City of Long Beach issued the following announcement on Dec 3.
Today, via social media, the City of Long Beach unveiled new improvements made to Bixby Park Parcel One, located on the northeast corner at 130 Cherry Ave. The numerous changes made were funded by Measure A and added significant improvements to the park’s accessibility and sustainability.
Improvements to the park included the addition of over 1,000 linear feet of colored pathways to ensure accessibility. The new pathway provides access through the existing park from Broadway to the community center, skate park and other park facilities. Energy efficient LED bollards were added along the pathway, providing enhanced lighting and safety throughout the area. New planters, irrigation and drought tolerant landscape features were also installed, adding to the overall beauty and sustainability of the space. All these changes have transformed the Parcel One space into an optimal open space location within Long Beach.
“I am proud of the many improvements made at Bixby Park and grateful for our partnership with Friends of Bixby Park,” said Councilmember Jeannine Pearce. “By working together, we have revitalized this area and provided a beautiful open space the community can enjoy for many years to come.”
“I love seeing the improvements and important investments being made in Bixby Park in past years,” said Councilwoman Suzie Price. “These new amenities make the park safer and more enjoyable for families and residents.”
Bixby Park Development History
- 2014: Beginning in March 2014, residents and stakeholders began working with architects and Parks, Recreation and Marine staff to update the Bixby Park Master Plan, redesign the playground and prioritize funding needs.
- 2015: A prefabricated, free-standing restroom was constructed with architectural details and colored tiles consistent with the rest of the park and historic band shell.
- 2017: The first phase of renovations generated from the updated plan for Bixby Park, including the Camp Bixby playground and fitness loop, were completed. The Camp Bixby playground features two play structures: one for 2- to 5-year-olds and another for 5- to 12-year-olds. The fitness loop, located near Ocean Boulevard, includes a walking path with distance markers that connect six stations with fitness equipment. A dog park in the northwest section of the park opened in November 2017.
- November 2020: Bixby Park Parcel One renovations completed.
About Measure A
In 2016, Long Beach voters recognized a pressing need to maintain and enhance public safety services and invest in City infrastructure. Thanks to the passage of Measure A, Fire Engine 8, Fire Engine 17, Paramedic Rescue 12, South Division, and Police Academy operations have been restored, enhancing public safety citywide. The City is also making a historic investment in revitalizing heavily utilized public spaces such as streets, libraries, community centers, and parks. In 2019, the re-opening costs for Community Hospital of Long Beach were added to the approved uses for Measure A funds. Measure A was originally intended to sunset after 10 years; however, in March 2020, voters approved a permanent extension, which keeps Measure A in effect unless voters decide to end it.
Original source can be found here.