Long Beach breaks ground on 51st Street Greenbelt expansion to add park space in North Long Beach
Groundbreaking launches a new greenbelt segment along the lower Los Angeles River corridor
Long Beach officials have started construction on the 51st Street Greenbelt, a project designed to convert an undeveloped parcel in North Long Beach into a public park with walking and cycling access. The groundbreaking ceremony took place Monday, Nov. 10, 2025, marking the start of a development budgeted at $6 million.
The greenbelt is planned on De Forest Avenue between 51st and 52nd streets. City plans describe a compact neighborhood park with pedestrian and cycling paths, outdoor fitness elements, children’s play structures, native landscaping and stormwater-focused “green infrastructure.” City staff said the project is scheduled for completion by fall 2026.
What the project adds: paths, play space, native plants, and stormwater features
The design emphasizes both recreation and site ecology. Project managers said the location already includes mature native trees, including oaks and sycamores, which will remain part of the finished park. The plan also includes a bioswale—a vegetated channel intended to manage stormwater—building on a site that already captures runoff on location.
- Pedestrian and cycling paths
- Outdoor fitness equipment
- Play structures for children
- Native plants and retained mature trees
- Green infrastructure intended to manage stormwater onsite
Accessibility and street work began ahead of the ceremonial start
While the ceremonial “first shovels” were turned in November 2025, city public works leaders said preparatory work has been underway for years. That includes completion of hardscape elements such as curb, gutter and sidewalk improvements intended to make the site easier to reach and navigate. The city also said it plans to restore pavement and parking adjacent to the greenbelt as part of finishing work, with the stated goal of integrating the park into the surrounding residential blocks.
How the greenbelt fits into broader city efforts and federal participation
The project is part of Long Beach’s broader infrastructure investment planning and follows other expansions of recreational space in the lower Los Angeles River area in recent years. During the groundbreaking, city leaders and a member of Congress whose district includes North Long Beach highlighted the role of federal funding in assembling the project’s financing.
The 51st Street Greenbelt project is scheduled to be completed by fall 2026, according to city project leadership.
Local context: serving a neighborhood near schools and park access goals
City officials said the park is intended to serve residents of all ages, with particular attention to children because the site sits near several schools. Parks leadership also described the project as addressing community health and environmental conditions through added tree canopy and vegetation, alongside the recreational amenities.
Construction is now underway, with the city’s timeline pointing to opening in fall 2026 if work proceeds as scheduled.