Thursday, December 20, 2007
BY CAMI JONER - The Columbian

Opportunities for large indoor gatherings are about to improve in Battle Ground, which will break ground on a $4.2 million community center today.

A 2:30 p.m. ceremony will take place at the construction site of the Battle Ground Community Events Center, planned for Fairgrounds Park at East Main Street and Fairgrounds Avenue at the east end of town. The city expects to open the 12,000-square-foot public facility this summer, next door to the skate park that opened in June.

"It's really a multipurpose facility," said Dennis Osborn, city manager.

It will feature a great room with seating for about 260, commercial kitchen space and break-out rooms to host smaller events. It was designed by Lombard Conrad Architects of Boise, Idaho. Portland-based Emerick Construction will be the project's general contractor.



The Battle Ground Community Events Center will feature a great room that seats about 260 people. (Photo courtesy of LCA Architects)

If you go:

• What: Groundbreaking for Battle Ground Community Events Center.
  
  
• When: 2:30 p.m. today.
  
  
• Where: East Main Street and Fairgrounds Avenue in Battle Ground.
  
  
• Cost: Free.
  
  
• Information: 360-342-5004.