San Mateo residents have two more chances to weigh in on the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center renovation before the city advances a preferred design for the aging facility's pool, locker rooms and emergency-resiliency upgrades.
The city announced Aug. 14 that Workshop 3, titled "Preferred Concept & Visioning Sessions," will be held Thursday, Aug. 27, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in the MLK Center's Assembly Room. A Zoom option follows Tuesday, Sept. 1, from 6 to 7:30 p.m.
Both sessions will be offered in English, Spanish, Mandarin and Cantonese.
This is the final round of three community workshops the city has hosted with ELS Architecture and Urban Design, the firm designing the project. Workshop 1 was held July 14, and Workshop 2 took place Aug. 3 with a Zoom session Aug. 10, as we reported August 3. Workshop 3 is the most consequential for residents who want to influence the outcome: the city will present its preferred design option and take feedback before moving forward.
What the renovation delivers
According to the city's Public Works Department project page, the modernization aims to better serve the community, establish a resiliency center that can support residents during emergencies and address the needs of an aging facility, with an emphasis on pool facilities. Specific upgrades include a renovated swimming pool, new locker rooms and features that strengthen the center's role as an emergency hub.
No cost has been released. Neither has a funding source or construction timeline.
Survey now open
Residents who cannot attend either workshop can still participate through a multilingual survey available in English, Spanish and Chinese at the city's project page. The City of San Mateo posted the survey link on its official X account alongside the workshop announcement.
The MLK Jr. Community Center is located at 725 Monte Diablo Ave. in San Mateo.
Upcoming community dates
- Thursday, Aug. 27, 7–8:30 p.m. — Workshop 3 (in person), MLK Jr. Community Center Assembly Room
- Tuesday, Sept. 1, 6–7:30 p.m. — Workshop 3 (Zoom option)
