Join us for the second community engagement to hear project updates for MLK Memorial Park and Williams Park.
MLK Park
MLK Memorial Park is a 1.83 acre neighborhood park located at 2589 W. Grand Blvd. Serving District 5, this park is part of the historic Virginia Park neighborhood. Recently acquired parcels at the park will expand the development's size and scope.
Park Contact Information
Theresa McArleton - Chief Parks Planner
Rayshaun Landrum - Landscape Designer
John DeRuiter - Assistant Chief of Landscape Architecture
On November 6, 1980, the City held the official dedication ceremony was held for the new Martin Luther King Jr Memorial Park built to commemorate Dr. King as one of America’s most prominent Civil Rights leaders and honor his influence on the Nation, specifically in Detroit. Located at the intersection of West Grand Blvd. and Rosa Parks Blvd, the keynote speaker at the dedication ceremony was Mrs. Rosa Parks herself.
In 1981, the City installed a memorial bust of the likeness of Dr. King that still sits in the existing MLK Park today. However, the state of the plaza and surrounding space have not seen significant improvements in the last several decades.
The City of Detroit, with funding awarded from the American Rescue Plan Act (“ARPA”), will now begin an initiative pursuant to the development of a Martin Luther King Jr. M
Community Meeting #1 Update
On March 21, 2024, Parks & Recreation met with residents about upcoming improvements to MLK Memorial Park. Residents shared their vision for the amenities, programmatic space and update to MLK Memorial Park.
A second community meeting will be scheduled for early Summer to discuss survey results, possible design concepts and next steps for MLK Memorial Park.
Community Meeting #2 Update
On June 18, 2024, Parks & Recreation met with residents and listened to their thoughts on the layout and possible future amenity choices for MLK Memorial Park. Having heard from residents in two community meetings and a community survey will now help the team design a preliminary concept outline for the space. This will be brought back to engage residents with at a third meeting in fall of 2024.