MLK Jr. Recreation Center Update

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 November 1, 2024, the following on-site projects have been completed:

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

Crews have started erecting steel for the gymnasium building, allowing the project to go vertical. Also, concrete footings and concrete foundations for the multi-purpose building has begun. Excavation of the retention pond and storm structures has started, too.

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

• Erection of the multi-purpose building
• Underground electrical and plumbing installation for the multi-purpose building
• Remainder of the concrete footings and foundation for the multi-purpose building
• 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: 11/1/24 MLK Rec Center Update