MLK Community Center
About MLK Park Community Center
Opened in early 2026, the MLK Park Community Center is a vibrant community-focused space for affordable, year-round programming for all ages. Designed with input from the park neighborhood, this modern indoor recreation facility features a full-size gymnasium, a dedicated fitness studio for classes and flexible classroom spaces connected to the seasonal pool deck — making it ideal for youth programs and community and private events. The community center also includes a large event room available for private rentals that can seat 200 people in banquet style seating.
Teen After-School Program
The After-School Program is a safe, welcoming, and inclusive space where teens ages 13 to 17 can unwind, get homework help, and engage in fun, positive activities after school. This program focuses on connection, recreation, and belonging. Advanced registration is required and all participants will need to check-in on arrival.
This program is free for City residents. Non-residents can attend for a $5 drop-in fee.
Activities for All Ages
We offer year-round recreation and program activities for all ages, seven days a week. Our drop-in programming below is free to City residents and has a $5 drop-in cost for non-residents. While these programs do not require signing-up in advance, they do require a check-in on arrival to participant.
Check-in is possible through our recreation software. Don't yet have an account? Visit our recreation registration guide to make a free account and start enjoying affordable programs across City parks, pools, and facilities. Some programs are free for City residents.
Pickleball
The gym offers dedicated pickleball hours occur Mondays through Fridays. Players of all abilities are welcome. A beginner pickleball time is available on Fridays.
Non-Resident Cost: $5 drop-in fee
Open Gym Hours
Dedicated open gym hours are available daily. Some age restrictions apply depending on the day. Browse the Center's operating hours to see when open gym is available.
Community Center Hours
MLK Park Community Center is open seven days a week with various programs and open gym hours. The schedule below highlights programs that are free to City residents and do not require pre-registration. A drop-in fee will be charged for non-residents.
Additional program is available through adult fitness and youth recreation classes that are held in two-month sessions. These do require pre-registration. For current classes at the center, please view our recreation catalog.
Mondays 9 a.m. - 9 p.m.
- 10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Fitness Gold Programming
- 12 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. Open Pickleball Hours
- 3 p.m. - 6 p.m. Teen Programming
- 6 p.m. - 9 p.m. Open Gym Hours
Tuesdays 9 a.m. - 9 p.m.
- 10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Fitness Gold Programming
- 12 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. Open Pickleball Hours
- 3 p.m. - 6 p.m. Teen Programming
- 6 p.m. - 9 p.m. Open Gym Hours
Wednesdays 9 a.m. - 9 p.m.
- 10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Fitness Gold Programming
- 12 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. Open Pickleball Hours
- 3 p.m. - 6 p.m. Teen Programming
- 6 p.m. - 9 p.m. Open Gym Hours
Thursdays 9 a.m. - 9 p.m.
- 10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Fitness Gold Programming
- 12 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. Open Pickleball Hours
- 3 p.m. - 6 p.m. Teen Programming
- 6 p.m. - 9 p.m. Open Gym Hours
Fridays 9 a.m. - 9 p.m.
- 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Open Pickleball Hours
- 12:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. Open Beginner Pickleball Hours
- 3 p.m. - 6 p.m. Teen Programming
- 6 p.m. - 9 p.m. Open Gym Hours
Saturdays 12 p.m. - 4 p.m.
- 12 p.m. - 4 p.m. Open Gym Hours
Sundays 12 p.m. - 4 p.m.
- 2 p.m. - 4 p.m. Open Gym Hours
Event Room Rental Information
The MLK Park Community Center includes a dedicated event room perfect for large-scale meetings, receptions, graduation celebrations, quinceañeras, and more. The space fits 200 people comfortably in banquet style seating and includes audiovisual equipment.
Reservations must be made at least 3 weeks ahead of a planned event. Rental availability, fees, and policies apply.
- If booking in-person or over the phone, security deposit and rental fee are due at the time of booking. For reservations made online, the security deposit and rental fee are due within 48 hours of the reservation being approved. Any security deposit and/or rental fee not paid within the stated timeframe will result in a cancelled reservation.
- Security deposits and rental fees are only issued for cancellations made at least 30 days before the scheduled event. Refunds will incur a $10 processing fee.
- No refunds will be issued less than 30 days prior to the rental date.
- The security deposit will be refunded dependent upon satisfactory post-event inspection including but not limited to no damages, proper cleanup, no policy violations, etc.
- The individual (account holder) signing the rental agreement (Responsible Party) must be 21 years of age or older and present throughout the entire event.
Event Room Rental Rates
Event Room Rental for City Residents $450.00
- Base fee for 3-hour rental
- A City resident is an individual who resides within Grand Rapids city limits.
Event Room Rental for Non-Residents $900.00
- Base fee for 3-hour rental
- A non-resident is an individual who resides outside of Grand Rapids city limits.
Refundable Security Deposit $200.00
Technology Fee $75.00
- Includes access to two projectors
Additional Hour of Rental Time $75.00
Optional Set-Up Charge $100.00
- Includes set-up of tables and chairs
Contact MLK Community Center
MLK Park Community Center is owned and operated by the Department of Parks and Recreation. The Center can be contacted directly by phone or email during regular, non-holiday operating hours.
Community Center Hours
Mondays - Fridays: 9 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Saturdays & Sundays: 12 p.m. - 4 p.m.
