Photo by Blair Cohn.

While it may not be as grand in size as the Bixby Knolls Park itself (and leaves us many chances to poke fun at the City’s obsession with naming practically anything a park), the Bixby Knolls Pocket Park has the heart the size of its much-larger, older father figure.

Just south of Bixby Knolls Park and sitting along the Atlantic Corridor, the Pocket Park was created not by the City but by a group of local business owners and the Bixby Knolls Business Improvement Association (BKBIA). Situated on a tiny plot just north of Willmore Wine Bar, it is located at 3850 Atlantic Ave. between the wine bar and Georgie’s Place.

“We are always looking for new ways to put the ‘there’ there along our corridors,” said Blair Cohn, Executive Director of the BKBIA. “This space welcomes residents and passers-by to stop for a minute to rest, talk, read, or even have lunch. We found the perfect opportunity to create public space on private property with the cooperation of George Captanis of Georgie’s Place. We have other projects similar to this lined up that will help change the landscape a bit in the district.”

As for its bigger version up the street on San Antonio? The 4.49-acre parcel of land was first donated to the County in 1948 before being annexed to the City in 1949. Its development plan, approved on February 14 of 1950, was followed by a contract awarded in June of that same year for its development.

The smallest official park in Long Beach is a three-way tie between 10th, 11th and 12th Place Mini Parks, all of which share the amusing honor (though our favorite mini park is probably Miracle on 4th Street Park).

{FG_GEOMAP [33.8287251,-118.18472529999997] FG_GEOMAP}