No Need to Choose at MLK Park
When Michigan weather finally warms up, it unofficially becomes parks and playground season.
If you’re dreading the chore of looking for the perfect park for the whole family, the newly updated Martin Luther King Park has got you covered no matter what activity you want.
Even if everyone in the family wants to do something different, the activities available at MLK Park give everyone a chance to have fun from swimming in the pool to gardening and running around the playground.
in this article
This Fresh Playground is Big Fun
The brand new playground at Martin Luther King Park (900 Fuller Ave SE, Grand Rapids MI 49506) is expansive and kid-approved!
With everything from see-saws to giant slides, merry go rounds to tunnels, even the grown ups can’t help joining in.
This playground also features a soft rubber base throughout.
Take a Dip in the Pool
One of the most popular public pools in Grand Rapids, the Martin Luther King Park pool sports a giant waterslide as the main attraction.
The shallow areas are perfect for younger kids and new swimmers. One of its best features is how spacious the pool is, so you never feel too cramped even on its busiest day.
Lifeguards on duty, and restrooms/changing area available in the lower level of the community center.
You can also take swim lessons at MLK Pool. Please see the city’s parks website for more info.
Martin Luther King Park pool is open daily 10 AM – 9 PM from early June – late August. (This year, it’s June 6 – Sept 13, 2026.)
Pool passes are required which can be purchased online.
NEW Community Center
One of the most highly anticipated renovations to MLK Park is the new community center, opened in early 2026.
This beautiful new space offers a full sized gym, an event space, and several rooms for fitness classes and community gatherings.
A peek inside showed a fitness studio equipped with a ballet barre and mirror wall as well as exercise equipment.
There’s also a gym equipped with basketball hoops, and further inside the building are the new restrooms/changing areas especially helpful to those using the pool.
Input from the community led to the offerings now available at The Lodge, such as teen after school programs, pickleball, and open gym hours.
One of its most unique features is the rentable event room, which can seat up to 200 people.
The Lodge aims to serve the community through their year-round programs.
While affordability is key, building community is the goal. Their program called Fitness Gold, for example, is for individuals ages 50+ and focuses on low-impact movement while offering social outings.
For the Plant-Lover
One of the newest features at Martin Luther King Park is the community garden space.
Just to the side of the playground are 12 raised garden beds for community use. This charming space reflects community gathering and growth now being cultivated in this area.
Play Ball!
Outdoor tennis courts, basketball courts, and baseball fields can all be found here!
Whether you’re looking to play a game with friends or to play in an organized league, MLK Park is a great spot to play.
Know Before You Go
Location
Martin Luther King Park
900 Fuller Ave SE, Grand Rapids MI 49506
website
Hours
Open year round, dawn to dusk
Pool is open mid-June through late August
FAQs
Are dogs allowed at Martin Luther King Park?
Yes, on a 6 ft leash.
Is Martin Luther King Park accessible?
Yes, most of Martin Luther King Park is stroller friendly.
What time of year is Martin Luther King Park open?
Martin Luther King Park is open year round.
The pool is open seasonally from early June – late August.
Is there an admission fee for Martin Luther King Park?
There is no admission fee to Martin Luther King Park itself. But you do have to purchase a pool pass to swim.
Go Play!
Have you checked out this Martin Luther King Park for yourself yet? What was your favorite part? Let us know in the comments!
Map of Grand Rapids Parks and Trails
Find your next outdoor adventure near you with this map of the best hiking trails, playgrounds, and parks in West Michigan.
