The Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center is a vital part of the West Side of South Bend and supports a wide range of inter-generational programming for a wide community. The City of South Bend seeks to re-envision the building with a new facility and grounds that better serves the modern needs of the community. Learn more about the “Build The Dream” initiative.
The goal of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center is to inspire and motivate people to realize, magnify and achieve their full potential through committed, supervised instruction, educational initiatives and community outreach to support the development of individual’s future endeavors. The Center is open to the public, and invites community members of all ages.
“The King Center is my most favorite place in the world! It has everything I need: a gym for playing, movies, computers and games, food and snacks, and lots of friends.” – Sam J., 7 years old
“This place has been a community staple for as long as I can remember. It is a reliable location for all sorts of needs.” – Raphael S., 69 years old
Community Partners
South Bend Community School Corporation, Chartwell, Beacon Community Impact, St. Joseph County Public Library, Greater St. John Missionary Baptist Church, Pilgrim Baptist Church, Center for Hospice Care, Balanced Living, Choices 4 Life, LEVELS Fit, LEVELS Basketball Training, PGBFoundation, 100 Black Men of Greater South Bend, National Coalition of 100 Black Women-South Bend Chapter, Stones Echo, Alive and Free™
MLK Fitness Center
The MLK Fitness Center is always open to any member of the community, regardless of fitness ability, motivation level or what point you have reached in your personal fitness quest. Membership is FREE to residents.
Park Improvements
HV/AC completed
In the fall of 2017, a new complete heating and cooling system was installed at Martin Luther King Jr Center. This installation gave the gymnasium central air conditioning for the first time. The units have resulted in a 20% increase in energy efficiency. Fencing is installed, shielding the units.
Sidewalks and Service Road design
Sidewalk repairs on the concrete walkways and the addition of an asphalt service road.
Pavilion Improvements proposed
Entrance Plaza Upgrade completed
New pavilions on both sides of the building are proposed. The addition of a moderate entrance plaza upgrade has been completed in a volunteer/partnership effort with Lowe’s Home Improvement last fall.