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MLK Jr. Recreation Center
The MLK Jr. Recreation Center is a 30,000-square-foot facility designed to serve people of all ages. It offers more than just sports and fitness—it’s a place for learning, creativity and community connection. Whether it’s cooking classes, STEM exploration, or audio/video production, the center will provide opportunities for personal growth in a welcoming environment.
This transformative project, which has been in development since 2021, represents a significant investment in the community's future. The total cost of the project is $21 million, funded through a partnership between FEMA ($15 million) and the City of Panama City ($6 million). Designed by CCR Architecture & Interiors and built by Burke Construction Group, the center stands as a symbol of resilience and renewal for a community still recovering from Hurricane Michael.
Location:
705 E 14th Ct., Panama City, FL 32401
Regular Hours of Operation:
- Weekdays: 8 AM – 8 PM
- Saturday: 8 AM – 5 PM
- Sunday: 12 PM– 5 PM
Holiday Hours for Presidents' Day - February 16, 2026: 10 AM - 4 PM
Phone Number:
850-832-5821
Create your MLK Account today, here!
On Monday, February 10, 2026, the Panama City Commission voted to approve the revised membership breakdown and fee schedule for the MLK Jr. Recreation Center, with fees taking effect March 1, 2026.
The new MLK Jr. Recreation Center features a Fitness Center, gymnasium, STEM Lab, Teaching Kitchen, Arts & Crafts Studio, multipurpose rooms, and outdoor recreation areas.
Previously, on December 16, 2025, the Commission approved free access to all areas of the facility through the end of February 2026 and directed staff to gather additional community input before finalizing fees. A community town hall was held on January 7, 2026, with approximately 75 residents in attendance. Additional feedback was gathered through NAACP-organized meetings, and community representatives met with City leadership to present recommendations.
Many of the suggestions received during this engagement process have been incorporated into the revised fee schedule.
Membership Breakdown
Free Memberships
- Residential youth through high school (any age student enrolled in high school)
- Seniors age 70 and older
- Scholarships available for all ages and membership types
Discounted Memberships
- Military (active duty, veterans, retirees, reserves with Military ID): $75 per year
- Disabled persons: $75 per year
- Young adults (ages 18–21): $50 per year
Sliding Scale Option
A sliding scale will be used to subsidize membership fees—up to the full cost—based on federal poverty level guidelines. The scholarship fund will help cover costs for individuals and families in need.
What Membership Includes:
- Access to the Fitness Center
- Open gym programs
- Reading and study rooms
- General facility access
Additional Clarifications:
- All outdoor facilities are free and open to the public.
- Youth through high school age are free.
- Visitors will not be charged to watch their child(ren) participate in recreation basketball games, practices, or open gym programs.
- Scholarships are available for any membership type or program offered at the MLK Center.
Resident Membership Rates:
| Membership Category | Annual / Period Cost | Days Used | Cost Per Day | Cost Per Month |
Resident (Ages 21–59) | $100 per year | 365 | $0.27 | $8.33 |
Resident (Quarterly Option) | $25 per 90 days | 90 | $0.28 | $8.33 |
Additional Household Member | $40 per year | 365 | $0.10 | $3.33 |
Young Adult (18–21) – Panama City Resident | $50 per year | 365 | $0.13 | $4.16 |
Youth (17 & Under or High School Student, Bay County Resident) | Free | — | $0.00 | — |
Resident Daily Drop-In | $5 per day | 1 | $5.00 | — |
Non-Resident Membership Rates:
Membership Category | Annual / Period Cost | Days Used | Cost Per Day | Cost Per Month |
Non-Resident Adult (Ages 21-59) | $200 per year | 365 | $0.55 | $16.67 |
Non-Resident Additional Household Member | $80 per year | 365 | $0.21 | $6.66 |
Young Adult (18–21) – Non-Resident | $100 per year | 365 | $0.27 | $8.33 |
Youth (17 & Under or High School Student) | $30 | 365 | $0.08 | $2.50 |
Non-Resident Daily Drop-In | $10 per day | 1 | $10.00 | — |
* Please note that anyone under the age of 21 must be accompanied by a legal guardian to register for a membership. *
Discounted Membership Rates:
Membership Category | Annual Cost | Days Used | Cost Per Day | Cost Per Month |
Military (Active, Veteran, Retiree, Reserve w/ Military ID) | $75 per year | 365 | $0.21 | $6.25 |
Disabled Persons | $75 per year | 365 | $0.21 | $6.25 |
Ages 60+ | $75 per year | 365 | $0.21 | $6.25 |
Golden Senior (Age 70+) | Free | — | $0.00 | — |
MLK Jr. Recreation Center Access Chart
Area / Activity | Free Access (No Membership) | Membership or Fee Required |
Building Entry & Lobby | Yes | No |
Common Areas & Hallways | Yes | No |
Outdoor Recreation Areas (general use) | Yes | No |
Fitness Center | No | Membership Required |
Open Gym Programs | No | Membership Required |
Reading & Study Rooms | No | Membership Required |
STEM Lab | Through scheduled programs | Program Fee (if applicable) |
Teaching Kitchen | Through scheduled programs | Program Fee (if applicable) |
Arts & Crafts Studio | Through scheduled programs | Program Fee (if applicable) |
Leagues, Tournaments & Camps | No | Registration Fee |
Multipurpose Rooms (rentals) | No | Rental Fee & Deposit |
Gymnasium Rentals | No | Rental Fee |
Outdoor Basketball Court (general use) | Yes | No |
The following programs are free throughout the month of February, but we encourage you to secure your spot online.
