The King-Kennedy Memorial Center in Modesto will close for a year as it undergoes renovations. When the center reopens, the nonprofit West Modesto Community Collaborative (WMCC), which manages the facility, will face a 60% increase in rent and new monthly utility payments.
Under a new 10-year contract signed this month with the city of Modesto, WMCC’s rent will rise to $2,000 per month and include an additional $600 charge for utilities. The city expects these charges to generate about $31,200 annually for its Recreation Division’s operating budget. Rent is set to increase by $50 each year throughout the contract term.
Previously, WMCC paid $1,250 per month under a 2018 agreement that began at $1,000 and increased each year. The organization funds its work through various grants totaling more than $1.14 million annually, with Sutter Valley Hospitals providing about $175,000 for mental health support.
WMCC Chief Executive Officer Perfecto Muñoz said adjustments will be needed to accommodate the higher costs but noted that “the utilities charge could have been much higher given the size of the building.” He added: “The $600 is not too bad for us because it helps us … and it also helps the city because they get compensated at least a little bit of money to cover utilities.”
During construction, WMCC has moved its programs and services to the Learning Center at 529 California Ave., near the King-Kennedy Center. The group also has an agreement with the city for joint use of Marshall Park Center for one year, with an option to extend another six months. No rent or utility charges will apply until WMCC returns to King-Kennedy after renovations are complete in approximately 12 months.
Built in 1968 using federal housing funds after recommendations from a west Modesto committee, the King-Kennedy Memorial Center was initially operated by the city for four decades before nonprofits were invited to take over management in 2006. WMCC was selected then and again in 2018 as no other organizations applied.
WMCC offers mental health services, community engagement activities, after-school programs and intervention initiatives aimed at supporting West Modesto residents. The building is named in honor of The Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and Robert F. Kennedy.
Renovations are part of broader improvements underway at Martin Luther King Jr. Park following ground-breaking last October. Planned upgrades include a new gymnasium attached to the center that will provide space for meetings and events; new restrooms; a gazebo; outdoor amphitheater stage; basketball court; splash pad; and a plaza connecting existing structures.
Reflecting on community involvement during planning stages, Muñoz stated: “It was a lot of meetings, a lot of nos and a lot of yeses and a lot of ‘yeah, this is it.’ That was the exciting part because the people were engaged. The community was engaged in the planning and development of this building.”
With expanded facilities post-renovation, Muñoz said WMCC intends to offer additional programming through partnerships such as one with Stanislaus County Police Activities League focused on youth sports.
