Santa Rosa Approves MLK Jr. Park Renovations Amid Funding Uncertainty

New amenities coming to the park include enhanced facilities for a growing soccer community and other community-requested upgrades.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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The Santa Rosa City Council has unanimously approved a master plan to revamp Martin Luther King Jr. Park in the city's South Park neighborhood. The $12 million project will add a small hardcourt for soccer, new play areas, a large grass gathering space, public art, and other improvements. However, the project faces funding constraints, with only $8 million currently set aside, likely requiring the work to be done in phases.

Why it matters

MLK Jr. Park is one of Santa Rosa's oldest and most heavily used parks, serving a predominantly Latino neighborhood. The renovations aim to address long-standing community needs and safety concerns, while also supporting a growing youth and adult soccer community that practices at the park.

The details

The revamped park will feature a new synthetic turf soccer field, spectator and player seating, equipment storage, and field lighting. There will also be separate play areas for toddlers and older children, a basketball court, futsal court, outdoor fitness equipment, a lawn area with picnic facilities, and a nearly half-mile walking path. The project also includes improvements to the adjacent Newhall Trail, such as paving, lighting, and a trailhead.

  • The Santa Rosa City Council approved the master plan on February 10, 2026.
  • Construction bids are expected to be issued later this spring, with the contract awarded in the summer.
  • Construction on the first phase could start by the end of 2026, though the timeline may change based on final funding commitments.

The players

Santa Rosa City Council

The city council unanimously approved the master plan for the MLK Jr. Park renovations.

Emily Ander

The assistant parks planner who presented the project details to the city council.

Annette Arnold

A member of the South Park Coalition neighborhood group who expressed concerns about prioritizing safety improvements like lighting and trail upgrades.

Eddie Alvarez

The city council member whose district includes the South Park neighborhood, who pressed for prioritizing trail improvements and lighting.

Kristoc Camacho

A coach for the South Park Futbol Club youth soccer league, who spoke in support of the synthetic turf field to allow year-round use.

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What they’re saying

“It's what we've been asking for for years,”

— Annette Arnold, South Park Coalition neighborhood group

“Many of the families that live in South Park are lower income and don't have the resources to enroll their kids in afterschool activities. Transportation also is an issue. He said the club has been a lifeline for many of these families, and synthetic turf would allow the club and others to use the park all year long.”

— Kristoc Camacho, South Park Futbol Club youth league coach

What’s next

The city will continue to seek additional funding for the project, and the council will allocate funding for the renovations in the next capital budget. Officials anticipate issuing construction bids later this spring and awarding the contract in the summer, with the first phase of construction potentially starting by the end of 2026.

The takeaway

The MLK Jr. Park renovation project highlights the importance of community-driven improvements to address long-standing needs in underserved neighborhoods. While funding constraints may require a phased approach, the city's commitment to the project demonstrates its responsiveness to resident feedback and its efforts to support local youth sports and community activities.