51st Street Greenbelt Project Takes Root in North Long Beach

An urban oasis is taking root in North Long Beach. The 51st Street Greenbelt will soon offer residents a welcoming place to play, relax and connect with nature.

City leaders and neighbors came together for a November groundbreaking of the greenbelt project, which is meant to transform a one-acre stretch of undeveloped land near the DeForest Wetlands and the Los Angeles River Bike Path into a vibrant green space for everyone to enjoy.

Once complete, the 51st Street Greenbelt will feature a walking trail, cycle track, fitness stations, children’s play structures, seating areas, ADA-accessible parking and hydration stations.

Beyond recreation, the greenbelt is designed to nurture the environment. Native landscaping and bioswales will capture stormwater, reduce heat and create habitat for pollinators and wildlife.

City leaders see the greenbelt as a milestone for North Long Beach. The project reflects years of collaboration, with residents helping shape the park’s features through community meetings and surveys. From play structures to pathways, every detail reflects neighborhood priorities.

Funding for the project comes from multiple sources, including a $2 million Housing and Urban Development Community Project Funding grant earmarked by Congresswoman Nanette Barragán, $2 million from the Rivers and Mountains Conservancy, $400,000 in Measure A funds, $1 million from the Construction and Demolition Recycling Program, and nearly $1 million from the Port of Long Beach.

The Greenbelt is part of Elevate ’28, Long Beach’s five-year initiative to invest in parks, transportation and public spaces citywide—building a healthier, more connected future for all residents.

Construction is expected to wrap up in late 2026.

For updates about the project, visit 51st Street Greenbelt.