JAN. 24, 2025 — The Recreation & Parks Department’s project to revitalize Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Park will make a positive impact oan the community by upgrading park amenities and providing a new state-of-the-art community center for the nearby residents and the rest of the City. 

But the City can’t make it happen alone. In the spirit of collaboration, Valley Strong Credit Union is contributing $1 million to create a new financial literacy center at the future facility.

“We are so grateful to Valley Strong for its support of this vital project,” said Darin Budak, Bakersfield Recreation & Parks Director. “Our vision is that the new park facilities will play an important role in the neighborhood in a number of ways, beyond just recreation. We want it to make a difference in residents’ lives every day. Valley Strong’s contribution will certainly help us do that.”

"Valley Strong Credit Union is committed to the revitalization of MLK Park in partnership with the City of Bakersfield,” said Nick Ambrosini, President and CEO of Valley Strong. “This project reflects our mission to help people and our community prosper by enhancing community spaces and fostering a vibrant, inclusive environment for all residents. By investing in MLK Park, we are improving the physical landscape and strengthening the community bonds that make Bakersfield a wonderful place to live and work. Additionally, our financial literacy programs that will be available at MLK Park will provide access to financial education, empowering individuals to achieve their dreams and secure a brighter future.” 

On Friday, Jan. 24, the Recreation & Parks Department provided a progress update on the revitalization project to the public, showing advanced concept designs of what the facilities are expected to look like once completed.

In addition to the Valley Strong Financial Literacy Center, the new park and community center will feature an outdoor pool and water slide, multi-use fields, colorful play areas, cool spray grounds, basketball courts, amphitheater, bike repair shop, gymnasium, new futsal and pickleball courts, an events plaza, and much more! It will have capacity to host community events and meetings as well.

In September of 2024, the project received $11.9 million from the Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Program Grant and Recreation & Parks staff are pursuing another $18 million in available grant funding. This project will still need another $31 million to make it a reality. Anyone interested in progress of the project, or how to support or advocate for it, can visit the MLK Park Revitalization Project webpage on the City’s website.