Project Update:

Construction will begin Fall 2024. 

Last updated: August 2024

The Martin Luther King Park project includes several improvements to the park space such as a new Lodge building, Pool House, playground, and fitness loop.

The Department of Parks and Recreation worked closely with the community throughout the design and planning process, which included over 5,000 neighbors and community members providing input on the project. Parks and Recreation would like to extend a thank you to the community members involved in the project and express appreciation for the ongoing support of the community. 

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The MLK Park project at a glance

Below is an image of the MLK Park current site plan. This plan is subject to change. Key features on this plan are:

• New Lodge building: The site plan features an outline of the current Lodge to give perspective on the size increase for the new Lodge. The new Lodge will feature two community offices, a rentable multipurpose room, a gymnasium, two rentable classrooms, and a fitness room for recreation classes. The history of the lodge and community will be preserved in hallway gallery that showcases historic photos and community art.  
• New Pool House building: The Pool House is where residents will purchase their pool pass and enter the pool deck. The Pool house building will include a pool staff kiosk, restrooms and both individual and family changing rooms. 
• Reconstructed parking lot:  The parking lot will be extended to include more parking spaces. 
• New playground: The new playground will be built with brand new playground features on the southeast corner of the Park (Alexander & Benjamin). 
• New fitness loop: The loop will add an additional recreation feature to the park. The loop will include exercise features along the path and will be constructed on the southwest corner of the Park (Alexander & Fuller). 
• Relocated community garden: The current community garden will be relocated and include new features. 

See image below for the new site plan. Click the image to make it bigger. 

Project Purpose and Timeline

Project Purpose + Vision:

• Contribute to the overall safety and vibrancy of the neighborhood
• Be fully accessible and inclusive for all
• Be open year-round for community programming and activation (lodge building)
• Provide flexible and multi-use space for community recreation and rentals (lodge building)
• Incorporate energy efficiency and practical design elements that reduce maintenance burden 
• Reflect the rich history and vitality of the park and neighborhood at large
• Create buildings that are site-specific and integrate well into the rest of the park space

Project Overview + Timeline:

Funding for the Project:

$1,050,000 - City Capital

$1,200,000 - Parks Millage

$1,000,000 - Third Ward Equity Fund

$6,000,000 - Michigan Economic Development Corporation Grant

$10,500,000 - City American Rescue Plan Act

$19,750,000 - TOTAL FUNDING & PROJECT COST

Community Engagement to Date:

Last updated Septembet 3, 2024

2018-2024

MLK Quality of Life Study: In 2018-2019, neighbors gathered to create a shared vision for improving the quality of life for the Martin Luther King Park neighborhood. A portion of this vision was creating long-term goals that involved MLK Park activation, including updates to the park lodge, rentable space, and more.

2021

Renovate or Rebuild: After surveying the community, most neighbors voted to remove the boxing ring from the lodge and replace it with rentable multi-purpose space. A feasibility study was conducted on the lodge space to estimate the cost of renovation. The Parks Department then presented the information from the feasibility study to the community and surveyed neighbors on which would be preferred, renovation of the lodge or a complete rebuild. Community members voted in majority for a lodge rebuild.

2022

General Engagement on floorplans of facilities:

2023

Aesthetics and Site Amenities: MLK Park neighbors engaged in discussion about the layout of the pool house, and the Parks Department worked to address safety concerns by implementing high-visibility design elements into the space. Neighbors also had opportunities to vote and provide input on the external aesthetics of the lodge and pool house, as well as elements of the playground and fitness loop. This included a focus group with students at Campus Elementary where students got to provide input on which play structures they’d like to see in the park space.

2024

Into the Details: Postcards were sent to households surrounding the park space notifying neighbors of the demolition of the lodge. Our Community’s Children and the King Park Neighbors were able to co-design their space in the lodge, providing input on layout, colors, and other elements such as sinks and storage. Community members engaged on the final elements of the playground and fitness loop. Postcards were sent to households surrounding the park space inviting them to attend the groundbreaking event, where City and State leaders were able to engage with neighbors on the project.

Project Partners