Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Park

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park at Manhattan Square, located in the East End District of downtown Rochester, New York, spans five acres and offers a dynamic blend of recreation, history, and community events. Originally designed by the prominent landscape architect Lawrence Halprin in the early 1970s, the park integrates modernist design with urban renewal goals. It features multi-level spaces with striking concrete steps, retaining walls, and a central sunken plaza that serves as an amphitheater seating 2,000.

Renamed in 2013 to honor Dr. King, the park has several key attractions, including a kidney-shaped ice skating rink in winter that transforms into a reflecting pool with fountains during warmer months. The rink's design was updated in 2008, expanding its usable surface by 30%. Visitors can also enjoy murals by local artist Shawn Dunwoody, which celebrate figures like Frederick Douglass and Susan B. Anthony, adding vibrant color and historical significance to the park.

Other notable features include a modern children’s playground, a tree-shaded promenade, a bermed garden, and a large open meadow suitable for events. The amphitheater, a hallmark of Halprin's design, remains a hub for open-air concerts and festivals, including the Rochester International Jazz Festival, Party in the Park, and the ROC Holiday Village celebration. The park also houses the Martin Luther King Jr. Lodge, which offers rentable space for private gatherings and community activities.

This urban oasis in the heart of Rochester provides both a peaceful retreat and a lively venue for cultural engagement. Adjacent to the Strong National Museum of Play, it is a key component of the "Neighborhood of Play," surrounded by restaurants, breweries, and other attractions, making it a centerpiece of downtown activity year-round.