Kansas City group shares dream for MLK Park
A group started on Facebook hopes to reinvigorate Martin Luther King, Jr. Square Park in Kansas City.
A group started on Facebook hopes to reinvigorate Martin Luther King, Jr. Square Park in Kansas City.
A group started on Facebook hopes to reinvigorate Martin Luther King, Jr. Square Park in Kansas City.
One group is taking action as the discussion continues over how to honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in Kansas City, Missouri. KMBC 9 learned about their plans for the park already named for the civil rights leader.
Some Kansas Citians are surprised to find out the city has a park named for MLK. Donald Rankins was one of them. “I was doing a bunch of research on MLK and Kansas City and I was like ‘oh, we have a park,’” he said, but now he's spearheading a group that wants to beautify and build up the park, which sits off Swope Parkway east of the Plaza area
Rankins started the Facebook group Restoration of MLK Square Park, which quickly drew attention. “I was honestly stunned, like in the first 24 hours I was like , oh my God, so many people joining,’” he said, “but it was a hot button topic I guess and it was something I was really wanting to get behind.”
In addition to a playground, gardens and restrooms, the group would love to see a fountain or memorial for Dr. King in the park. They say whatever they do, they're ready to work with the city to make it happen. Rankins is thrilled mayor Quinton Lucas is opening a 90-day window for the public to submit ideas for how to honor Dr. King.
“I was very happy that Quinton Lucas came and just opened his arms pretty much to all the residents of Kansas City and gave us this window to submit,” said Rankins. “I already told everyone in the group to just, you know, pitch your ideas… let’s get it done. Hopefully get the city behind us too”
Even without city funds, the group is dedicated to fixing up the park with volunteers and donors. Their dream is for it to be a welcoming community gathering place. “There’s just so many reasons for us all to come together, and Dr. King would love that,” said Rankins.
There are several public clean-up events planned at MLK Square Park, beginning Saturday November 16th, from 12:30 p.m. To 3:00 p.m. Everyone is welcome.
For more information about the group or to get involved, click here.