MLK Community Center: Hours, Memberships & Activities
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center, commonly called MLK Community Center or the King Center, is a Milwaukee County Parks recreation facility at 1531 W. Vliet Street, Milwaukee, WI 53205.
Located in King Park, the center offers basketball, an indoor gymnasium, a weight room, boxing facilities, youth development programs, cultural activities, community events and rentable event spaces.
This guide covers the center’s hours, 2026 membership costs, drop-in gym access, partner programs, rental capacities and booking steps.
Reviewed October 19, 2026. This guide refers to the Milwaukee, Wisconsin facility, not similarly named community centers in Rhode Island, Texas or other states.
MLK Community Center Hours
| Day | Member and public operating hours |
|---|---|
| Monday | 9 a.m.–8 p.m. |
| Tuesday | 9 a.m.–8 p.m. |
| Wednesday | 9 a.m.–8 p.m. |
| Thursday | 9 a.m.–8 p.m. |
| Friday | 9 a.m.–8 p.m. |
| Saturday | 9 a.m.–2 p.m. |
| Sunday | Closed; private rentals only by arrangement |
These are Milwaukee County’s published member hours. Individual program partners, gym activities and event rentals may follow different schedules.
Remaining 2026 Holiday Changes
| Date | Published status |
|---|---|
| Monday, November 23 | 9 a.m.–5 p.m.; Make-A-Family Smile event |
| Thursday, November 26 | Closed for Thanksgiving |
| Friday, November 27 | 9 a.m.–5 p.m. |
| Thursday, December 24 | 9 a.m.–5 p.m. |
| Friday, December 25 | Closed for Christmas |
| Thursday, December 31 | 9 a.m.–5 p.m. |
Facilities at MLK Community Center
Some spaces are reserved for classes, partners or events. Membership does not guarantee uninterrupted access to every room.
2026 Membership Prices and Day Passes
Milwaukee County publishes the following membership rates, with sales tax included.
| Pass type | Published price |
|---|---|
| Adult membership — 12 months, Milwaukee County resident, 18+ | $56 |
| Adult membership — 6 months | $36 |
| Adult membership — 3 months | $26 |
| Junior annual membership — Milwaukee County resident, ages 5–17 | $36 |
| Family annual membership — family of four | $118 |
| Additional junior family member, ages 5–17 | $16 |
| Milwaukee County resident day pass | $5 |
| Replacement membership card | $5 |
The adult and family membership options provide access to eligible recreation facilities, including the fitness area, weight room and boxing ring, subject to posted conditions.
Which Pass Should You Choose?
| How often you visit | Suggested option to compare |
|---|---|
| One or two visits | Day pass |
| Several visits over three months | Three-month adult pass |
| Regular year-round visits | Annual adult membership |
| Several household members | Family annual membership |
| Child or teenager | Junior annual membership |
For a resident adult, the $56 annual membership becomes cheaper than twelve separate $5 day passes. Actual value depends on your expected attendance and whether your preferred programs require separate enrollment.
How to Get an MLK Center Membership
- Review the current membership categories on the official Milwaukee County Parks page.
- Choose adult, junior or family membership, or a day pass.
- Call 414-344-5600 if you need to confirm age eligibility or nonresident terms.
- Ask what identification and Milwaukee County residency evidence staff require.
- Visit the center during its regular member hours.
- Complete the membership registration or purchase procedure provided by staff.
- Keep your membership card and follow the center’s check-in rules.
If your membership card is lost, the published replacement charge is $5.
Basketball and Open Gym Hours
From September through May, Milwaukee County lists open gym at the King Center for basketball or walking laps.
| Activity | Published regular schedule |
|---|---|
| Open gym | Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–7 p.m. |
| Basketball | During eligible open-gym hours, subject to court availability. |
| Indoor walking | During eligible open-gym hours, subject to activities. |
Open gym can be interrupted by programs, school groups, rentals or tournaments. During the summer months, the September–May schedule should not be assumed to apply unchanged.
Before Going to Play Basketball
- Call ahead for today’s court availability.
- Ask if a membership or day pass is required for your age group.
- Check whether organized basketball has priority over general open play.
