Public Works

Wrigley Greenbelt Project

Additional project updates and information will be published on an on-going basis.

Latest Updates – June 2023

Wrigley Greenbelt is officially open! The City of Long Beach hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony for the Wrigley Greenbelt on Friday, May 19.  Thank you to the community for your patience and cooperation throughout this project.

Project Funding

The Wrigley Greenbelt project is a $3.82 million project with funding support totaling $1.62 million from Los Angeles County Regional Park and Open Space District (LACRPOSD) grant funding; $1 million from Park Impact fees, and $1.2 million from Construction & Demolition Recycling Program funds. Cal Fire grants were also secured by Conservation Corps of Long Beach, the project partner. To continue restoration efforts and maintenance for the greenbelt, State Senator Lena Gonzalez has earmarked $1.2 Million for the project.

Tree Work and Wildlife

The project contractor completed the site’s remaining tree removal in late Fall of 2021. A tree replanting plan has been developed for the project and will be implemented prior to the completion of the project. A certified arborist oversees all tree removals in order to ensure best practice methods are followed. For every tree removed, three trees will be installed, resulting in an increase of at least 78 trees for a total of at least 165 trees on the project site.

Breakdown of tree removal and replacement:

87 trees were present on the site at the start of the project.

• 39 of the 87 trees were removed in total:
  • 28 of the 39 trees removed were in poor/dead condition
  • 11 of the 39 trees removed were in good condition, but were removed to accomodate the expansion of greenspace and the design of the pedestria trail.

• 12 of the 48 remaining trees were slated to be removed, but were saved due to plan modifications in an effort to save as many trees as possible.

The Department of Public Works takes great care in ensuring tree removals are handled in an environmentally responsible manner, which takes into account the wellbeing and care of all birds and wildlife. For this project, a biologist was hired to perform bird nesting surveys and provide advice and recommendations to the City. For information, view the latest Bird Nesting Survey.

Crews will cultivate and/or till the soil to eliminate existing weeds. For future weed prevention, the project team will utilize a Los Angeles County Agriculture approved chemical mix to be used before mulch and planting. 

Project Background

The Wrigley Greenbelt Master Plan was developed in 1993. Initial engagement for the Wrigley Greenbelt project began in 2007, with follow up outreach efforts taking place in 2009, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2015 and 2021. The project was also part of the RiverLink Open Space Plan of 2007.  Prior to the start of this project, area residents received door hangers providing information on this project. Construction signage was also installed at the site with details. 

Project Contact Information

Marvin Mai, Project Manager

More Information

• Wrigley Greenbelt Community Meeting Presentation – October 26, 2021 – *The information presented in the most recent community meeting supersedes previous communication.
• Wrigley Greenbelt Community Meeting – October 26, 2021
• Wrigley Greenbelt Community Meeting Presentation – April 7, 2021
• Wrigley Greenbelt Plans – *Plans have been slightly modified since publication as a result of changes to lessen the number of trees removed. These plans were developed in 2017, prior to the City Council’s 2018 ban of products containing glyphosates, such as Roundup – no Roundup or other glyphosate product will be used in this project.
  
• Bird Nesting Survey – October 2021
• Bird Nesting Survey – May 2021
• Bird Nesting Survey – March 2021
• EPA-Approved Herbicides: Vastlan Herbicide, Gallery Specialty Herbicide, and Dimension Specialty Herbicide
• As of September 30, 2021, the City of Long Beach has been issued all 3 permits to resume construction:
  • Flood Control Permit
  • Grading Permit
  • Building and Safety Permit