A new initiative by Seattle Parks and Recreation (SPR), in collaboration with local organizations, is set to transform Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Park into a space that's more than just greenery and recreation. The MLK Memorial Garden Development Project, backed by Clean Greens Farm & Market, Solace, the Black Agriculture Leadership Council, and the NAACP, is fostering a park that pays tribute to Seattle's Black community, the teachings of Dr. King, and provides solace for those affected by gun violence, as per Seattle Parks and Recreation.
"This project is about more than gardening, it’s about building a space rooted in justice, healing, and community resilience," SPR Superintendent AP Diaz told Seattle Parks and Recreation. Initially, a Phase 1 Garden will be installed this summer adjacent to the park’s fountain, intended as a precursor to a more comprehensive design. The garden will offer a place for community members to gather, exchange stories, and foster healing.
The public is encouraged to be a part of the garden's evolution through two scheduled events. A Planting Party Meet 'n' Greet on Saturday, June 21, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., presents an opportunity for residents to collaborate with the design team and contribute to the creation of the Phase 1 Garden. Following this, a Phase 1 Garden Reveal & Public Engagement Event on Saturday, July 12, also between 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., will celebrate the space's unveiling and invite further input on the project's permanent form.
