Louis Armstrong Memorial Park

A Slice of Montgomery History

Located on Madison Avenue in the heart of Capitol Heights lies Louis Armstrong Memorial Park, a 3-acre green space with a fascinating backstory. Before becoming what it is today, this land was home to Rockhaven - an impressive residence built in 1909 for Colonel James Steptoe Pinckard, the visionary behind the Capitol Heights Development Company. The elegant home, designed by architect Frank Lockwood, unfortunately succumbed to flames in the late 1960s.

In the aftermath of the fire, passionate locals rallied together and convinced the City of Montgomery to transform the property into a public park. If you visit today, you can still climb the original stone steps that once led to Rockhaven - a subtle but powerful reminder of the land's storied past.

The Man Behind the Name

Contrary to what you might assume, this park isn't named after the legendary trumpet player. It honors Dr. Louis Armstrong, a dedicated minister who served at Morningview Baptist Church for many years and made significant contributions to the Montgomery community.

What You'll Find

When you need a break from the bustle of everyday life, the park's mature trees and open green spaces create a great backdrop for some peaceful reflection or a family afternoon out. There's a covered shelter with picnic tables where you can enjoy a leisurely lunch or gather with friends, while the surrounding grassy areas give kids plenty of room to run around.

Younger visitors will make a beeline for the playground area, which features about four swings and climbing equipment great for burning off excess energy. The park's modest size makes it an ideal neighborhood retreat - not overwhelming, just right for casual outings and community get-togethers.

Getting There

Since this is primarily a neighborhood park, there's no dedicated parking lot. You can find most visitors simply park along Madison Avenue when stopping by.

A Community Effort

The park as you see it today exists thanks to a partnership between the City of Montgomery and the Capitol Heights Civic Association.