Martin Luther King Jr. Park

Park History

Found in South Los Angeles, Martin Luther King Jr. Park spans 8.9 acres and is a gathering spot for the local community.

The space began its journey as the 19th Street Playground back in 1964, but following the tragic assassination of civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in 1968, the park was renamed to honor his legacy.

The park has grown significantly over the years - expanding from a modest 1.17 acres to 5.86 acres in 1969-1970 with added recreational spaces. By the early 1980s, it reached its current size of 8.9 acres, evolving into the multi-faceted community space we see today.

Facilities and Features

MLK Jr. Park offers both indoor and outdoor recreation options. The park houses a well-maintained community center, a refreshing swimming pool, and a library that locals rely on for resources and programs.

One eye-catching highlight is the thoughtful mural titled "The Content of Their Characters" - a beautiful artistic piece that resonates with the park's community spirit.

For sports enthusiasts, the grounds offer a baseball field, basketball courts, tennis courts, and soccer fields. If you're into fitness, you'll discover outdoor fitness equipment well-suited for a workout under the open sky. When you need a break, the mature trees provide shady spots ideal for picnics or simply unwinding with a good book.

Playground Area

Parents with little ones will appreciate the dedicated playground designed primarily for children under five. Safety is clearly a priority here - the play area features soft safety surfacing to cushion any tumbles, and the gated entry helps keep the youngest visitors secure while they explore and play.

This thoughtfully designed space offers peace of mind for families wanting a safe environment for their children to burn off energy and make new friends.

Community Programs

The park offers diverse programming throughout the year. Kids aged 5-12 can participate in after-school activities, while youth sports leagues offer free opportunities to stay active and build teamwork skills. During summer, the park extends its hours to accommodate the seasonal increase in visitors.

The popular Summer Night Lights program provides structured activities for young people during evening hours - a welcome option for families during school breaks.

Younger baseball fans can join the Little Dodgers baseball program, where they learn the fundamentals of the game in a supportive environment.

Cultural Events

MLK Jr. Park represents a cultural heartbeat for the neighborhood with year-round events that bring people together. Sunday afternoons often feature jazz band performances that fill the air with music and create a relaxed weekend atmosphere.

On select days, the rhythmic sounds of drum circle music events transform the park into a vibrant community celebration, where people of all ages can connect through music and movement.

Martin Luther King Jr. Park functions as both a green space and a community resource with facilities and programs for play, exercise, learning, and social connection.