M L King Recreation Center

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Parks

District-Of-Columbia

Nearby: Lansburgh Park Southwest Waterfront Park

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

The M L King Recreation Center, located in the state of District of Columbia, is a popular destination for people of all ages.

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Summary

One of the main reasons to visit the center is the wide array of activities and facilities available. These include an indoor basketball court, a fitness center, a pool, and outdoor sports fields.

Some specific points of interest to see at the center include the mural honoring Martin Luther King Jr., as well as the various artwork and sculptures scattered throughout the facility. The center also hosts a variety of events, including fitness classes, summer camps, and community gatherings.

Interesting facts about the area include the fact that the center was originally built in the 1970s and has since undergone multiple renovations and expansions. The center is also home to several community organizations, including the Boys and Girls Club of America and the DC Department of Parks and Recreation.

The best time of year to visit the M L King Recreation Center depends on personal preference and the activities you're interested in. The center is open year-round, but summer is a particularly popular time to take advantage of the outdoor facilities and programs offered. However, the indoor facilities make it a great destination year-round, especially during inclement weather.

Overall, the M L King Recreation Center is a great destination for anyone looking for a fun and active day out. With its wide range of facilities and activities, there's something for everyone to enjoy.

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.

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