In the early days, MLK Jr. Park was intentionally designed for activities such as a field for military drills and sporting events, as well as a large children’s playground. The Parade House, a magnificent restaurant, beer hall, and dance hall designed by Vaux, opened here in 1876 and immediately became a popular attraction for all of Buffalo’s diverse population. In an age when immigrants were arriving daily, such places, Olmsted thought, fostered the spirit of democracy.

In 1895, the Olmsted firm redesigned the park, replacing the Parade grounds with a nearly five acre reflecting pool, a basin for water plants and large fountain. The revised park also became known for its floral displays. Significant features of the park include the Conservancy’s working greenhouse and the Martin Luther King Jr. Tribute Plaza. Learn more about your Buffalo Olmsted Park System at the official map & guide.

The Making of a Monument Exhibit

In collaboration with the Buffalo African American Museum, the MLK Shelter House (beside the MLK Monument Plaza) is home to an exhibit about the MLK Jr. bust. View it online here.

Photo: Unveiling of the MLK Jr. bust at MLK Jr. Park, Oct 1, 1983

KaBOOM! Playground

Thanks to the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation, BlueCross BlueShield of Western New York, KaBOOM! and over 250 volunteers, we were able to build an inclusive playground at MLK Jr. Park, at the corner of North Parade and Fillmore Avenue. Click below to watch a timelapse video of the Community Build Day on September 20, 2019!

Self-guided Mobile Audio Tour of MLK Jr. Park

Learn about the stories and history behind MLK Jr. Park at the free self-guided mobile audio tour.

A Designated BlueCross BlueShield of Western New York Healthy Zone

The MLK Jr. Park Splash Pad is open over the summer through Labor Day, Monday to Sunday, 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m., weather dependent.

New social distancing and safety protocols will be implemented this year due to Covid-19.
– Entrances and Exits will each have a one-way location to assist with density levels
– Spray heads within the basin will operate 6ft. apart
– City attendants and security guards will be on site daily
– Footwear is required when in the Splash Pad
– Adult supervision is required for minors
– Use hand sanitizer before/after play
– Practice cough/sneeze etiquette
– Unwell? Stay home. If you have symptoms, call the Erie County Covid-19 hotline: 716-858-2929

Ice-skating will NOT be available at MLK Jr. Park in 2021. For information on other ice rinks in the City of Buffalo, please click here.