Important Update-

Riverpark Coalition announces settlement to expand public park space and protect the LA River.

Gains for the Community:

Partnership to advance future development of four acres of green space on the adjacent LA County Flood Control parcel
Design improvements at the site to reduce environmental impacts
Increased green buffer area
A 15-foot-wide public trail easement on the north side of the property, providing safer public access from the Pacific Place street to the LA River, LARIO path, and existing equestrian trails

ALONG WITH OUR PARTNER Los Angeles Waterkeeper, we are proud to announce a comprehensive settlement agreement with the owner of the property at 3701 Pacific Place, regarding the Pacific Place Project, a self-storage and RV parking facility that had been approved by the Long Beach City Council. The agreement resolves our lawsuit under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).

THIS COOPERATION is a game-changer for our community. By securing meaningful support, specifically for the County property, we are ensuring that what was once a vacant parcel can finally start to be transformed into the vibrant green space and trail system our neighborhoods deserve!

Riverpark Coalition

Green spaces for western Long Beach.

OUR MISSION is to expand public access to green space, hiking and equestrian trails, native habitat, and wetlands in western Long Beach and the surrounding areas. We work with local neighborhoods, philanthropists, businesses, and government officials to improve park equity and community health by identifying and securing underused land with the potential for green space projects.

"City parks serve, day in and day out,
as the primary green spaces for the majority of Americans."

- Bruce Babbit

Clean air, not concrete.

The need for park equity.

WESTERN LONG BEACH has little more than 1 acre of parkland per 1,000 residents. That's only 10% of the green space recommended for healthy, vibrant communities. In East Long Beach, folks enjoy over 16.7 acres of parkland per 1,000 residents. That's an enormous difference! RPC works to correct this inequity by identifying underused land along the LA River corridor with the potential for rewilding, habitat restoration, and park space.

Green spaces for our health.

LACK OF GREEN SPACE directly affects health outcomes. Long Beach has one of the highest rates of asthma in the nation. Residents of western Long Beach pay an extra price with higher exposure to pollution from freeways, ports, refineries, and other heavy industries. Our residents have a 5-10 years shorter life expectancy than our neighbors in eastern Long Beach. Riverpark Coalition aims to improve our community's health by increasing access to public green spaces designed to naturally clean our air and water.

Wrigley Heights Greenbelt

Our project to restore the LA River corridor.

WRIGLEY HEIGHTS GREENBELT–
Riverpark Coalition's next step in bringing nature back to Long Beach’s stretch of the LA River.
This multiphase project proposes to restore and re-wild 30-acres of public open space along the east bank of the LA River. We have partnered with City Fabrick, an exceptional urban design and planning organization, to help us make this project a reality.

Phase One

THE PROJECT BEGINS by transforming four underutilized acres of county owned land, on the southern end of the Dominguez Gap– restoring the land into native habitat. It also aims to create safer, clearer trail connections for equestrians, cyclists, and pedestrians.

THE FIRST STEP in advancing a resilient, green and equitable river corridor, Phase One sets the framework for a larger thirty-acre vision of connected green space in western Long Beach.

Photo by City Fabrick

Project Goals

- Restore Native Ecology

- Ensure Climate Resilience

- Enhance Visual Character

- Strengthen Trail Access

- Support Safe, Low-Stress Mobility

- Support Stormwater Management

About

DOMINGUEZ GAP SOUTH END is four acres of LA County owned flood management property located at the southwest end of the Dominguez Gap Wetlands.

This Phase One project will support environmental resilience through native habitat restoration, permeable surfaces, and strategic planting.

The project will enhance the safety and usability of existing trails, slow and filter stormwater runoff, and provide a beautiful, clean green space where pollinators, birds, and frogs can thrive.

How it's done

PLANT permanent native species to provide resilient habitat for pollinators, birds, and other wildlife.

IMPROVE entrances and fences for a more welcoming park experience.

ENHANCE trail signage to improve visibility and access for equestrians, cyclists, and pedestrians.

PROVIDE safe, intuitive walking, equestrian and biking connections to the LA River Trail, parks, and schools, reducing reliance on high-speed through ways.

30 Acres of Potential–

Green space opportunities in western Long Beach:

RPC AND CITY FABRICK have identified additional acres of undeveloped public and privately owned land that exist as strong opportunities for community serving green spaces along the LA River Corridor. These properties, along with the Dominguez Gap South End, become the Wrigley Heights Green Belt– 30 acres of continuous open green space!

Photos by City Fabrick

Project Supporters

Local leaders and organizations:

WE ARE GRATEFUL for the support of the following local leaders, community organizations, and many others, as we work to make the Wrigley Heights Green Belt a reality.