Excitement Builds as Panama City Prepares to Open New MLK Recreation Center
After years of planning and construction, Panama City is getting closer to opening its new Martin Luther King Jr. Recreation Center. Located on 15th Street, the facility has been a topic of conversation for residents who have watched the progress unfold over the past year. The building is now nearly complete, with the exterior fully constructed and interior work well underway.
Contractors are currently working on framing the walls inside the facility, and most of the windows have already been installed with glass. Additionally, the parking lot is taking shape, with plans to pour concrete for an outdoor basketball court and playground next week. These developments signal that the center is moving steadily toward its projected completion date.
City commissioners have acknowledged that there have been some challenges along the way. However, they remain confident that the project will be completed by October. Commissioner Janice Lucas shared her perspective on the delays, noting that while there were some setbacks, such as a snowstorm in January, the construction team has managed to stay on schedule or even get ahead at times.
“The delays have been minimal,” Lucas said. “We had that little snowstorm in January and other minor issues, but Burke Construction has done a great job of staying on track and even catching up when necessary. That has helped us keep things moving forward.”
Once the center is fully operational, it will offer a variety of amenities designed to serve the community. Among the features will be a STEM lab, a recording studio, and a teaching kitchen. These spaces aim to provide educational and recreational opportunities for residents of all ages. There is also talk of hosting sporting tournaments from across the country in the gym, though no official events have been confirmed yet.
In addition to these exciting features, city officials are currently seeking a deputy manager for the recreation center. Interested candidates can find more information and apply through the official website. It’s important to note that applications will close at the end of July, so those interested should act quickly.
For those looking to stay informed about the latest updates and news related to the center, following local media outlets is a great option. Social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter) provide regular updates. Additionally, the WJHG News app offers a convenient way to keep up with breaking headlines, while the WJHG Weather app helps users stay informed about local weather conditions.
Residents who have news tips or notice any errors in reporting are encouraged to reach out directly via email at news@wjhg.com. Including the article’s headline in the message ensures that the correct piece is addressed. With so much anticipation surrounding the new facility, the community is eager to see what the future holds for the Martin Luther King Jr. Recreation Center.
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