Ribbon cutting held for new MLK Center gym and commercial kitchen

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — City officials in Wilmington held a ribbon cutting Thursday at the new Martin Luther King Community Center. 

The additions include a new high school regulation gym and a commercial kitchen. 

The gym will serve as a place for community sports and recreation, while the kitchen can be used by culinary students and local businesses. 

It’s one of the last capital projects funded by the 2016 Parks Bond; a ballot measure that voters approved overwhelmingly. 

Wilmington Councilman Kevin Spears grew up using the MLK Center, and has been a driving force behind the project. 

He says seeing the gym finally complete is a touching moment. 

“You don’t often get to pay your community back, and you know, I’ve bee really adamant about making this project happen, and today we’re standing inside this gym. So, it’s a great day,” he said. 

The new gym is named after William E. Murphy, an alumni of Williston who became a renowned coach for Pop Warner Football.