Photos courtesy of the office of Councilmember Robert Garcia
10:49am | Neighborhood children were unleashed on the open space of Seaside Park in downtown Long Beach for the first time over the weekend, as the site was officially dedicated and opened to the public.
The 2.3-acre park, located at 14th Street and Chestnut Avenue, is the former site of Seaside Hospital. A multi-unit apartment complex was torn down – thanks to a $4.6 million investment from the Long Beach Redevelopment Agency – to make room for the vision of a vibrant and safe area with a playground, soccer field and other sports.
At right: Public officials Assemblymember Bonnie Lowenthal, Supervisor Don Knabe, Mayor Bob Foster, Councilmember Robert Garcia and former Mayor Beverly O’Neill conduct the ceremonial first kick.
The hospital that would one day become the massive Long Beach Memorial Medical Center began in 1907 with just 18 beds. All people who were born at Seaside were invited to the ceremony and many attended, including former Long Beach Mayor Beverly O’Neill. The hospital closed in 1960.
“Seaside Park’s namesake has a proud history of service to the Long Beach community,” said Mayor Bob Foster. “This new park builds on that legacy by providing much needed open space and a place for the community to enjoy throughout the year.”
Benches in the park were dedicated and named for Assemblymember Bonnie Lowenthal and L.A. County Supervisor Don Knabe for their roles in making the park a reality.
“This park is a great anchor for all the positive changes happening in this neighborhood,” said Councilmember Robert Garcia.
L.A. County Supervisor Don Knabe sits with his grandson on the bench that bears his name.
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