GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — "I think it's great. It's modern, it has a nice profile, I think it's going to be a great asset to the neighborhood," said Stephanie Stump, who neighbors Martin Luther King Park, after she saw the renderings of the new building for the first time.
"I think that park has a lot of potential that we're not using, and I think this is going to help, so I think it's really good for our community. I'm excited to see it," Stump added.
The existing 5000 square foot MLK Lodge is expected to be demolished in February according to the city of Grand Rapids, saying they anticipate the new MLK Lodge will be completed by the summer of 2025.
"The new facility, based on what residents have been asking for, is about five times the size of this existing facility," said David Marquardt, Director of Grand Rapids Parks and Recreation, who said the existing building would host gatherings and fitness classes.
He says the new facility will continue that tradition while offering the capacity for much more.
"Within that new square footage, we've got a brand new gymnasium. We've got a 200-capacity community room that can be rented out for different events and celebrations. We've got two classrooms that can be used for fitness class instruction," said Marquardt. She also added that there will also be connected outdoor spaces.
The new MLK Lodge will also have a 5000 square foot pool house that will house locker rooms, and pool functions for the lifeguarding staff, as they used to be housed in the basement.
Marquardt says there were some discussion on the idea of restoring the existing building to its former state, but said that the needed renovations would have cost near the same amount as the new facility, which will be a $18.5 million project.
"Through some good conversation, the overwhelming response was, let's start fresh, let's start new, let's make this something that is relevant to us today," said Marquardt.
The project is being funded in-part by the dedicated parks mileage passed by voters in 2019, along with third ward equity funding from the city, federal ARPA funding, and $6 million from the state.
The existing lodge has its own history, particularly when it came to being a place where local boxers would train.
Marquardt says the new facility will honor those traditions by continuing to provide a space for training, classes, and community gathering space.
"I'm just glad that there's a place for people to gather and get come together, whatever they're into, and hopefully more opportunities to learn from each other, and get to know our neighbors," said Stump.
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