Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Gardens Expansion

McNeely Associates, PA

Citizen Advisory Council (CAC) District: South Central

The public leadership group will meet on June 20th to review a draft design concept prepared by the consultant.

Planning Phase

The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Gardens was originally constructed in 1990 through the efforts of a number of park advocates including the Martin Luther King Committee. In 2003, the City acquired 1.67 acres of vacant land adjacent to the park for the purpose of expanding the existing Memorial Gardens. The additional amenities are intended to make the park more user and family-friendly through better meeting the needs of the visiting public, including school children, college students and elderly citizens. In 2008, Community Advocates for Parks in Southeast Raleigh (CAPSR), on behalf of the Martin Luther King Committee, submitted a request to City Council to expand and upgrade the Memorial Gardens. Subsequently, City Council directed staff to consider the expansion project during budget deliberation. The adopted 2012 (fiscal year) capital improvement program budget includes $10,000 for initial planning fees and expenses with a phased budget planned for future fiscal years.

On December 6, 2011, City Council approved the planning process for the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Gardens expansion project, to include the establishment of a Public Leadership Group (PLG), two public input meetings, and the development of a conceptual plan.

• The PLG consists of representatives from the following organizations:
  • Martin Luther King Committee
  • South Central Citizens Advisory Council
  • Saint Augustine's College
  • Shaw University
  • Parks, Recreation and Greenway Advisory Board
  • Wake County Public School System
  • Community Advocates for Parks in Southeast Raleigh
  • At-large member

Initial planning for expansion of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Gardens.

Mission Statement:

To honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s legacy and contributions to peace, justice, equality, human dignity, and education by expanding and enhancing the MLK Memorial Gardens , providing a unique historic and educational destination for the people of North Carolina and the Nation.

Objectives:

• Enrich the commemorative experience
• Support education opportunities
• Promote community cohesion
• Complement downtown development
• Provide safe, friendly and sustainable leisure environment
• Improve vehicular and pedestrian accessibility

*dependent on budget approval

*funds planned for future fiscal years