Long Beach breaks ground on 51st Street Greenbelt with $2M federal grant and $6M funding package

City and federal officials gathered in North Long Beach to mark the groundbreaking of the 51st Street Greenbelt, a neighborhood park planned along the Lower Los Angeles River. Mayor Rex Richardson and Congresswoman Nanette Barragán credited a $2,000,000 federal grant and a combined $6,000,000 funding package from city and regional partners for making the project possible.

The project is funded through a mix of federal and local sources tied to the city’s Elevate 28 initiative. “Today, we kick off the construction to transform this undeveloped lot into a vibrant green space along the LA River,” Congresswoman Nanette Barragán said, noting the Outdoors for All Act helped direct federal resources to urban parks. Barragán added the greenbelt will be a short walk from two schools and include a walking path, a traffic garden, a playground and exercise equipment.

Councilwoman Tanuah Thrash Ntuk said the city closed a $6,000,000 gap with contributions from the Port of Long Beach, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Rivers and Mountains Conservancy, the city’s construction and demolition fund for fiscal year 2025, and Measure A bond funds for FY25. “This groundbreaking is also a part of when the community says, here’s what we’d like to see at this site,” Thrash Ntuk said, thanking residents and staff for community engagement that shaped the amenities.

Steven Scott, acting director of Parks, Recreation and Marine, described the greenbelt as part of roughly 50 acres of parkland added along the LA River area in recent years and listed environmental features, including bioswales intended to capture stormwater and reduce trash entering the river. “Once complete, the 51st Street Greenbelt will include a walking path, fitness and play equipment, native plants, trees, and other bioswales,” Scott said.

Joshua Hickman, acting director for Public Works, named the project team and consultant firms—SDC Engineering, City Fabric and KPFF—and said some adjacent curb, gutter and sidewalk work is already complete. Hickman said inspection and conservation partners will be on site and that the team expects to work over the coming year to complete construction and restore pavement once the project is finished.

The ceremony emphasized local partnerships and community-driven design. Officials framed the greenbelt as an investment in neighborhoods across Long Beach under the Elevate 28 program and said the project aims to expand access to recreation, address environmental concerns at the river edge and provide a nearby space for children and families. Construction timelines and next steps will be carried out by the city’s Public Works and Parks departments and the listed contractors.