Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Nature Walk

Related Organization: Kansas City Parks & Recreation

Celebrating Dr. King’s Legacy

Each year since 2015, we come together with our partners and the Kansas City community for the MLK, Jr. Nature Walk focused on environmental justice followed by a keynote speaker at the Bruce R. Watkins Cultural Center.

This event encourages listening, reflection, and honoring the powerful words of Dr. King. Nature serves as a place of peacefulness, awe, and inspiration, making it the perfect setting to resonate with Dr. King’s timeless messages.

STARTING POINT: “15 and the Mahomies” Playground at Martin Luther King Jr. Square Park

ENDING POINT: Bruce R. Watkins Cultural Heritage Center, 3700 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.

Event Schedule

• 9 – 9:30 am: Check-in and registration
  
• 9:15 – 10:45 am: Nature walk from 15 and the Mahomies Playground to Bruce R. Watkins Cultural Center (first group leaves at 9:15am; second group leaves at 9:30am)
  
• 10:30 am: Shuttle service from Cultural Center to Parking areas begins
  
• 10:30 – 11 am: Explore Cultural Center and refreshments
  
• 11 – 12 pm: Plenary opening and keynote address at the Cultural Center
  
• 12:30 pm: Shuttle service ends

Event Details

• This entire event is FREE and open to all, but please do register so we can plan accordingly.
  
• You may join the guided nature walk along Brush Creek (a tributary of the Blue River), the post-walk gathering at the Cultural Center, or both. 
  
• The guided 1.5 mile one-way nature walk led by USFWS and KC Tour Company will focus on environmental justice as we follow a mostly paved path from the MLK, Jr. Square Park to the Bruce R. Watkins Cultural Center.
  
• Leashed dogs are welcome on the walk, but are not allowed inside the Cultural Center.
  
• Event is rain or shine so please dress for the weather and wear comfortable walking shoes.

Post-Walk Gathering

We’ll gather at the Bruce R. Watkins Cultural Heritage Center to enjoy light refreshments provided by MO State Parks. During this time, Kansas City Parks and Recreation has organized local community leaders to share insights on environmental justice.

Parking

Limited parking with several handicap accessible spaces is available at Martin Luther King Jr. Square Park (Woodland Ave & Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64130). Overflow parking is available at the Paseo Academy of Fine and Performing Arts (4747 Flora Ave., Kansas City, MO 64110) and is only a 5 minute walk (0.2 miles) to the 15 and the Mahomies Playground Nature Walk check-in and registration location.

AgendaUSA will provide a shuttle from 10:30 am – 12:30 pm for a convenient return to your cars from the Cultural Center to the two parking areas.