Public Works

Martin Luther King Jr. Park Improvements

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Background

The Martin Luther King Jr. Park Improvements Project builds on the vision established through the 2024 Martin Luther King Jr. Park Vision Plan, a collaborative effort led by the Department of Parks, Recreation and Marine in partnership with the Long Beach Alliance, Food Fitness, the King Park Steering Committee, the Boys and Girls Club of Long Beach, and City Fabrick. This effort spurred the creation of a neighborhood group called the Friends of MLK park who has provided additional guidance on the key priorities for the park’s future improvements and now serves as the foundation for the draft conceptual design.

The project focuses on developing priorities within the existing budget, while allowing for future phases of improvements. Implementation will occur in phases as funding becomes available, with initial efforts centered on core recreation features and high-impact community enhancements.

While this effort looks toward the park’s long-term transformation, the Martin Luther King Jr. Park Facility Repairs project will address immediate facility needs to ensure the park remains safe and functional for all users.

This project is part of the Elevate ’28 Infrastructure Investment Plan, a historic initiative dedicated to enhancing Long Beach parks, community facilities, mobility access, and streets. Learn more at lbelevate28.com.

Timeline

Project timeline is set barring weather delays and other unforeseen circumstances.

Objectives

• Further develop the Vision Plan into designs for phased improvements that reflects community priorities and feedback
• Enhance recreational amenities to support a wide range of activities for all ages and abilities
• Improve site access, circulation, and connectivity within the park and to surrounding neighborhoods
• Create safe, inclusive, and welcoming spaces that encourage community gathering and engagement

Phase I Project Features

• Two full basketball courts with lighting
• A walking path with mile markers
• Outdoor fitness equipment
• Enhanced playground equipment focused on inclusive play features
• Playground shade structures
• Site furnishings (benches, picnic tables, drinking fountains, trash receptacles)
• An interpretive sign celebrating the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr and the African American community in Long Beach
• Landscape and irrigation improvements

Project Funding

The Martin Luther King Jr. Park Improvements project is supported by Measure A, Construction and Demolition, and Park Impact Fees funds.

More Information

• 05.18.26 Martin Luther King Jr. Park Projects Community Meeting

• Martin Luther King Jr. Park Vision Plan

Project Updates   

May 2026

On May 18, 2026, the Public Works and Parks, Recreation and Marine Departments hosted a community meeting to provide an update on the critical repair work to the community center and park restrooms along with proposed concepts informed by the Vision Plan.

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Contact

For inquiries about this project, please visit the Martin Luther King Jr. Park Projects​ Form page.