Community Invited to Learn More About Improvement Projects Coming to Houghton Park

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PRESS RELEASE

Above: An aerial view of Houghton Park.

Long Beach, CA -- The City of Long Beach Department of Public Works and Parks, Recreation and Marine invite community members to attend a community meeting on Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2026 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Houghton Park Community Center (6301 Myrtle Ave.) to learn more about four improvement projects planned for Houghton Park.

The Department of Public Works is advancing several coordinated projects at Houghton Park that will enhance community facilities, recreation amenities and gathering spaces over the next year. At the meeting, attendees will review proposed improvements, ask questions and hear about upcoming construction activities on the projects listed below. The deadline to RSVP and request interpretation services or other accommodations is Monday, Sept. 14, 2026.

The community meeting will cover the below projects:

Houghton Park Community Center Improvements
Construction on the Houghton Park Community Center Improvements roof project is scheduled to begin in fall 2026. The project will replace the facility's aging roof system with a new, long-term warranted roofing system to protect the building from water intrusion and extend its useful life. Supported by Measure A, these improvements will help ensure the continued reliability and availability of this important community facility.

Houghton Park Playground Project
Community members will also receive an update on the Houghton Park Playground project, which is anticipated to begin construction later this year. At the Aug. 18 meeting, the City Council approved the award of a construction contract for the project, marking an important step toward construction. Funded by Measure A, Park Impact Fees, the Los Angeles County Regional Park and Open Space District Annual Allocation Grant Program and an earmark from California State Parks Office of Grants and Local Services, the project has been shaped by ongoing community engagement.

The first playground designs were shared with the community at an October 2023 meeting, followed by updated designs presented in June 2024 that incorporated feedback received during the initial outreach. The new playground will feature modern play equipment designed for children of various ages and abilities, including ADA-accessible play features, pathways and surfacing. The project will also incorporate sensory, physical and imaginative play opportunities at a unique custom stage inspired by the park's rich musical history, along with new trees for shade, enhanced landscaping, rubberized safety surfacing, lighting, benches and a drinking fountain.

Houghton Park Parking Lot and Gathering Area Improvements
In addition, attendees will learn about the Houghton Park Parking Lot and Gathering Area Improvements project, which will enhance the park's gathering spaces to create a more welcoming, accessible and functional environment for the community. The planned improvements include parking lot rehabilitation, enhanced pedestrian access, a redesigned gathering area with new seating and a shade structure, new site furnishings, upgraded landscaping and irrigation and additional trees to provide shade and enhance the overall park experience. Supported by Measure A, construction of the parking lot improvements is expected to begin in fall 2026. Based on community feedback received, improvements to the gathering area can begin as early as spring 2027.

Houghton Park Bike Mobility Hub
Furthermore, through community grant funding provided by the Port of Long Beach, the City will re-establish a Bike Mobility Hub at Houghton Park in the space under the baseball bleachers. Community members will learn more about the project scope, which includes flooring restoration, wall repairs, painting and accessibility improvements to the employee restroom.

Together, these projects represent a significant investment in Houghton Park that will expand recreational opportunities and create more welcoming spaces for residents to gather, connect and enjoy the park. The projects are part of the Elevate '28 Infrastructure Investment Plan, which has grown to over $1 billion in funding for nearly 200 projects designed to revitalize parks and community facilities while enhancing accessibility and multimodal transportation throughout Long Beach. More information about the historic investment in infrastructure currently underway is available at lbelevate28.com.

For more information, to RSVP and to sign up for project updates, visit lbcity.info/HoughtonProjects.

Media inquiries may be directed to Jocelin Padilla-Razo, Community Information Officer, Department of Public Works, at [email protected].

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