With a Costco under construction in fast-growing Ridgefield, and a Trader Joe’s on track to open up in Salmon Creek, north Clark County is poised to soon offer more shopping outlets for residents.
But what would people like to see come to Battle Ground?
It turns out, residents have plenty of ideas. In 15 hours, the post on the Battle Ground Community Facebook page posing this question generated 225 responses.
New entertainment and places to eat
One of the most popular answers centered around recreation, specifically the addition of a YMCA and/or a public swimming pool. The suggestion, made by Sophia Flath, received 72 likes after 15 hours.
Angela Benson-Slaton proposed Battle Ground would benefit from a Planet Fitness because it offers different services, including red light therapy, aqua massage beds and sun-tanning.
Many commenters wanted to see more entertainment options for youth. One suggestion proposed an old-school classic: a roller skating rink, which has regained popularity on TikTok. Currently, the two closest roller skating rinks are in Oaks Park in Portland and the Centralia Rollerdrome. An arcade with an indoor playground was also mentioned.
Commenters also supported more restaurant options coming to Battle Ground, including a barbecue eatery and an upscale steakhouse.
Commenters also favored another sandwich option in Battle Ground, despite its three Subways. Sandwich shops proposed included Jimmy John’s and Jersey Mike’s, as well as a “mom-and-pop” sandwich restaurant.
New places to shop
In an email, Lois Steiner stated she believes Battle Ground alone has enough traffic to warrant its own Trader Joe’s. Quite a few other comments on the Facebook post supported that idea, as well.
Steiner also would like to see more ethnic restaurants, such as Italian, Thai or Greek. Steiner would also support a fine arts gallery, she added.
“There are a lot of regional artists, and people would travel here to see good art, which would also encourage visits to other businesses,” Steiner wrote.
People suggesting another outlet for grocery shopping fell into two camps. Some were in favor of less-expensive options, such as Grocery Outlet, while others wanted more high-end alternatives, like New Seasons and Chuck’s Produce.
A post from Woodland’s The Homestead Farm’s Facebook page suggested an alternative to a grocery retail giant.
“I would love to see an open marketplace like the good old days,” according to the farm’s Facebook page. “A place where local artisans can sell their wares and local farms can sell their goods! This could be a daily, weekly or monthly stall rental with indoor and outdoor space available! … Buying locally is so much more economical and planet friendly. Not to mention, it is very strengthening to the community.”
In her email, Steiner proposed an idea that might not occur within Battle Ground city limits. She suggested a Cabela’s be built near the freeway. Other comments supported an outdoor supply store, hunting and fishing-based retail or outdoor recreation-based stores.
Leave things the way they are
Some people, however, opposed any new commercial growth, preferring to leave that to neighboring cities.
“I would definitely love to NOT have any more big box stores, chains, parking lots and things you can already find in Vancouver,” Robynne Knight commented. “[Battle Ground’s] charm is its smaller town feel; I for one am not in a hurry to just turn into another suburb like any other. Having grown up in suburban King County, I find it sad to see people in a hurry to fill up the small towns here with every convenience and amenity and grow, grow, grow. Something is lost in the process that can never be regained.”
Kahra Kirschenman echoed those sentiments.
“Battle Ground is getting ruined [from that] small town that it once was for people like this [who] want to add more crap to this town,” Kirschenman wrote.
Others did not support large growth but were in favor of some new options opening in Battle Ground.
