New MLK Park Playground Provides Accessible, Inclusive Play Destination for Families

Rochester, NY - Mayor Malik D. Evans and community partners today cut the ribbon on a new playground in Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park, at the corner of Manhattan Square Drive and Adventure Place. The site offers a vibrant, imaginative play space with several accessible and inclusive features and improved visitor amenities.

Community groups and residents of all ages participated in designing the playground, through input sessions and an advisory committee. Rooted in these insights, the playground includes equipment accessible to individuals in wheelchairs and of varying levels of motor abilities, as well as sensory experiences that can provide a welcoming environment for a variety of social, mental, and emotional needs. In addition, different playground zones and a spray feature are designed to keep children of all ages active and engaged in creative fun. 

“Play is how children learn, grow and discover the world around them. It sparks creativity, builds confidence and teaches us how to connect with one another,” said Mayor Malik D. Evans. “This beautiful new playground is a place where children of all abilities can play side by side, and families, friends, and neighbors can connect. I'm especially proud that the people of Rochester helped shape this space, ensuring it reflects the needs and aspirations of the community it serves.”

This playground is one of several substantial investments that the City has made in play spaces, including other recent examples in Maplewood Park and West High Field.

The MLK Park Playground project received support from ESL’s Community Engagement Through Placemaking Grant, administered by the Rochester Downtown Development Corporation.

“We’re excited to celebrate the opening of the new Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park Playground and look forward to seeing this space serve as a destination where families can gather and create special, lasting memories,” said Eric Van Dusen, Manager, Community Impact, ESL Federal Credit Union. “At ESL, our Purpose is to help our community thrive and prosper, and this project is a great example of what can happen when community partners come together to build strong, vibrant neighborhoods.”  

“The new playground is a wonderful addition to the Neighborhood of Play, an area of downtown Rochester that continues to grow and thrive,” said Heidi N. Zimmer-Meyer, Interim President & CEO, Rochester Downtown Development Corporation. “With families increasingly choosing to call this neighborhood home and visitors coming from around the world, spaces like this are more important than ever. This project builds on the exciting momentum in downtown Rochester while creating new opportunities for children, families and neighbors to come together and connect.”

In addition to the new playground, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park is home to year-round events and a seasonal outdoor ice rink. To learn more about park hours and amenities, visit www.CityofRochester.gov/MLKpark.