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 ...
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