The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) is holding a public hearing for the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Park Playground concept plan. The hearing will be held on July 16, 2014 at 6:30 pm in the 2nd floor board room of MPRB Headquarter at 2117 West River Road in Minneapolis. The draft concept plan and play equipment designs are the result of an extensive community engagement process that included more than 150 individuals, including more than 60 youth. A guiding design theme for the concept and play equipment is celebrating and honoring Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and African American history. An artist team worked with the community, MPRB staff and design consultants to bring this theme into the playground design.
“I am thankful to everyone that participated in the planning for the new playground and look forward to celebrating with the community its opening in 2015,†said Commissioner Brad Bourn, 6th Park District.
The development of the concept plan included six community meetings, events in the park, community surveys and public consultations at Sabathani Community Center and Kingfield’s Farmer’s Market. Spanish interpreters were provided, as needed, at community meetings and at the Sabathani Community Center consultations. In addition, postcards, surveys and flyers were developed in English and Spanish. Individuals have also been able to track the project through regular email updates, mailings and online information. The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Legacy Council and Kingfield Neighborhood Organization assisted with notification and community engagement throughout the development of the concept design.
All those attending the public hearing will have an opportunity to review the plans and share their comments with the Planning Committee of the MPRB Board of Commissioners. If you are interested in speaking, you may sign up until 6:25 pm. on the day of the hearing. If you require language translation or other accommodations, please call 612-230-6472 at least two business days prior to the hearing.
Learn more about the project, view the concept plans or make a donation towards the playground on the
http://www.minneapolisparks.org/default.asp?PageID=1359.