Martin Luther King, Jr. Park Community Center
Located at 1000 S. Owens Street in northeast Bakersfield, California, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Park is one of the city’s most significant public spaces—both culturally and historically. Originally completed in 1936 and rededicated in 1983 in honor of Dr. King, who visited Bakersfield in 1960, the park continues to serve as a vital gathering place for the surrounding community. Through an extensive public outreach process and collaboration with city advisory groups, Paul Murdoch Architects, in partnership with MIG as landscape architect, reimagined the park as a multigenerational community wellness hub dedicated to health, recreation, and social connection. By combining active recreation spaces, community health programming, and partnerships with local health organizations, the revitalized park supports Bakersfield’s Blue Zone initiative and advances the city’s broader goals for community well-being and resilience.
At the heart of the 16.1-acre master plan is a reorganized landscape structured around four quadrants, each offering a range of amenities and experiences. A new Community Center anchors the site as a civic and wellness focal point, framing a west-facing courtyard and connecting visitors to the park’s amphitheater and outdoor spaces. The building’s U-shaped form wraps a public swimming pool and sloped roof volumes bring daylight deep into interior spaces while providing shade and energy efficiency through passive design strategies. The surrounding park—designed by MIG—features multipurpose fields, courts, splash pads, and pedestrian promenades that link each quadrant, encouraging year-round use for recreation, learning, and cultural events. Together, the building and landscape establish a cohesive civic environment that celebrates community health, sustainability, and the enduring legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
PROJECT INFORMATION
Location: Bakersfield, CA
Owner: City of Bakersfield
TEAM MEMBERS
Paul Murdoch
Milena Murdoch
Eric Cunningham
PRESS
Revitalization of MLK Park and Community Center Moves Forward