MLK Center rebirth and dedication
Oct. 13—The long-awaited ribbon cutting for the remodeled Martin L. King Community Center became official on Tuesday, Oct. 10, with opening remarks by City Manager Aron Kulhavy and a prayer by Ward 3 City Councilwoman Delores Massey.
Members of the Planning Committee, guests, city employees, and community members celebrated the newly remodeled building with comments and historical notes.
Vanetta Mills, City Project Planning Committee member, acknowledged the late Mayor Pro Tem Percy Howard, Jr. for his love of this community and always taking a special interest in this facility.
Chris Tyson told the audience "it's a beautiful day in the city." Tyson was also a member of the Planning Committee and a Community Advocate.
"The Martin Luther King Center is a generational landmark," said Tyson. "This was the one place my parents let me come to events but I had to be home by 10 p.m. We are looking forward to the upgrades to the remainder of this complex, specifically new bathrooms outside and the other building."
Tyson also thanked Director of Parks and Leisure Penny Joiner for spearheading this project.
The architectural company for the remodel was Burditt Consultants. Architect Charles Burditt was present for the ribbon cutting and provided an historical timeline for the planning, community input, approval by the city and the final plans. The plans included keeping the original foundation of the building, which was incorporated into the new construction.
George Perry lives in close proximity to the center and has spent years training children in sports and other activities at this complex. He was a member of the Parks and Leisure Board, Planning Committee and is now a city employee.
"I want to thank the Parks department for all their work. When I was the president of my senior class we had parties here. This place has been so good to this community and I see the kids with sports teams and families having picnics brings me joy. It took a team effort to make this happen and thanks to Penny Joiner for allowing me to speak," said Perry.
Also present was the former Director of Parks & Leisure, Joseph Wiggs.
"When I first arrived in Huntsville in 1998, the first person I met on MLK Boulevard was Percy Howard Jr. He was trying to unload a picture for the upcoming MLK program. I told him let me help you. He told me that I needed to go work for the City of Huntsville and I did," Wiggs said. "And Mr. Howard gave me my first home. Many thanks to Joe Shepherd and George Perry. This building is a community building for now and generations to come."
The chairperson for the Parks and Leisure Board Nate Grigsby thanked everyone for their contributions to the project. He extended special thanks to Tony Milton, the onsite project superintendent. Chairman Grigsby reminded everyone that this community center is not just for one group of people but for everyone in the community.
Mayor Andy Brauninger closed out the program with remarks, reflecting on his time as Mayor and the community that had supported him in the MLK Center and more.
The community center is located at 310 Martin L. King Blvd. For information on rental, contact Kristy Wheeler at 936-294-5721 or kwheeler@huntsvilletx.gov.
