City of Long Beach Breaks Ground on 51st Street Greenbelt Project

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PRESS RELEASE

Above: Mayor Rex Richardson (center), City Manager Tom Modica (fourth from right), Eighth District Councilwoman Tunua Thrash-Ntuk (fourth from right) and U.S. Congresswoman Nanette Barragán (fifth from left) are joined by other City officials and representatives from the Rivers and Mountains Conservancy at the 51st Street Greenbelt groundbreaking event held on Monday, Nov. 11, 2025.

Long Beach, CA - The City of Long Beach today celebrated the groundbreaking of the 51st Street Greenbelt, a transformative project that will convert approximately one acre of undeveloped land adjacent to the DeForest Wetlands and the Los Angeles River Bike Path into a vibrant, accessible green space for the North Long Beach community.

"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. "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."

The Nov. 10 ceremony featured remarks by Mayor Rex Richardson, Eighth District Councilmember Tunua Thrash-Ntuk and other City leaders, as well as U.S. Congresswoman Nanette Barragán.

An Elevate '28 project, the new space will feature pedestrian trails, a cycle track, fitness stations, play structures and seating areas, all designed to promote active lifestyles. To ensure accessibility, the park will include Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant parking and hydration stations. 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.

"The 51st Street Greenbelt Project is a significant milestone for North Long Beach that reflects of our community's resilience and aspirations," said Eighth District Councilwoman Tunua Thrash-Ntuk. "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."

Community input played a key role in shaping the final design of the project, which is situated in a historically park-deficient neighborhood. Residents were invited to participate in a community meeting and bilingual survey and provide feedback, which directly informed the concept plan. By repurposing this site, the City will deliver much needed outdoor recreation opportunities, enhance green infrastructure and enrich an area disproportionately impacted by pollution and other environmental hazards.

"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 Acting Public Works Director, Joshua Hickman. "This project underscores Long Beach's commitment to creating sustainable, resilient spaces that benefit both our residents and the environment."

The project is supported by a combination of funding sources including a $2 million Housing and Urban Development Community Project Funding grant earmark 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. Construction for the project is expected to be completed by late 2026.

"Every community deserves access to parks and open space," said Congresswoman Barragán. "Thanks to our partnership with Mayor Rex Richardson and the City of Long Beach, we secured $2 million in federal funding to transform an underutilized North Long Beach lot into a thriving greenbelt along the LA River. This exciting project will connect residents to nature, expand outdoor recreation, and build a healthier community."

Elevate '28 is a comprehensive five-year infrastructure initiative designed to revitalize parks and community facilities while enhancing accessibility and multimodal transportation throughout Long Beach. For more information about the Elevate '28 Infrastructure Investment Plan, visit lbelevate28.com

More information about the 51st Street Greenbelt, including project concept renderings and timeline updates, is available at longbeach.gov/51ststreetgreenbelt.

About the City of Long Beach
Long Beach is nestled along the Southern California coast and home to approximately 466,000 people. As an award-winning full-service charter city, Long Beach offers the amenities of a metropolitan city while maintaining a strong sense of individual and diverse neighborhoods, culture, and community. With a bustling downtown and over six miles of scenic beaches, Long Beach is a renowned tourist and business destination and home to the iconic Queen Mary, nationally recognized Aquarium of the Pacific and Long Beach Airport, the award-winning Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center and world-with Port of Long Beach.

For more information about the City of Long Beach, visit longbeach.gov/. Follow us on social to keep up with the latest news: Facebook, X, Instagram and YouTube. For more information about the Department of Public Works visit longbeach.gov/pw and follow @lbpublicworks on Facebook, X and Instagram.

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