Location: 4905 NW Walnut Blvd.
Size: Approximately 36 acres
Estimated Cost: $6,000,000
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Park (MLK Park) features natural meadow areas with upland prairie and riparian habitats. It is known for being home to Walnut Barn, a converted barn that is available to rent for parties and events (sound permits are no longer allowed).
MLK Park includes a badminton turf area, and 2 horseshoe pits. There is a paved multi-modal path to Ponderosa Ave. and a one-mile dirt and gravel trail that includes two small bridges over a drainage way and climbs the hill to a nice view. There are good wildflower displays here in spring and summer. The park also has a designated “dogs off-leash” area.
Enhancement Project Background
Initiated in October 2017, the Parks & Recreation Department embarked on a master planning process to envision enhancements to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Park that would serve to bring people together, foster an appreciation for nature and for each other, provide opportunities for recreation, and honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The process was led by Jones and Jones Landscape Architects and involved a series of public engagement workshops and advisory committees. The process resulted in a final conceptual plan complete with gathering spaces, resource restoration, separate dog and children’s play areas, enhanced parking and restroom facilities, improved circulation and pathway system, and interpretation and artistic opportunities. The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Park Master Plan Design Report was finalized and approved by the City Council in April 2019.
To further develop the concepts related to the interpretation and artistic elements, and to
ensure proper recognition and acknowledgement of the historical context surrounding the
trials and tribulations of the Civil Rights Movement and other social justice revolutions, the
Interpretive Design Committee was created. This committee was comprised of community
members with a specific emphasis on people who identify with historically marginalized
communities of color. The success of this project is dependent upon challenging the past
practices of community engagement and targeting the members within the community in
which the park seeks to serve, as part of the planning process.
The Interpretive Design Committee developed a thorough Interpretive Design Plan that
maximizes the opportunities as identified in the Master Plan as areas for interpretation,
creative and artistic expression, symbolic architectural details, and educational and inspirational messages. The plan was presented to various community groups and received official endorsement from the NAACP of Albany/Corvallis and final approval from City Council on May 17, 2021.
In December 2021, the Corvallis Parks and Recreation Department established a team of seven community members to represent the project, called Project Ambassadors. The Ambassadors will assist city staff and landscape architects in detailed design decisions such as art selection and interpretive display content, as well as help garner community support and advocate for the project. The Ambassadors represent a wide range of backgrounds, including communities of color, people with disabilities, and multiple generations.
Fundraising Efforts
Supported by the Friends of Corvallis Parks and Recreation, a Fundraising Committee comprised of dedicated community volunteers will carry out a major capital fundraising campaign to help the City fund the park enhancement project. The Committee will seek major philanthropic gifts from individuals and corporations, as well as launch a public giving option for community giving and recognition. City staff will also be seeking grants from State and Federal Government programs, community foundations, and corporate sponsorships. To help build the project fund, please consider donating to the Friends and designating it for “MLK Park”.
City Project Website: https://www.corvallisoregon.gov/parksrec/page/dr-martin-luther-king-jr-park-project