Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park

History and Location

Established in 1887, Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park is one of the oldest parks in Santa Rosa, California. This 5.38-acre public park provides an important civic space for the South Park neighborhood in Southeast Santa Rosa.

The park has undergone several name changes throughout its history, originally called South Park, then renamed to Rotary Park in 1968, before finally being designated as Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park in January 1986.

Connectivity and Layout

The park is situated adjacent to the Sonoma County Fairgrounds and connects to Petaluma Hill Road via a quarter-mile pedestrian and bike path known as Newhall Trail. This paved trail, which predates 1887, was initially intended as a public street but was instead constructed as a path with several access points to the adjacent neighborhood.

The park's layout includes a soccer field that can be utilized as two practice or youth fields, or one full-size field for league play. There are also basketball courts available for visitors looking to engage in sports activities.

Amenities and Recreation

Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park offers several amenities for visitors. The park features an enclosed playground area that provides a safe space for children to play. There are also designated picnic and grilling areas perfect for family gatherings.

Open grassy areas throughout the park provide space for relaxation, casual sports, or community events. The park occasionally hosts community events with music and activities that bring residents together.

Community Services

Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park sees heavy use and serves multiple purposes for the community. It functions as a venue for neighborhood gatherings, youth education and play, and organized sports activities.

Two buildings and an enclosed playground within the park are owned, maintained, and utilized by Sonoma Community Action Network (SonomaCAN) to operate Head Start preschool and Early Head Start programs. The City of Santa Rosa leases this land to SonomaCAN for these educational initiatives.

The park also occasionally functions as a distribution site for the Redwood Empire Foodbank, providing food assistance to community members in need.

Future Development

As of 2025, the park is undergoing a revitalization process aimed at creating a safer and more enjoyable experience that better serves the current and future needs of the community. This renovation project, fully funded by the State of California Department of Housing and Community Development's Infill Infrastructure Grant, is scheduled for completion by June 2026.