Public Works

51st Street Greenbelt

   

51st Street Greenbelt Rendering

51st Street Greenbelt Rendering

51st Street Greenbelt Rendering

51st Street Greenbelt Project Features

Groundbreaking Ceremony (November 2025)

Groundbreaking Ceremony (November 2025)

Groundbreaking Ceremony (November 2025)

51st Street Greenbelt Sign (October 2025)

51st Street Greenbelt (October 2025)

51st Street Greenbelt View from DeForest Avenue (October 2025)

  

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Background

The 51st Street Greenbelt Project, located on De Forest Avenue between 51st and 52nd Streets, will transform approximately one acre of undeveloped land along the Los Angeles River into a vibrant, accessible green space. Located in a park-deficient and historically underserved neighborhood in North Long Beach, this project will increase equitable access to outdoor recreation, improve community health and help mitigate the effects of climate change in an area disproportionately impacted by pollution and environmental hazards.

Community input played a key role in shaping the park’s design. Residents were invited to participate in a community meeting and bilingual survey (English and Spanish) to provide feedback on the types of amenities and activities they wanted most. The survey asked participants to prioritize active and passive uses, such as biking, running and play equipment (active) versus walking paths, gardens and picnic areas (passive), as well as rank features like sports areas, outdoor learning spaces and fitness equipment. This feedback directly informed the concept plan, which was shared with the community following the survey period.

Once complete, the 51st Street Greenbelt will be a welcoming and sustainable public space that reflects the needs and vision of the North Long Beach community.

This project is part of the Elevate ’28 Infrastructure Investment Plan, a historic initiative dedicated to enhancing Long Beach parks, community facilities, mobility access, and streets. Learn more at lbelevate28.com.

Timeline

Objectives

• Create a thoughtfully-designed, inclusive and user-friendly environment that invites visitors of different ages and abilities to enjoy the space
  
• Enhance green space by transforming underutilized land into a landscaped greenbelt with trees and plants to contribute to urban greening and support local wildlife
  
• Provide recreational amenities to promote active lifestyles and community wellness

Project Features

• Pedestrian trails
• Cycle track
• Fitness stations
• Play equipment/structures
• Landscaping with new trees and ground cover
• Seating/benches
• Bioswales
• ADA parking
• Hydration stations

Project Funding

An Elevate ’28 project, the 51st Street Greenbelt is funded with $400,000 of Measure A funds, a $2,000,000 grant from the Rivers and Mountains Conservancy, $2,000,000 from the Housing and Urban Development Community Project Funding grant, $1,000,000 of Construction and Demolition Recycling Program funds, and a $999,115 grant from the Port of Long Beach. 

More Information

• 51st Street Greenbelt Project - Rivers and Mountains Conservancy Presentation
• 51st Street Greenbelt Project - Timeline Display Board 
• 51st Street Greenbelt Project - Objectives and Features Display Board
• 51st Street Greenbelt Project - Rendering 1 Display Board
• 51st Street Greenbelt Project - Rending 2 Display Board

Latest Updates

November 2025

On November 10, 2025, the City celebrated the groundbreaking of the 51st Street Greenbelt project.

June 2025

On June 17, 2025, the Long Beach City Council awarded a construction contract for the 51st Street Greenbelt project to SDC Engineering, Inc. The City is currently in contracting with the awarded vendor and preparing for the construction phase of the project. Stay tuned for more updates!