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 the intersection of West Grand Blvd. and Rosa Parks Blvd (2589 W Grand Blvd). Serving District 5, this park is part of the historic Virginia Park neighborhood.
This park was officially designated as the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park on November 6, 1980, during a dedication ceremony where Mrs. Rosa Parks served as the keynote speaker. It was established to honor Dr. King as one of America's most prominent Civil Rights leaders and to recognize his significant influence, particularly in Detroit.
KEY LINKS
Park Maintenance, Trash Pick Up and Other Issues
PARK IMPROVEMENT PROJECT
Since the memorial bust of the likeness of Dr. King was installed in 1981, the plaza and surrounding space have not seen any significant improvements.
With funding awarded from the American Rescue Plan Act (“ARPA”), the city is in process of developing a plan to add new improvements to the park.
RECENT UPDATES
New parcels were recently acquired that will allow for the expansion of the scope and size of the park development project.
The next community meeting will be held in early 2025, after the New Year.
PAST UPDATES
Community Meeting #1 - 3/1/24
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.
Community Meeting #2 - 6/18/24
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.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Theresa McArleton - Chief Parks Planner
Rayshaun Landrum - Landscape Designer
John DeRuiter - Assistant Chief of Landscape Architecture