TITLE
Recommendation to request City Manager to direct staff to implement the 6th District Trail of Infinite Hope.
DISCUSSION
The Central area of Long Beach is very rich in its diversity, as it is with its many staples of hope. This includes individuals that have overcome some of the most oppressive obstacles to reach their goals, as well as, designated areas that once hosted these dreamers and/or honors them today. To raise attention to these inspirations of our community and to encourage others to keep hope alive, it is our desire goal to create a conduit that connect these historical locations within the central area. The conduit will be called the 6th District Trail of Infinite Hope.
The 6th District Trail of Infinite Hope will include a walking loop connecting historical sites where hope was founded, grew, and continues to inspire. The walking loop is based on similar walking trails in other communities created to highlight history, architecture, culture, and the arts. Initially, there would be one loop with the potential for future loops based on specific themes or for shorter walks. The walking loops will be identified by markers on the sidewalk that connects each location. A pamphlet is created to summarize each site and how it became a staple of hope for the residents of Long Beach. (EXHIBIT A)
The walking loops will be based on previous community efforts that identify those landmarks that make Central Long Beach unique. The loops include McBride Skate Park, where professional skaters like Tony Hawk helped to fund the park and Long Beach professional skater Terry Kennedy visits to inspire our youth. The Ernest S. McBride, Sr. Park, properly named after the founder of the Long Beach Branch of the NAACP whose struggles to fight for equality helped shape the diversity of Long Beach. Long Beach Polytechnic High School, the home of stars, scholars and athletes such as Willie Martin, Billie Jean King, Willie McGinest, Snoop Oogg, Cameron Oiaz, and Jenni Rivera ... to name a few.
The loop will also highlight the Poly Walk of Fame which honors the extraordinary students that continue to prevail. Rosa Parks Park, honoring the courage and brave actions of an American Hero. The walking loop will also include major city assets like Long Beach Community College and Chittick Field where baseball great Babe Ruth once played.
The Pacific Electric greenbelt will form the northern edge of the loop, crossing through Jenni Rivera Memorial Park honoring a young lady from the barrios of Long Beach who ascended to become one of the top Hispanic singers in the world. NAACP Freedom Park, the nation's first park named after the legendary organization that helped change the face of America through equality. The walking loop with continue through to Martin Luther King, Jr. Park, honoring the man and the dream that continues to inspire generation after generation. The loop will also include the World Famous VIP Records, the location where legendary rappers Nate Dogg, Snoop Dogg, and Warren G got their start.
The intention of this walking loop is to raise awareness for residents and visitors alike of how Central Long Beach was formed to honor cultures locally and across the globe. It will inspire younger generations and continue to create a consciousness of hope within the community. This being done while promoting walking as a form of healthy physical activity, an important part of improving the health and wellness of residents in Central Long Beach. The Department of Health and Human Services has specifically dedicating resources to promote walking in the Central area through the Healthy Active Long Beach CX3 Project.
FISCAL IMPACT
At this time there is no significant cost for this item. There will be a future cost of placards that share the history in which one-time funds will be requested to cover the cost.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
DEE ANDREWS
COUNCILMAN, SIXTH DISTRICT
LENA GONZALEZ
COUNCILWOMAN, FIRST DISTRICT
SUJA LOWENTHAL
VICE MAYOR, SECOND DISTRICT