Drake-Chavez Master Planning Project
Survey
The City of Long Beach is asking for your input to help create a shared vision for more open space and improvements in the surrounding area. This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to make sure the parks reflect the needs, priorities, and ideas of the community they serve.
The Drake Chavez Vision Plan that was approved in 2019 identified the space between the two parks for new green space, but it did not define what that space could offer or how it could best serve the community. That’s where the Drake-Chavez Master Planning Project comes in. By sharing your thoughts, you can help guide programming, access, and design to ensure the area grows in a way that truly benefits the community.
The survey is available online in English, Spanish, Khmer and Tagalog and will remain open through Sunday, Jan. 18, 2026. We encourage you to take a few minutes to make your voice part of this important planning process.
Click here for project updates.
Background
The Drake-Chavez Master Planning Project is a vision to transform nearly 20 acres of existing parcels and potential new, open spaces in the area surrounding Drake and Cesar E. Chavez Parks.This new, more comprehensive initiative will be built on the previous 2019 Drake Chavez Vision Plan, which outlined the building blocks for the Drake-Chavez Connection project.
Recent projects that have already contributed significantly to the revitalization of this Downtown Long Beach area include improvements to the Drake/Chavez soccer fields and the Long Beach Municipal Urban Stormwater Treatment (LB-MUST) facility and wetlands.
With current funding limited to planning, engagement and concept design, additional resources will be required to move the project into detailed design and construction. The project will be completed in phases as funding is secured by the City. Future phases will also depend on full funding and construction of the Shoemaker Bridge Replacement and Shoreline Drive Realignment projects.
Community input will play a key role in ensuring the neighborhood’s priorities are reflected in this long-term urban revitalization initiative. Ongoing opportunities to contribute to this enhanced master planning effort will be shared on this project page, and on Public Works social channels. Follow @lbpublicworks on Facebook, X, and Instagram to stay up to date.
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
| Community Engagement and Planning | Fall 2025 - Spring 2026 |
| Concept Design | Summer 2027 |
Project timeline is set barring unforeseen circumstances.
Objectives
- Revitalize and strengthen connections between neighborhoods
- Expand and improve public green space
- Create recreation space along the lower Los Angeles River
- Reduce environmental and air quality impacts in the surrounding area
Project Features
- To be identified with the support of community input
Project Funding
This project is funded by Measure A and Park Impact Fees.
More Information
10.16.2025 Drake-Chavez Community Meeting Presentation
09.17.2025 Willmore Community Presentation
Project Updates
October 2025
The Public Works team hosted community workshops to provide an overview of the project and gather public input.
Sign Up for Project Updates
To receive email updates about the project, visit the Drake-Chavez Project Update sign-up page.
Contact
For inquiries about this project, please visit the Drake-Chavez Projects Contact Form page.
Useful Links
Contact Public Works
411 W. Ocean Blvd.
Long Beach, CA 90802
Phone: (562) 570-5000
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