Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Gardens

The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Gardens, located in Raleigh, North Carolina, is a significant public park dedicated to honoring the legacy of Dr. King and the civil rights movement. Established in 1989, it holds the distinction of being the first public park in the United States solely devoted to Dr. King and the civil rights movement.

Spanning approximately 2.4 acres, the park features several notable elements that pay tribute to Dr. King and other civil rights pioneers. The centerpiece of the gardens is a 6-foot-tall bronze statue of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., created by North Carolina native sculptor Abbe Godwin. The statue depicts Dr. King in his Doctorate Clerical Robe, standing at eye level on a small circular platform, which gives visitors a sense of approachability.

Surrounding the statue is the King Memorial Wall, constructed from 2,500 named bricks that recognize individuals, churches, businesses, and organizations that supported and contributed to the creation of the facility. Another prominent feature is a 12-ton granite water monument that honors pioneers of the Civil Rights Movement. This monument includes inscriptions of civil rights activists' names and a quote from Dr. King: "...UNTIL JUSTICE ROLLS DOWN LIKE WATERS AND RIGHTEOUSNESS LIKE A MIGHTY STREAM...".

The gardens are thoughtfully landscaped with a variety of trees, shrubs, and flowers, creating a serene environment for reflection and contemplation. Benches are strategically placed throughout the park, offering visitors places to rest and reflect on Dr. King's legacy.

In recent years, the park has undergone expansion to enhance its offerings. In 2015, detailed designs and funding for phase 2 were approved, leading to the addition of extra acreage, a comfort station, pavilion, redesigned parking, and an enlarged pedestrian plaza.

The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Gardens serve as both a historical landmark and an educational destination. It provides a unique space for citizens of Raleigh, the people of North Carolina, and visitors from across the nation to learn about and reflect on Dr. King's contributions to peace, justice, equality, human dignity, and education.

The park is open daily from sunrise to sunset, offering free admission to all visitors. It has become a focal point for community events, particularly during the annual observance of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birthday, when wreath-laying ceremonies are often held at the site.