- Bring suitable athletic footwear and clothing.
- Ask whether basketballs are provided or if you should bring your own.
- Follow staff instructions and any posted court-capacity rules.
Weight Room and Fitness Access
Milwaukee County lists the weight room as open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.–7 p.m., with no reservation required.
The weight room’s published start time is earlier than the general member opening time. Contact the center before relying on 8–9 a.m. entry, particularly if you do not already hold an active membership.
The official page does not publish a universal personal-training schedule or an unrestricted independent-use policy for minors. Verify individual eligibility with staff.
Youth and Community Programs
The King Center works with organizations providing mentoring, tutoring, physical activity, youth development and family support.
| Program or partner | What it offers |
|---|---|
| Al Moreland Boxing Club | Boxing training for boys and girls ages 8 and older. |
| Saleem’s Karate-Do | Martial arts activities for children and young people ages 3 and older. |
| Butterflyz | Mentoring, tutoring, counseling, cultural enrichment and life skills. |
| Fathers Making Progress | Programs promoting family relationships, support and growth for fathers. |
| King Advisory, Inc. | Youth assistance and school-readiness support, including a back-to-school festival. |
| Summit Education Association | Tutoring, recreation, mentoring and youth development. |
| Taylor-Made Foundation MKE | Summer camps and youth basketball activities. |
Boxing Program Contact
The County identifies Tommy Moreland as the contact for Al Moreland Boxing Club.
Telephone: 414-699-1121
Boxing, karate, mentoring and summer camps are partner programs, not necessarily included in a basic center membership. Ask the appropriate organizer about schedules, enrollment, pricing and participation requirements.
Family Support and County Services
The MLK Center also hosts Milwaukee County Child Support Services through an on-site partnership.
The County’s MLK facility information lists:
| Service | Published availability |
|---|---|
| Case management and process services | Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. |
| Payment kiosk | Listed on the MLK Center’s program page; confirm operational status before visiting. |
This is separate from the community center’s recreation membership program. Child support appointments, documents and eligibility requirements follow Milwaukee County’s department policies.
For the latest services and satellite office information, visit the Milwaukee County Child Support satellite locations page.
MLK Community Center Rentals
The center accepts inquiries for weddings, birthday parties, meetings, presentations, performances and sporting events.
Room Capacities
| Space | Capacity | Suitable uses |
|---|---|---|
| Auditorium | 200 | Presentations, talent shows, performances, ceremonies and meetings. |
| Gymnasium | 600 without tables, or 350 with tables and chairs | Sports events, larger gatherings and approved functions. |
| Multipurpose room | 75 | Birthday parties, baby showers, meetings and smaller community events. |
| Other activity spaces | Varies | Community rooms, children’s activities, fitness and group meetings. |
A kitchenette is available as an add-on to a qualifying multipurpose-room rental. The auditorium has fixed seating, and sound-system/technician services may involve additional fees.
Published Reservation Restrictions
The County states that rental reservations are not accepted for:
- January 1
- July 4
- December 24
- December 25
- December 31
Sunday is closed to regular members but may be available for approved private rentals. This does not mean that all Sunday times are available.
How to Book a Rental
- Choose the event date: Have a preferred date and at least one alternative.
- Estimate guests: Count attendees, organizers, performers and vendors.
- Choose the room: Compare the auditorium, gymnasium and multipurpose spaces.
- Call the rental team: Telephone 414-344-5600.
- Request a current quote: Ask about hourly rates, deposits, minimum time, staff charges and required equipment.
- Confirm amenities: Verify tables, chairs, kitchen use, microphones, sound equipment and setup needs.
- Ask about rules: Check insurance, food service, decorations, alcohol restrictions and cancellation policies.
- Complete the official paperwork: Use the agreement and payment process provided by the County.
- Obtain written confirmation: Do not assume a date is reserved until staff approve it.
Which Event Space Should You Choose?
| Event | Space to consider |
|---|---|
| Presentation or talent show | Auditorium with fixed seating. |
| Basketball competition | Gymnasium, subject to sporting event approval. |
| Large family gathering | Gymnasium with tables and chairs, if approved. |
| Birthday or baby shower | Multipurpose room. |
| Neighborhood meeting | Multipurpose room or another meeting space. |
| Children’s activity gathering | Ask about the Fun-A-Rama or available recreation rooms. |
These are planning suggestions only. Final occupancy, furniture arrangements, rental permissions and prices must be confirmed by Milwaukee County Parks.
