TITLE
Recommendation to request City Manager to work with the relevant departments, and all relevant outside agencies to consider the feasibility of developing an open space public park area and walking path along the San Gabriel River.
DISCUSSION
INTRODUCTION:
The COVID-19 emergency has brought many issues to light, among them being the importance of our outdoor spaces and how essential these assets are for Long Beach residents to exercise and have opportunities for recreation. Parks and open space play an important role in mental as well as physical health and leads to a better quality of life with more well-connected communities and environments.
During the summer of 2020 the tree farm along the western bank of the San Gabriel River running between Council Districts Three and Five began the process of vacating their property. This has created an opportunity to expand access to open space recreation along the San Gabriel River bordering Long Beach by developing this area into a passive park space with walking paths and light recreation. There is enormous value to the open space areas the San Gabriel River provides with improved access and exercise to the communities it borders.
In February of 2021, the Fifth Council Office committed funds to ensuring the area of Los Angeles County Department of Water and Power vacated by the former tree farm was safe and secure. In building upon this effort to ensure this area is providing a maximum positive addition to the adjacent communities, it is appropriate for the City of Long Beach to evaluate the feasibility of working with the County of Los Angeles and the State of California to develop this area into public park space while still accommodating the needs of the County's Department of Water and Power.
There are exceptional unrealized community benefits the San Gabriel River creates for park spaces and walking paths. Activating our outdoor spaces should continue to be a priority while working to build off of t...
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