City of Long Beach Breaks Ground on 51st Street Greenbelt Project
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Long Beach, CA ~ Long Beach, CA - On Monday, November 10, 2025, the City of Long Beach celebrated the groundbreaking of the highly anticipated 51st Street Greenbelt project. The event was attended by Mayor Rex Richardson, City Manager Tom Modica, Eighth District Councilwoman Tunua Thrash-Ntuk, U.S. Congresswoman Nanette Barragán and other city officials and representatives from the Rivers and Mountains Conservancy.

The 51st Street Greenbelt is a transformative project that will convert approximately one acre of undeveloped land into a vibrant green space for the North Long Beach community. This new space will be located adjacent to the DeForest Wetlands and the Los Angeles River Bike Path.

During the ceremony, Mayor Rex Richardson expressed his excitement for this project and its potential impact on the community. He stated that "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."

The new green space will feature pedestrian trails, a cycle track, fitness stations, play structures and seating areas - all designed to promote active lifestyles. In addition to these amenities, the park will also include Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant parking and hydration stations to ensure accessibility for all residents.

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Eighth District Councilwoman Tunua Thrash-Ntuk also spoke at the event and emphasized how this project reflects the resilience and aspirations of the North Long Beach community. She stated that "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."

Community input played a crucial role in shaping the final design of this project. Residents were invited to participate in a community meeting and bilingual survey to provide feedback that directly informed the concept plan. This was especially important as this area has historically been lacking in green spaces.

Acting Public Works Director, Joshua Hickman, highlighted the sustainable features of the project, such as bioswales and native landscaping. He stated that "by integrating these features, this project not only enhances the community's recreational spaces but also addresses critical environmental challenges such as stormwater management and urban heat."

The 51st Street Greenbelt project is supported by a combination of funding sources, including a $2 million grant from the Housing and Urban Development Community Project Funding earmarked by U.S. Congresswoman Nanette Barragán. Other funding sources include 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.

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Construction for this project is expected to be completed by late 2026. Congresswoman Barragán expressed her excitement for this project and its potential impact on the community. She stated that "every community deserves access to parks and open space" and that this project will "connect residents to nature, expand outdoor recreation, and build a healthier community."

The 51st Street Greenbelt is part of Elevate '28 - 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 Elevate '28 Infrastructure Investment Plan, visit lbelevate28.com.

Residents can stay updated on the progress of the 51st Street Greenbelt project by visiting longbeach.gov/51ststreetgreenbelt for concept renderings and timeline updates. This groundbreaking event marks an exciting step towards creating a more sustainable and vibrant North Long Beach community.

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