Vancouver Water Center to Reopen Twice Monthly

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The city of Vancouver, Washington is reopening its Water Resources Education Center to the public two Saturdays per month, in an effort to attract more visitors to the facility that teaches about the local water supply and conservation. The center, which opened in 1996, will be open from noon to 4 p.m. on the first and third Saturdays of each month starting on April 4, with free admission.

Why it matters

The Water Resources Education Center has seen declining attendance in recent years, prompting the city to approve a plan to refresh the exhibits and create a more engaging experience for visitors. Reopening the center to the public on a limited weekend schedule is an attempt to draw new interest and educate the community about the importance of water conservation.

The details

Kristin Smith, the center's supervisor, said the city is taking a 'slow rollout based on staff capacity' to reopen the facility. The center was originally opened in 1996 to teach people about Vancouver's water supply system and how to conserve water, but crowds have dwindled in recent years. To address this, city officials have approved a plan to replace nearly all of the center's exhibits and create a more immersive experience for visitors.

• The Water Resources Education Center will reopen to the public on April 4, 2026.
• The center will be open on the first and third Saturdays of each month from noon to 4 p.m.

What they’re saying

What’s next

The city plans to closely monitor attendance and visitor feedback during the initial reopening phase, with the goal of potentially expanding the center's public hours if the limited Saturday schedule proves successful.