Annual Community Events
The center hosts or supports seasonal celebrations and neighborhood gatherings.
Upcoming 2026 Dates
As of October 19, the County’s published 2026 holiday information identifies November 23 for the Make-A-Family Smile event. Dates for individual December holiday celebrations should be confirmed through the Milwaukee County Parks event calendar.
Map, Parking and Directions
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center
1531 W. Vliet Street
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53205
The facility is in King Park, west of downtown Milwaukee. Milwaukee County’s rental materials identify an on-site parking lot and accessible facilities.
Other Centers Called MLK Community Center
Several unrelated organizations use the MLK Community Center name. The information in this guide specifically belongs to Milwaukee County Parks.
| Location | Different facility |
|---|---|
| Milwaukee, Wisconsin | 1531 W. Vliet Street; county gym, memberships, youth programs and rentals. |
| Newport, Rhode Island | 20 Dr. Marcus Wheatland Boulevard; nonprofit community support, food assistance, education and wellness programs. |
| Midland, Texas | 2300 Butternut Lane; City recreation facility with its own gym, auditorium and rental fees. |
| Dallas, Texas | A separate Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center with community service organizations and meeting-room policies. |
Do not use Milwaukee’s membership prices, facility hours or event capacities for another city’s center.
First-Time Visitor Checklist
- Confirm that your destination is the Milwaukee MLK Community Center.
- Check whether your activity requires a day pass or membership.
- Verify residency requirements for the advertised prices.
- Ask about today’s open gym or weight room schedule.
- For youth programs, contact the correct partner organization.
- For room rentals, confirm guest capacity and current pricing.
- Do not treat Sunday as a regular public recreation day.
- Check 2026 holiday closures and event-specific hours.
- Save the center phone number: 414-344-5600.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is MLK Community Center located in Milwaukee?
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center is at 1531 W. Vliet Street, Milwaukee, WI 53205, in King Park.
What are MLK Community Center hours?
Regular member hours are Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–8 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m.–2 p.m.; and Sunday closed to regular visitors, with private rentals possible by arrangement.
What is the MLK Community Center phone number?
The Milwaukee center’s telephone number is 414-344-5600. Call for memberships, basketball, youth programs and rentals.
How much is a day pass at MLK Community Center?
Milwaukee County publishes a $5 day pass for Milwaukee County residents. Ask the center directly about nonresident charges and eligibility.
How much is an annual adult membership?
The published annual adult membership for Milwaukee County residents age 18 and older is $56, including sales tax.
Does MLK Community Center have basketball?
Yes. The center has an indoor gymnasium. The published September–May open-gym schedule is Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–7 p.m., subject to other activities and rentals.
Does the center have a weight room?
Yes. The County lists weight-room hours as Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–7 p.m., with no reservation required. Confirm access requirements before visiting.
Are boxing classes available for children?
Al Moreland Boxing Club offers a program for boys and girls ages 8 and older. Contact the organizer at 414-699-1121 for the current schedule and enrollment requirements.
Can I rent MLK Community Center for an event?
Yes. The Milwaukee facility offers an auditorium, gymnasium, multipurpose rooms and other rental spaces. Call 414-344-5600 for current rates and availability.
What are the rental room capacities?
The auditorium seats up to 200, the gym holds up to 600 or 350 with tables and chairs, and a multipurpose room holds up to 75 people, according to Milwaukee County Parks.
Official Sources and Helpful Links
Milwaukee County Parks — MLK Community Center Milwaukee County Community Recreation Centers Milwaukee County Child Support Satellite Services Milwaukee County Rental Guide — Room Amenities and Restrictions Milwaukee County Parks Map and Park Directory Milwaukee County Transit SystemReviewed October 19, 2026. This independent visitor guide is not operated by Milwaukee County Parks. Verify admission eligibility, program openings, event dates and rental charges with the center before making final arrangements.