Parks, Recreation and Marine

Martin Luther King Jr. Park

1950 Lemon Ave.
(562) 570-4405
(8.9 acres)

Information

Hours
After School Program: Monday- Friday, 3 pm - 6 pm
Saturday & Sunday: Closed

Summer Fun Days: Monday - Friday, 12 pm - 5 pm
Saturday & Sunday: Closed

Park Picnic and Open Space Area Rules
Please observe the following rules and regulations for the use of Long Beach park picnic and open space areas at www.longbeach.gov/globalassets/park/media-library/documents/park-and-facilities/facility-reservations/reservation-forms/picrules.

History
The 1.17-acre park was dedicated June 13, 1964, as 19th Street Playground. Following the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in 1968 the name of the park was changed in his honor.

The first expansion of the park occurred in 1969-1970 from 1.17 acres to 5.86 acres and included a ball field, game courts, tennis court and community recreation center. The Central Facility Center was added to the park in the late 1970s which includes Heath and Human Services Department programs and offices for the 6th District City Council staff.

The park was expanded again by 3 acres to 8.9 acres in about 1980 with funding from federal Land and Water Conservation Fund and the state Parks Bond Act of 1984. Improvements included an outdoor swimming pool.

The Boys and Girls Club built their recreational facility in the park in the late 1980’s.

The outdoor swimming pool was enclosed in 1996, with the restrooms and showers in the Boys and Girls Club with funding from the Los Angeles County Safe Neighborhood Parks Bond Act of 1992. Locker rooms, restrooms, staff offices, and a classroom for the pool were completed in 2007, finishing the swimming pool with funding from the state Safe Neighborhood Park Bond Acts of 2000 and 2002.

Amenities
Basketball Court, Community Center, Picnic Area, Playground, Pool, Baseball Field, Soccer Field. The park’s mural “The Content of Their Characters” sends a positive message.

Programs:
The park offers after school programs for ages 5-12 Monday through Friday including homework help, crafts, games and special events. Free youth sports leagues are offered every quarter.
During the summer the park is open for extended hours. The Summer Food Service Program, summer movies in the park, and other events are held.

Map to the Park