 It was a night for celebration in Dear River as the community came together for the official opening of the now fully completed King Elementary School. A community was welcomed more than just an elementary school but a hybrid community center. The $10.5 million investment includes a senior center, Boys and Girls Club, an early childhood center and a community cafe. A education is at the heart of the building. The school district wanted the space to be used for other community needs. It illustrates that by working together you can do you can do things better and I think that our focus on you know across our a comprehensive education we're looking at places where we've improved physical health, nutrition, mental health. All those services are going to be improved because of the new facility. The project was the result of a 2015 bonding referendum that passed with 68 percent community support. If you've enjoyed this segment of Lakeland news please consider making a tax deductible contribution to Lakeland public television.