Civic Center Park, Berkeley

Civic Center Park, also known as Martin Luther King Junior Park, is a historic landmark in Berkeley dedicated to civil rights and community activism. Designed in 1983, the park offers a serene green space adorned with a fountain inspired by the 1939 Golden Gate International Exhibition’s “Fountain of Western Waters” and a peace wall inlaid with vibrant tiles. Registered as a historic landmark in 1997, it provides a peaceful retreat with a stunning view of the Old Town Hall, formerly the city hall and now the Maudelle Shirek Building.

The park’s story intertwines with Berkeley’s evolution, reflecting the cultural and economic milestones that have shaped the city. In the early 20th century, the area where the park now stands was dotted with industrial tenements. Architects Lewis Hobart and Charles Cheney envisioned a civic center surrounded by beautiful and functional buildings, but financial constraints delayed the realization of this vision.

Efforts to establish the civic center began in 1926 with the gradual acquisition of land, culminating in the purchase of the final lot in 1940. That same year, Berkeley residents approved a $125,000 bond, turning the dream into a tangible plan. Despite the challenges of World War II, the park was dedicated on Memorial Day in 1942, symbolizing hope and progress during a turbulent era.

Over the decades, Civic Center Park has hosted countless political gatherings, embodying Berkeley’s spirit of grassroots activism. Its grounds have borne witness to the tides of history, serving as both a stage for civic engagement and a repository of collective memory. Today, it remains a vibrant hub for relaxation, reflection, and the celebration of Berkeley’s enduring commitment to social justice.