History:

In 1972 a petition drive, spearheaded by Parks & Recreation Director Gerry Cox and members of the Derry Youth Organization (DYO), placed an article on the March Town Meeting warrant directing the Town of Derry to lease the West Side School on West Broadway to the Derry Parks & Recreation Commission for the purpose of a teen drop-in/community center. The article passed on March 14, 1972 and the old school became the West Side Community Center (WSCC). The Commission operated the Center until 1975 when a town meeting vote dissolved the Commission. At that time, the West Side Community Center was incorporated and the Advisory Board of Directors was established. In 1999, the Board of Directors renamed the community center to honor the dedication of Marion Gerrish. The Board has leased the building from the Town of Derry and independently operated the Center ever since as a non-profit organization.

The Marion Gerrish Community Center has been called the "heart" of our community. Nearly 150 groups and organizations meet at the Center throughout the year. The Derry Rotary, BNI, Meals on Wheels, Derry Village Rotary, WIC, Derry Community Fund, Boys & Girl Scouts, condo associations, youth groups, sports organizations, singing groups, community support groups, school groups and church organizations are just a few who regularly meet at the Center. The Marion Gerrish Community Center is full to capacity six days a week with Saturday evenings and Sundays as needed. There are no rental fees charged for non-profit organizations, but donations are accepted. Private events such as birthday parties, showers and business presentations can be reserved for a nominal room-use fee.

The Marion Gerrish Community Center Board of Directors extends heartfelt thanks to our dedicated staff, volunteers and supporters who have contributed so much and have made the past forty years so successful. The old schoolhouse became a true community center because the community of Derry believed in it.