A wonderful perk to take advantage when living in the city is the ability to walk everywhere possible. Prior to this discovery, it was easy to be someone that would drive to work, come home, eat, sleep and attend an occasional happy hour without learning who my neighbors were. During this revelation, I decided to adopt a walking companion, so I asked my Dad if he was willing to let me adopt his dog. How could daddy ever say no to his favorite girl? Let’s just say that Goliath became my new roommate in August! We have had a blast visiting venturing out to all the pet friendly places our city has to offer.
Goli and I take early morning walks enjoying the sunrise, quietness and green lawns at Cesar Chavez Park. As well as, evening walks after work when the park is filled with school age children playing soccer, families playing board games and people just getting out for fresh air. Goli has become quite popular; he has his own private fan club of children that eagerly expect his arrival everyday. They pet and play with him for long periods of time!
The Cesar Chavez Park was a result of a redevelopment project called, “Central Long Beach Project Area.” The park is approximately 13 acres and has a 900 square foot community center. It includes amenities, such as: a weight room, an outdoor grass-concrete amphitheatre, playgrounds, wonderful picnic areas, clean restrooms, walking and jogging trails, soccer field and two half court basketball courts. (http://www.longbeach.gov/park/about/default.asp, February 2, 2007)
The park has great touches of culture and heritage creating a welcome atmosphere for everyone. When taking a walk on the trail take notice of the artistic suns carved into the cement and the benches with La Loteria cards. Loteria is the traditional Mexican bingo game many of us grew up playing, I know my family did.
In addition to the amenities, the park has after-school, teen and senior programs. Late Saturday afternoons, it is not surprising to see a beautiful Quinceañera with her family, friends, damas and chambelanes taking pictures at the park followed by the traditional waltz and fiesta in the community center.
I truly enjoy my experience at the park and hope my fellow residents and community members continue to appreciate our park by following the park rules and reporting anything that can or has the potential to harm our safety, living environment and/or the park’s condition.
It is no wonder that our very own, City of Long Beach Parks, Recreation and Marine ranked number one in the nation. “The National Recreation and Parks Association (NRPA) named the City of Long Beach’s Department of Parks, Recreation and Marine the most outstanding parks and recreation agency in the country at its annual congress and exposition in Seattle on October 11, 2006. NRPA also honored the City’s Mural and Cultural Arts Program with the National Dorothy R. Mullen Arts and Humanity Award.” (http://www.longbeach.gov/park/default.asp, February 2, 2007)
See you at the park!