Long Beach Breaks Ground on 51st Street Greenbelt Project
Long Beach city leaders officially broke ground on Monday, November 10, 2025, on the 51st Street Greenbelt Project, marking the start of a significant new one-acre park in North Long Beach. This initiative aims to transform a formerly underutilized piece of land along the Los Angeles River into a vibrant, accessible green space, promising enhanced community well-being and environmental resilience.
Bringing Green Space to North Long Beach
The new 51st Street Greenbelt park will be strategically located along DeForest Avenue, nestled between West 51st and West 52nd streets, just north of Del Amo Boulevard and east of the Los Angeles River. This project is set to convert approximately one acre of undeveloped land into a thriving community asset, addressing an area that has historically faced disproportionate impacts from pollution and environmental hazards.
City officials emphasize that the project’s core objectives include increasing equitable access to outdoor recreation, fostering improved community health, and actively mitigating the effects of climate change. Mayor Rex Richardson expressed his pride, noting, “This was an underutilized piece of land and now we’re going to turn it into a place for memories to take place, and for folks to engage with nature.”
Features for a Healthier Community
The new park is designed with a variety of amenities to cater to diverse community needs and promote active lifestyles. Residents can look forward to:
- Pedestrian trails for walking and jogging
- A dedicated cycle track for biking enthusiasts
- Outdoor fitness stations
- Engaging play structures for children
- Comfortable shade seating areas
- ADA-compliant parking facilities
- Convenient drinking fountains
Beyond recreation, the project incorporates advanced green infrastructure, including bioswales and sustainable landscaping. These elements are crucial for reducing polluted water runoff, alleviating urban heat island effects, and supporting the overall ecological health of the local environment. Eighth District Councilmember Tunua Thrash-Ntuk highlighted the community value, stating, “We’re going to transform this lot together into a place of opportunity, play and connection.”
Community-Driven Design and Development
The design of the 51st Street Greenbelt Project was heavily influenced by the invaluable input from the North Long Beach community. As early as 2018, the city’s Parks, Recreation and Marine, and Health and Human Services departments hosted a public pop-up event on Earth Day to gather resident feedback on desired improvements for the undeveloped area. Key requests included active and passive park uses, as well as a connection to the existing L.A. River bicycle path.
Following this initial outreach, the city successfully secured grants, with the Port of Long Beach’s Community Grants Program providing initial funding in 2020 to kickstart the park’s design phase in 2021. Further engagement with neighborhood associations and Council District 8 (then under former Councilmember Al Austin) ensured that the final design reflected specific community interests. Stephen Scott, acting director for the Department of Parks, Recreation and Marine, reiterated the importance: “We all know that parks are vital to a community’s physical, mental and environmental health, and any time that we can add additional space, it is a wonderful opportunity.”
Funding the Future: A Collaborative Effort
The ambitious $6 million project has been made possible through a strategic combination of funding sources, underscoring a broad commitment to enhancing Long Beach’s public spaces. This park is also a part of Long Beach’s Elevate ‘28 Infrastructure Investment Plan, a city-wide initiative focused on upgrading parks, community facilities, and mobility ahead of the 2028 Olympics.
Project Funding Breakdown
| Funding Source | Amount Contributed |
|---|---|
| Port of Long Beach Community Grants Program | $999,000 |
| U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (secured by Rep. Nanette Barragán) | $2,000,000 |
| San Gabriel and Lower Los Angeles Rivers and Mountains Conservancy | $2,000,000 |
| Long Beach Construction and Demolition Recycling Program | $1,000,000 |
| Measure A Funds | $400,000 |
Rep. Nanette Barragán played a pivotal role in securing $2 million from the HUD’s Community Project Funding program in 2022. She shared a personal connection to the project’s mission: “When I was a kid, I didn’t have a park nearby… for me, it’s about investing in community. It’s investing in making sure they have green open space to go to in the neighborhoods, especially those that have limited access to parks and open spaces.”
What’s Next for the 51st Street Greenbelt?
With construction now underway, the community can anticipate the grand opening of the 51st Street Greenbelt Park in late 2026. This development promises to be a vibrant new hub for recreation, environmental stewardship, and community connection in North Long Beach.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 51st Street Greenbelt Project
- What is the 51st Street Greenbelt Project?
It’s a new one-acre park being developed in North Long Beach, transforming undeveloped land along DeForest Avenue into an accessible green space with recreational and environmental benefits. - Where exactly will the new park be located?
The park will be situated along DeForest Avenue, between West 51st and West 52nd streets, north of Del Amo Boulevard and east of the Los Angeles River. - What features will the 51st Street Greenbelt Park include?
Amenities will comprise pedestrian trails, a cycle track, fitness stations, play structures, shade seating, ADA-compliant parking, drinking fountains, and green infrastructure like bioswales and sustainable landscaping. - When is the park expected to be completed?
Construction has begun, and the park is anticipated to open to the public in late 2026. - How did the community contribute to the park’s design?
Residents provided input through public pop-up events (like Earth Day 2018) and engagements with neighborhood associations and Council District 8, shaping both active and passive uses, and specific design elements.
As Long Beach continues to invest in its green infrastructure, the 51st Street Greenbelt Project stands as a testament to community vision and dedicated city leadership, promising a healthier, more vibrant North Long Beach for years to come. Look forward to its completion in late 2026.
Long Beach Breaks Ground on New North Long Beach Park
