HISTORY:

Martin Luther King, Jr. Square was dedicated on April 4, 1978.  The site had formerly been known as “Brush Creek Park” and had been used as a recreational site for several years with tennis courts and a baseball diamond.

The name change was first proposed by Emanuel Cleaver in 1976.  Jeremiah Cameron, who was on the Board of Park and Recreation Commissioners in mid to late 1970s, brought up the name change again in 1977 and the Board approved it in February 1978.

The 15 and the Mahomies Foundation donated $1 million toward the playground that was designed following a series of community engagement meetings with the intention of celebrating Dr. King and creating a place that is inclusive and accessible for children of all abilities. The area is packed with colorful components including three towers, swings, climbing nets, suspended walkway, jumping pods, spinners, embankment mound, climbing area, merry-go-round, and a section with age-appropriate play equipment and safety surfaces especially for kids ages 2-5.