taken the backyard and made a covered patio back there … with spring and summer coming up, that’s a plus.”
Community invited to June 23 celebration for senior group’s 50th anniversary
One week after the ribbon-cutting, Battle Ground Senior Citizens Inc. will host its own celebration marking the organization’s 50th anniversary. The event will take place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Monday, June 23, at the Battle Ground Event Center.
The public is invited to attend the free event, which will feature a barbecue on the patio, a make-your-own ice cream sundae bar, and birthday cake with coffee and water. Inside the Lewis River Room, a looping PowerPoint slideshow will highlight photos and milestones from 1975 to 2025.
Two adjoining rooms will display and demonstrate all 12 of BGSC’s ongoing activity programs. Each will have informational tables, and several will include live demonstrations such as craft-making and games.
“My whole goal the last three years as president has been to let them know we exist in Battle Ground,” Wodtke said. “Since the pandemic ended, we’ve gone from about 40 participants to over 650 participants.”
As part of the festivities, the group will raffle off a quilt sewn by its Happy Stitchers group. Tickets are $10 each and can be purchased in advance or at the event. The drawing will take place at 2 p.m.
Readers can learn more about BGSC online at facebook.com/p/Battle-Ground-Senior-Citi
zens-Inc-61559056648137/.
