Description:
Adjacent to Tierra Verde Golf Club, MLK Sports Center is part of the Reserve at Arlington. The first Audubon sanctioned sports center in the United States, the design and maintenance of the complex is dedicated to environmental sensitivity. Recycled materials were used in construction. No hazardous chemicals are used to maintain the facility, helping preserve the existing natural resources. While the name Martin Luther King, Jr. is synonymous with struggle, it is also synonymous with progress, something that is showcased by this park. The 100-acre center features baseball fields maintained with organic pesticides and herbicides, an interpretive nature trail and a playground made of recycled materials. The park’s drainage travels through a filter system before flowing into Sublett Creek. These innovations in park design and environmental stewardship were recognized when the complex became the first sports facility in the world to achieve the prestigious Audubon Signature designation in October 2000. Elzie Odom, Arlington’s first African-American mayor, threw out the first pitch for a ballgame on January 17, 2000, officially opening the center. During his speech commemorating the day, Odom said that it was, “A place for families, of all cultures.” Community Park (86 acres) Amenities: - Hike/Bike Trail (1.45 miles) - Grills - League Fields (Baseball) - Concessions - Picnic Area - Playground - Natural Area - Pavilion - Restrooms