PRESS RELEASE

Long Beach, CA - The Long Beach Department of Parks, Recreation and Marine (PRM) is hosting a dedication ceremony for the newly renovated Houghton Community Center complex, the Doris Topsy-Elvord Community Center at Houghton Park. The public event will take place at 11 a.m. on Saturday, August 21, 2021, before the start of the 10th annual Uptown Jazz Festival.

"Doris Topsy-Elvord has lived in Long Beach for more than 75 years and has always been an advocate for equity," said Mayor Robert Garcia. "The services and programs for everyone from children to older adults at Houghton Park encompass what she has long championed for in Long Beach."

The community center, which opened last year, offers 30,000 square feet of programmable space, a 6,400-square foot LEED-certified conference area, a social hall, two large multipurpose rooms, a weightlifting gym, computer lab, outdoor courtyards and a sound and plant garden. The original Houghton clubhouse, a historic landmark originally built in 1930, also remains on the site at 6301 Myrtle Ave.

Following an item brought forth by Vice Mayor Rex Richardson and endorsed by Councilmember Dr. Suely Saro, Councilmember Roberto Uranga and Councilmember Al Austin, and approved by the City Council at large, the naming of the complex recognizes the legacy, contributions and service of community leader Vice Mayor Doris Topsy-Elvord.

"Doris celebrated her 90th birthday this summer, and naming the new community center at Houghton Park in her honor is the perfect birthday gift for her and for our city to commemorate her extensive contributions as a longtime public servant for Long Beach," said Vice Mayor Rex Richardson.

Topsy-Elvord became the first Black woman elected to the Long Beach City Council in 1992 and served twice as vice mayor of the city. She also was the first Black person and the third woman to serve on the Port of Long Beach Harbor Commission. She helped co-found Long Beach's African American Heritage Society and led historic designation efforts on the home of civil rights pioneers Ernest and Lillian McBride.

For information about PRM programs and services, visit longbeach.gov/park or call 562.570.3150.

About the City of Long Beach
Home to approximately 470,000 people, the multiple award-winning and innovative City of Long Beach offers all the world-class amenities of a large metropolitan city while maintaining a strong sense of individual and diverse neighborhoods nestled together along the California coast. As a full-service charter city, Long Beach is home to the Queen Mary, Aquarium of the Pacific, several museums and theaters, a highly-rated school district, Long Beach Airport, the Port of Long Beach, as well as many award-winning City departments such as Health, Parks, Recreation and Marine, Development Services, Public Works and more. The City also has a highly respected university and city college, two historic ranchos, five hospitals, 12 libraries, five golf courses, 169 parks, miles of beaches, marinas, bike paths and a Bike Share program.

For more information about the City of Long Beach, visit longbeach.gov. Watch us on LBTV. Follow us on social to keep up with the latest news on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

About Long Beach Parks, Recreation and Marine

Long Beach Parks, Recreation and Marine Department (PRM) is recognized for excellence in management practices and programs, having received the National Parks and Recreation Association Gold Medal Award four times. PRM provides leisure programs and services to residents and visitors, which improve quality of life in Long Beach. PRM maintains 169 parks with 26 community centers, 320 acres of open space, and 6.1 miles of beaches; implements the City's Open Space Plan, provides recreational opportunities to meet diverse community needs, maintains public marinas, and provides for public safety and the humane treatment of animals.

For more information about the Long Beach Parks, Recreation and Marine programs and services, visit www.longbeach.gov/park. Follow us on social to keep up with the latest news on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube. 

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