10:40am | The City of Long Beach yesterday announced that it will receive nearly $3 million in grants to fund new parks and community gardens. The grants include $722,465 for a new park in the Craftsman Village / Hellman area and $2,200,000 for a large community center and garden at Orizaba Park. Funding for these projects will come from the Statewide Park Development and Community Revitalization Program, awarded by the State of California Natural Resources Agency.
The new park (rendering above) will be constructed on a 0.3-acre vacant lot in a community with precious little open space. Park construction should begin early next year and will include walking paths, sitting areas and drought-tolerant landscaping.
“This new park is going to be a beautiful addition to one of our most historic neighborhoods, and I’m really proud to be able to bring some much-needed green space to this community,” said Councilmember Robert Garcia, whose office was credited for work to secure the funding. The Department of Parks, Recreation and Marine, the Long Beach Redevelopment Agency (RDA) and the Crafstman Village Neighborhood Association also played a role.
“I’m grateful to the residents who have advocated for this park and were so essential in choosing its design. Now to have the park funded and be able to move forward is just really exciting.”
At Orizaba Park, more than $2 million in funding will be used to build a 3,000 square-foot community center and garden (rendering at right). Once finished, the nearby Freeman Youth Center will move into the new building, allowing it to expand youth services and also offer adult and senior services.
“This is an outstanding project for an outstanding neighborhood,” said Councilmember Patrick O’Donnell, who is inviting the public to a public celebration for the expansion next Saturday at 9:00am. ““I am looking forward to the new community building and community garden providing enhanced recreational opportunities and services for the surrounding neighborhoods.“
The RDA has pumped $4.9 million into expansion and improvements at Orizaba Park, including a recent effort to acquire four blighted properties and expand the park by 1.1 acres. New landscaping, open turf, ball courts, a skate park and walking paths are also on their way.
Click here to read our policy on covering the Long Beach City Council.