Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Park
Interactive Park Map
About the Location
Historical Significance
Established in 1961, this nearly 14-acre park is located on the near north side of Indianapolis, Indiana. It holds profound historical importance as the site where Senator Robert F. Kennedy delivered an impromptu speech on April 4, 1968, the night Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated.
Kennedy's powerful speech, which informed the gathered crowd of King's death and called for racial reconciliation, is credited with preventing riots in Indianapolis that night while other cities across America erupted in violence.
Memorial and Recognition
A central feature of the park is the Kennedy-King Landmark for Peace Memorial, dedicated in 1995. This moving sculpture, designed by Greg Perry and executed by Daniel Edwards, depicts Kennedy and King reaching out to each other across a divide.
In 2018, the memorial received national recognition when it was designated as the Kennedy-King National Commemorative Site and included as part of the National Parks Service African American Civil Rights Network.
Community Space
The park serves as a place for both recreation and reflection. It offers various facilities for physical activities throughout its grounds.
This meaningful location continues to be a focal point for annual gatherings dedicated to the shared vision of peace and non-violence espoused by both King and Kennedy.
