Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park

A Park With History

Dating all the way back to 1887, Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park stands as one of Santa Rosa's oldest green spaces. This 5.38-acre park is located in the South Park neighborhood in Southeast Santa Rosa.

The park's identity has evolved over time - originally known simply as South Park, then becoming Rotary Park in 1968, before finally receiving its current and most meaningful name in January 1986, honoring the civil rights leader.

Getting Around

You'll find this community space conveniently located next to the Sonoma County Fairgrounds. The quarter-mile Newhall Trail connects to Petaluma Hill Road and is available for both walking and biking. This paved pathway actually predates the park itself, originally planned as a street but instead developed as a trail with multiple neighborhood access points.

The park's practical layout features a versatile soccer field that can transform to accommodate different needs - split it into two practice or youth fields, or use the full space for league games. Basketball courts are also available if you're looking to shoot some hoops.

What You'll Find

If you're visiting with kids, you'll appreciate the enclosed playground area where little ones can safely explore and play. Planning a family gathering? The designated picnic and grilling spots make for perfect outdoor dining.

The open grassy areas around the park provide plenty of space to throw down a blanket, toss a frisbee, or simply relax with a good book. From time to time, the park comes alive with community events featuring music and activities that bring neighbors together.

Serving the Community

This park serves multiple purposes for the local community. Beyond recreation, it is a venue for neighborhood gatherings, youth programs, and organized sports.

Within the park, you'll notice two buildings and an enclosed playground operated by the Sonoma Community Action Network (SonomaCAN). The City of Santa Rosa leases this land to SonomaCAN, which runs valuable Head Start preschool and Early Head Start programs for local families.

The park also occasionally transforms into a distribution site for the Redwood Empire Foodbank, helping provide food assistance to community members in need.

Looking Ahead

As of 2025, the park is undergoing a refreshing transformation aimed at creating a safer, more enjoyable space that better meets community needs. This revitalization project is fully funded by the State of California Department of Housing and Community Development's Infill Infrastructure Grant and should be completed by June 2026 - promising an even better park experience in the near future.