WINTER HAVEN, FL — The City of Winter Haven will officially open the newly rebuilt Winter Haven Recreation and Cultural Center on Thursday, April 30, 2026, at 801 MLK Boulevard NE, with a public ribbon cutting scheduled for 5:30 p.m.
Doors will open at 5:00 p.m., followed by the ceremony and an open house with tours from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. The event is open to the community.
The $21 million facility was shaped by years of community input, including public meetings, surveys, and planning efforts. Residents identified the need for expanded recreation space, improved access, and a facility serving children, teens, adults, and seniors.
Mayor Brian Yates stated, “The new Winter Haven Recreation and Cultural Center reflects years of community voices, ideas, and priorities. Residents asked for a place where people of all ages could gather, stay active, learn, connect, and build community. That is exactly what this facility was designed to do, and we are excited to open it together.”
The 37,616-square-foot center includes:
• Double gymnasium for sports and events
• Activity and program rooms
• Fitness center
• Library and technology area
• Business support space
• Kitchen and concession area
Outdoor amenities include:
• Zero-depth entry pool
• Splashpad
• Playground
• Sport court
• Baseball field
• Picnic areas and open space
• Expanded parking
The original center, opened in 1974, was replaced due to aging infrastructure, accessibility limitations, and limited expansion capacity.
SOURCE: CITY OF WINTER HAVEN
