Chittick Field after its reopening in April 2012. Photo by Sarah Bennett.
The revitalization of Chittick Field has been an ongoing endeavor since a groundbreaking ceremony in 2012 that preceded the installation of a new football field, all-weather track, soccer fields and other amenities at the 19-acre park in the middle of the city. This Saturday, Mayor Robert Garcia, Sixth District Councilman Dee Andrews and representatives from the Department of Parks, Recreation and Marine and Public Works will be on hand to dedicate the newest addition to the park, a 25-foot wide “all sport” scoreboard.
The California Resources Corporation, previously known as Occidental Petroleum, will be honored on a part of the scoreboard for its contributions to the Chittick Field improvements. The scoreboard will be used to tally points for football, soccer and track and field events held at the park.
“This scoreboard augments one of our most significant park renovation projects in decades,” Garcia said in a statement. “Chittick Field has been revitalized as a state-of-the-art facility, and provides many wonderful opportunities for recreation, team sports, and a healthy, active lifestyle.”
The renovations to the 60-year-old park were made possible in part by $9.9 million from the Los Angeles County Park and Open Space District and City of Long Beach Infrastructure funds, but also by a $1 million donation from California Resources Corporation.
The park which doubles as a stormwater retention site had been fallen into disrepair with the grass fields turning to a “dust bowl” that was essentially useless for league play because of the poor field conditions. The ambitious plans that started in 2010 have turned it into a state-of-the-art sporting facility, one that Andrews said at the time would transform the park into the most used facilities in the city.
The installation of the scoreboard, Andrews said, only adds to the other improvements that the recent influx of athletes have enjoyed since the park’s re-opening in April of last year.
“The activity at Chittick Field has been growing with Pop Warner football leagues and cheerleading squads, adult and youth soccer leagues, adult flag football leagues, Poly High School football and lacrosse programs, and hundreds of residents who come by every day and night to walk the track,” Andrews said. “This new scoreboard enhances the experience for these athletes and recreational users.”
The dedication ceremony will begin at 9AM at Chittick Field followed by a “Scrimmage Jamboree” by the Long Beach Patriots Youth Football and Cheer which will showcase competitors from all age groups. The park is located at 1900 Walnut Avenue.