This news update is brought to you by the City of Long Beach. To find out more about City programs, projects, initiatives and services, please visit longbeach.gov. To find events near you, please visit the City calendar at www.longbeach.gov/events. And follow us on social media @longbeachcity.
Long Beach Community Invited to Learn About Houghton Park Improvements
By Staff Writer
Published on Wed, Sep 9, 2026
The City of Long Beach is inviting community members to attend a community meeting on Wednesday, Sept. 16 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Houghton Park Community Center to learn about four upcoming improvement projects for the park.
Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions about the proposed improvements for the following projects at Houghton Park:
Houghton Park Community Center Improvements
The project will replace the facility’s aging roof system with a new, long-term warranted roofing system to protect the building from water intrusion and extend its useful life. Supported by Measure A, these improvements will help ensure the continued reliability and availability of this important community facility. Construction is set to begin in fall 2026.
Houghton Park Playground Project
Construction on a new playground at Houghton Park is anticipated to begin later this year. The new playground will feature modern play equipment designed for children of various ages and abilities, including ADA-accessible play features, pathways and surfacing. The project will also incorporate sensory, physical and imaginative play opportunities at a unique custom stage inspired by the park’s rich musical history, along with new trees for shade, enhanced landscaping, rubberized safety surfacing, lighting, benches and a drinking fountain.
At the Aug. 18 meeting, the City Council approved the award of a construction contract for the project, marking an important step toward construction.
Houghton Park Parking Lot and Gathering Area Improvements
Attendees will also learn about the Houghton Park Parking Lot and Gathering Area Improvements project, which will enhance the park’s gathering spaces to create a more welcoming, accessible and functional environment for the community. The planned improvements include parking lot rehabilitation, enhanced pedestrian access, a redesigned gathering area with new seating and a shade structure, new site furnishings, upgraded landscaping and irrigation and additional trees to provide shade and enhance the overall park experience. Supported by Measure A, construction of the parking lot improvements is expected to begin in fall 2026. Based on community feedback received, improvements to the gathering area can begin as early as spring 2027.
Houghton Park Bike Mobility Hub
Through community grant funding provided by the Port of Long Beach, the City will re-establish a Bike Mobility Hub at Houghton Park in the space under the baseball bleachers. Community members will learn more about the project scope, which includes flooring restoration, wall repairs, painting and accessibility improvements to the employee restroom.
Together, these projects represent a significant investment in Houghton Park that will expand recreational opportunities and create more welcoming spaces for residents to gather, connect and enjoy the park. The projects are part of the Elevate ’28 Infrastructure Investment Plan, which has grown to over $1 billion in funding for nearly 200 projects designed to revitalize parks and community facilities while enhancing accessibility and multimodal transportation throughout Long Beach.
To RSVP for the community meeting and to sign up for project updates, visit lbcity.info/HoughtonProjects. The deadline to RSVP and request interpretation services or other accommodations is Monday, Sept. 14, 2026.
