New civil rights-themed playground dedicated at MLK Park

Posted on 26 August, 2015

 

A happy crowd of children, community members and civil rights activists gathered at Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Park August 22 to celebrate the opening of a new civil rights-themed playground.

Numerous speakers, music and a ceremonial ribbon-cutting helped dedicate the unique and inspiring play area during the 5th annual “Celebrate Our Beloved Community” event. The new playground creatively mixes in numerous educational opportunities detailing people, places and events that helped shape African Americans’ struggle for civil rights.

Park users can scan QR codes with their phones to learn more about influential African American inventors, hike over an oversized book staircase honoring notable African American authors and scale a play surface bearing Rev. Dr. King’s likeness. There’s also a replica of the Edmund Pettus Bridge and a flag commemorating the Red Hand Division, a heroic black World War I infantry regiment, among other civil rights-themed amenities. 

 All of those opportunities could not have been created without the support of the following donors:

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board would like to express its sincere gratitude for the generous donations contributed by each of the above individuals and organizations, as well as numerous community members who bought t-shirts and ice cream to help turn the dream of this playground into a reality.

Additionally, the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) would like to thank the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Park Legacy Council for its partnership and vision throughout the design and construction of the beautiful new playground.