Rockstar
Join our Rockstar Activity, a fun and creative event where participants can paint unique designs on rocks. After decorating, participants can either take their rocks home or place them around the Rec Center for others to enjoy, sharing beautiful, community-created artwork in a fun and interactive way.
- Dates: February 4, 6
- Time: 3-5 PM
- Room: Arts & Crafts Room
Paint & Create
- Dates: February 9, 11, 24, 26, 27
- Time: 3-5 PM
- Room: Arts & Crafts Room
Share The Love
Celebrate Valentine’s Day with a fun, hands-on activity! Kids can create Valentine’s cards and design personalized flower bouquets using provided materials—or bring their own to add a special touch. This event encourages creativity, self-expression, and sharing something special with others.
- Date: February 13
- Time: 3-5 PM
- Room: Multi-purpose Room
Puppet Creation
- Dates: February 17 & 19
- Time: 3-5 PM
- Room: Arts & Crafts Room
Build & Balance
This hands-on program invites students to work in groups to design and build a bridge using popsicle sticks, toothpicks, and other provided materials. Participants will learn basic engineering concepts, teamwork, and problem-solving skills while creating and testing their structures in a fun and collaborative environment
- Dates: February 3 & 5
- Time: 3-5 PM
- Room: STEM Lab
Microscopic World
Students will explore cell division by observing slides under a microscope, learning to identify stages like prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase in a fun, hands-on environment.
- Dates: February 10 & 12
- Time: 3-5 PM
- Room: STEM Lab
Presidential Celebration - Red, White & U
Kids will learn about the role of the president and explore U.S. history by discovering fun facts about all the presidents. The program also includes crafts and hands-on activities related to Presidents' Day, making learning engaging and interactive.
- Date: February 16
- Time: 11 AM - 2 PM
- Room: Arts & Crafts Room
Resume Development
- Dates: February 18, 20
- Time: 3-5 PM
- Room: Multi-purpose Room
Vision Boards
Dream big and let your imagination run wild in this fun, hands-on workshop. Participants will create their own vision boards using pictures, words, colors, and ideas that represent their dreams, goals, and what makes them happy. Whether it’s places you want to go, things you want to learn, or goals you want to achieve, this class is all about creativity, positivity, and having fun. Come get inspired and create something meaningful with us!
- Date: February 23
- Time: 5-7 PM
- Room: Multi-Purpose Room
Karaoke Night
This family-friendly event is your chance to grab the mic and shine! Sing your favorite songs, cheer on friends and neighbors, and enjoy a high-energy afternoon filled with music, laughter, and feel-good fun for all ages. From classic hits to today’s favorites, there’s something for everyone—and no experience is needed. Come sing, laugh, and have a blast with us
- Dates: February 17 & 19
- Time: 3-5 PM
- Room: Multi-purpose Room
Coffee & Conversation
This program is a casual social gathering designed to bring the community together. Whether you’re new to the area or a familiar face, this group offers a friendly environment to chat, share ideas, and build connections.
- Every Tuesday and Thursday at 8:00-9:30 AM
- Room: Multi-purpose Room
Miles & Smiles
Walk, talk, and connect! Our Morning Walking Group brings neighbors together for light exercise and positive conversation. Whether you’re looking to stay active, meet new people, or establish a healthy routine, this group is the perfect way to start your morning.
- Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 8:00-9:30 AM
- Room: Gym
OPEN GYM (through the end of February)
- Monday through Friday at 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM
- Saturdays and Sundays at 12:00-5:00 PM
Basketball
- Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 5:30-7:30 PM
- Every Tuesday and Thursday at 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM
- Room: Gym
Volleyball
- Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM
- Every Tuesday and Thursday at 5:30-7:30 PM
- Room: Gym
Rooms and fields may be rented at these starting prices:
- Multipurpose room(whole): $100 per hour with a refundable deposit
- Multipurpose room (Side A): $75per hour with a refundable deposit
- Multipurpose room (Side B): $25per hour with a refundable deposit(Does not have kitchen access)
- Multipurpose field: $25 per hour, or $50 with lights, plus a refundable deposit
- Outdoor basketball court: $25 per hour, or $50 with lights, plus a refundable deposit
Gymnasium Rental Rates
Private Rentals (For-Profit Groups)
- Full gym: $150 per hour (reduced from $250)
- Single full court: $100 per hour
Tournament Rates
- Non-profit groups: $100 per hour
- Individuals: $150 per hour
- For-profit groups: $200 per hour
The revised rates reduce the cost of a full gym rental to less than twice the cost of a single court, reflecting community feedback.
Recreation Center staff have developed a formal process for individuals and groups to propose activities or courses and to volunteer in programs. Selected individuals and groups will be subject to background checks as part of this process.
For more information, please contact the MLK Jr. Rec. Center by phone at (850) 832-5821 or stop by the Center to inquire in person, 705 E 14th Ct.
Fees and rental revenues will help offset recurring operational and maintenance costs to maintain the facility at a high standard.
Typical recurring expenses include:
- Basketball court striping and re-staining: approximately $15,000 per occurrence
- Fitness equipment repair and replacement: $2,500–$5,000 annually (after warranty periods)
- Playground, surfacing, and outdoor amenity repairs: $1,500–$4,000 annually
- Recreation equipment replacement (basketballs, footballs, volleyballs, etc.): $1,500 annually
- Furniture, fixtures, and equipment repair/replacement: $2,000–$2,500 annually
The MLK Jr. Recreation Center remains committed to accessibility, community engagement and long-term sustainability.
Location: 705 E 14th Ct., Panama City, FL 32401
Phone: 850-832-5821
1. When do the new membership fees take effect?
The revised membership and fee schedule was approved on February 10, 2026. Fees take effect March 1, 2026.
2. Was the community involved in setting the fees?
Yes. A town hall was held on January 7, 2026, along with additional NAACP-organized meetings and discussions with City leadership. Community feedback helped shape the final fee structure.
3. What amenities are available at the MLK Jr. Recreation Center?
The center includes:
- Fitness Center
- Gymnasium
- STEM Lab
- Teaching Kitchen
- Arts & Crafts Studio
- Multipurpose Rooms
- Outdoor Recreation Areas
4. Who qualifies for free membership?
- Youth enrolled in high school (any age)
- Seniors age 70 and older (“Golden Seniors”)
All outdoor recreation areas are also free and open to the public.
5. What are the standard resident membership rates?
- Adult (18–54): $100 per year
- Quarterly Option: $25 per 90 days
- Young Adult (18–21): $50 per year
- Additional Household Member: $40 per year
- Daily Drop-In: $5 per day
6. What are the non-resident membership rates?
- Non-Resident Adult: $200 per year
- Young Adult (18–21): $100 per year
- Additional Household Member: $80 per year
- Daily Drop-In: $10 per day
7. Are there discounted memberships available?
Yes:
- Military (Active, Veteran, Retiree, Reserve with ID): $75 per year
- Disabled Persons: $75 per year
- Residents Age 60+: $75 per year
- Seniors Age 70+: Free
8. Is financial assistance available?
Yes. A sliding scale based on federal poverty guidelines may reduce membership costs up to the full amount. Scholarships are available for all ages and membership types.
9. What does a membership include?
Membership includes:
- Fitness Center access
- Open gym programs
- Reading and study rooms
- General facility access
10. What areas are free without a membership?
- Building entry and lobby
- Common areas and hallways
- Outdoor recreation areas
- Outdoor basketball court (general use)
11. Do parents or spectators have to pay?
No. Visitors are not charged to watch their child participate in recreation basketball games, practices, or open gym programs.
12. How much does it cost to rent the gymnasium?
- Private Rentals (For-Profit Groups):
- Full Gym: $150 per hour
- Single Court: $100 per hour
- Tournament Rates:
- Non-Profit Groups: $100 per hour
- Individuals: $150 per hour
- For-Profit Groups: $200 per hour
13. Are other spaces available for rent?
Yes. Starting rental rates include:
- Multipurpose Room: $100 per hour (deposit required)
- Multipurpose Field: $25 per hour ($50 with lights; deposit required)
- Outdoor Basketball Court (private rental): $25 per hour
14. Why are fees necessary?
Membership and rental fees help offset maintenance and operational costs, including:
- Court resurfacing (~$15,000 per occurrence)
- Fitness equipment repair and replacement
- Playground and outdoor repairs
- Recreation equipment replacement
- Furniture and facility upkeep
15. What are the regular hours of operation?
- Monday–Friday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Saturday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Sunday: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM