How $3M MLK Center renovations will help hundreds of Pasco kids, teens
The first phase of nearly $14 million in updates to a vital Pasco community center is complete.
East Pasco’s 1970s-era recreation center has a fresh coat of paint, new lighting, modern design additions and other major renovations.
Pasco recently completed the first phase of a three-part project to modernize the Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center, where children, teens and adults meet, play and learn.
The 22,200-square-foot MLK center is home to the Benton Franklin Head Start learning center and the YMCA of Greater Tri-Cities’ teen room, computer area, weight room and gym where people of all ages play indoor soccer and basketball.
The city is inviting the public to tour the renovated part of the facility on Saturday, Feb. 21 at 1 p.m. at 205 S. Wehe Ave., Pasco.
First phase of improvements
Design and construction for phase 1 began in October 2024. Construction cost $3 million.
City staff said that the first phase focused on bringing the northwest building up to current code and improving accessibility.
The Head Start learning center was based in the northwest building before moving to the Kurtzman center in November 2024 during construction. The center is a small community building located next to the MLK Center and historic Kurtzman Park.
Phase 1 adds new classrooms, a community room, a secure outdoor play area and a shaded patio designed to support learning, connection and play. Updates also include ADA-compliant restrooms, upgraded electrical and plumbing systems, a new HVAC system and fire suppression improvements.
Recreation Services Manager Brent Kubalek told the Tri-City Herald that the updates make the building brighter and improve flow.
Meanwhile, the YMCA gym, weight room and teen area are still open to the public. Kubalek said indoor soccer is popular at the YMCA, with regular use by youth and adult athletes from September-March.
Next steps for renovation
The total estimated budget for all three phases of the renovation and expansion project is $13.7 million.
Phase 2 will include a majority of the work needed to make the building ADA accessible, including installation of new bathrooms.
But its completion is contingent on what money is available. Kubalek said the city is currently lacking about $2 million to complete phase 2.
The center courtyard will become an enclosed indoor community area in phase 2. New steps and a ramp will be installed.
On the south side of the building, there will be a new Mid-Columbia Libraries location constructed to replace the current teen and computer areas. The library will also include open community space.
The teen and computer areas will close temporarily during construction.
The main hallway in the building that passes the gym will be extended. A ramp will be added to provide ADA access to the gym after phase 2 ends.
Plus the city will commemorate the building’s history and significance to the Black community in east Pasco as the phases move forward.
In phase 3, the gym will be expanded to add a new regulation-sized basketball court.
More information about the MLK center can be found on the city’s website.
