King Park is a vital neighborhood park with deep historical significance, serving a predominantly African American community in northern Urbana. Named in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the park provides essential recreational and gathering space for local residents.
The Urbana Park District (UPD) partnered with Farnsworth Group to create a new vision that modernizes park amenities while honoring its cultural legacy. Through extensive public engagement, the team worked closely with the community to shape the park’s future.
The resulting master plan features a new “Peace Plaza” along Lincoln Avenue, highlighting the Byways to Equality sculpture by renowned artist Preston Jackson. Additional improvements include a new playground, upgraded basketball courts, a teen hangout space, a pavilion that doubles as an amphitheater, improved sidewalks, raingardens and native plantings for rainwater management, and unique signage celebrating Urbana’s role in the civil rights movement.
