Long Beach more than doubles size of Davenport Park

The City of Long Beach invites community members to celebrate the Davenport Park expansion with a ribbon cutting ceremony, taking place at 1 p.m. on Tuesday at Davenport Park (2910 E. 55th Way, off of Paramount Boulevard between Candlewood Street and South Street). The event will include remarks by Mayor Rex Richardson, Eighth District Councilmember Al Austin, and the Departments of Parks, Recreation and Marine and Public Works, followed by open use of the new park spaces and amenities.

“The Davenport Park expansion highlights our commitment to providing and developing more shared spaces for our community,” said Mayor Rex Richardson. “The new soccer field, fitness areas, seating and added parking not only improve the visitor experience—they create more opportunities for recreation and engagement, and foster the health and wellbeing of our community.”

The Davenport Park Expansion expands the original 5.5-acre park to 11.5 acres, and includes a multi-use sports field, fitness stations, outdoor seating areas, site furnishings, a walking trail and additional parking. Other amenities include shaded picnic areas and drought-tolerant landscaping with updated lighting, bike racks and a connecting path between the original park and expanded new portion.

“I am thrilled to celebrate the expansion of Davenport Park, which has more than doubled in size and added value to the community,” said Eighth District Councilmember Al Austin. “By investing in our parks, we are bringing people together to enjoy our vibrant and beautiful city. I look forward to seeing families enjoying the new and improved spaces and amenities at Davenport Park.”

Phase I of the project, which was completed in December 2023, addressed the site’s public health, safety and infrastructure needs with the installation of a landfill gas control system on the western portion of the original park, mitigating methane gases from the former landfill site and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements. The Phase II park expansion more than doubles the size of Davenport Park and improves the visitor experience, enhances green space and encourages outdoor recreation.

The project was made possible by a $3.7 million grant from the Land and Water Conservation Fund, $1.2 million from park impact fees, $1.7 million from Measure A, and $3.5 from Measure A Bonds.

For more information on the project, visit longbeach.gov/davenportparkproject.

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