MLK Jr. Rec Center Progress

PANAMA CITY, FL– Panama City’s beloved MLK Jr. Recreation Center is currently being rebuilt following its destruction from Hurricane Michael in 2018. A groundbreaking ceremony was held in February 2024 to celebrate the beginning of the construction project. On April 30, 2024, the building permit was issued for the center. Since then, many on-site projects have been completed and are currently underway.

As of August 30, 2024, the following on-site projects have been completed:

• Sanitary sewer structures and pipes substantially complete
• FP&L removal of overhead powerlines and poles
• Stormwater structures and pipe installed near the buildings, basketball court and playground

Crews have started constructing concrete footings and foundations for the gymnasium and multi-purpose building. Stormwater structures and pipe are being installed in the parking lot areas, and excavation of the retention pond and storm structures has begun. 

Over the next 30 days, more work will be done. Some of that includes, but is not limited to:

• Arrival and installation of the gymnasium’s pre-engineered metal building
• Stormwater drainage structures and pipe installation
• Underground electrical and plumbing conduit for multi-purpose building
• Complete the concrete footings and foundation walls for the gymnasium and multi-purpose buildings
• Pond excavation

Project construction will take about 18 months to complete. The grand opening of the MLK Jr. Recreation Center is projected for mid-to-late 2025. 

Full report with pictures: 8/30/24 MLK Rec Center Update