In what is becoming an civic trend in not only creating greenspace, but in giving the public an increased role in the planning process, residents are being invited to take part in the design of a proposed park development in North Long Beach.
Atlantic Parkway Fitness Park—largely supported by 9th District Councilmember Steve Neal, the Coalition for a Healthy North Long Beach, and the Department of Parks, Recreations, and Marine—straddles the 6900 block of Atlantic Blvd. north of the 91 freeway and stretches west to the L.A. River Bike Path. The project hopes to bring about exercise stations, jogging paths and a more sustainable landscape which will hopefully bring much needed health initiatives and programs to the nearby communities.
“The 9th District Council Office is looking to convert an open space into a creative recreational use,” stated 9th District Communications Organizer Floyd Hampton Livingston. “The purpose of this meeting is to gain useful input from the public. Suggestions ranging from what fitness amenities should be installed to the naming of the park will be taken into consideration for the design will be discussed.”
The first park to be built above the 91, the concept of engaging the public on a design level stemmed from the District Office’s community empowerment model, which Neal has often put forth as part of his policy.
“Anyone can look back at the work of the 9th District community and see how we come together to make sure input from residents is gathered by hosting discussion meetings like this to receive the public’s input and support,” continued Livingston. “Our best ideas come from residents who provide detailed feedback, so it’s in our best interest to have an open discussion with residents to figure out how the proposed fitness park can best serve the 9th District.”
If the project moves forward, it will be the first of its kind in North Long Beach.
The meeting will be held in Houghton Park located at 6301 Myrtle Avenue, this upcoming Monday, October 22, from 6:30PM to 8PM. There will be dinner provided for those who participate. Interpretation is available upon request. To RSVP, please call 562-570-6137.