By Staff Report – 11/18/2025
Long Beach has begun efforts to add an acre of green space to the northside with the 51st Street Greenbelt groundbreaking earlier this month.
The concrete lot that sits beside DeForest Wetlands and the Los Angeles River Bike Path will be transformed into an open green space by late 2026. The space will feature walking and bicycle trails, a playground, seating areas, fitness equipment and sustainable landscaping.
“The 51st Street Greenbelt Project is a significant milestone for North Long Beach that reflects our community’s resilience and aspirations,” said Eighth District Councilmember Tunua Thrash-Ntuk in a public statement. “By turning this space into an accessible green haven, we honor the input and needs of our community and create a legacy of hope and opportunity for future generations of North Long Beach residents.”
Plans for the 51st Street Greenbelt are based on years of community input through public meetings and multiple surveys, according to the City. North Long Beach has historically faced some of the highest levels of pollution in the city, impacted by nearby freeways and the port.
As a result of discriminatory housing policies, North, West and Central Long Beach also has more people of color living in those areas. Residents in these areas also have much less green space than the more affluent East Long Beach, according to the City’s Parks, Rec and Marine Strategic Plan.
“The 51st Street Greenbelt is more than just a park—it’s part of our commitment to ensuring every Long Beach neighborhood has safe, welcoming green spaces where families can play, exercise and connect with nature,” said Mayor Rex Richardson in a public statement. “This project brings equitable access to outdoor recreation and continued pride to North Long Beach, and I am thankful for our community’s collaboration in bringing this project to life.”
Green infrastructure including bioswales and sustainable landscaping will also be incorporated to help reduce polluted water runoff, mitigate urban heat and support local ecological health.
“By integrating sustainable features like bioswales and native landscaping, this project not only enhances the community’s recreational spaces, but also addresses critical environmental challenges such as stormwater management and urban heat,” said Joshua Hickman, Acting Public Works Director, in a public statement. “This project underscores Long Beach’s commitment to creating sustainable, resilient spaces that benefit both our residents and the environment.”
The 51st Street Greenbelt Project is supported by a combination of funding sources, including a $2 million Housing and Urban Development Community Project Funding grant earmarked by U.S. Congresswoman Nanette Barragán, a $2 million grant from the Rivers and Mountains Conservancy, $400,000 in Measure A funds, $1 million from the Construction and Demolition Recycling Program and a $999,115 grant from the Port of Long Beach.
More information about the 51st Street Greenbelt, including project concept renderings and timeline updates, is available at longbeach.gov/51ststreetgreenbelt.