Residents living in the park-starved area that sits adjacent to the 710 Freeway and the DeForest Wetlands in North Long Beach could soon see construction begin on the long-awaited 51st Street Greenbelt, which promises lush green space, scenic trails, fitness stations, play areas for children, new trees, native landscaping and stormwater capture systems.

So far, the city has received $3.4 million of the $5.4 million needed to start construction. According to Public Works Department spokesperson Joy Contreras, the city applied for a $2 million grant from Rivers and Mountains Conservancy last month that, if received, will fully fund the project.