City of Long Beach to Host Community Workshops on Drake, Chavez Park Area Projects

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PRESS RELEASE

Long Beach, CA - The City of Long Beach Department of Public Works, in partnership with the Department of Parks, Recreation and Marine, will host two community workshops to share information and gather feedback on the design and planning of two major projects that are planned to transform Drake and Cesar E. Chavez Parks and the surrounding area. The workshops will take place on Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Jenny Oropeza Community Center (401 Golden Ave.) and virtually on Monday, Oct. 20 from noon to 1:30 p.m.

During the workshops, an update will be shared on the effort to connect Drake and Cesar E. Chavez Parks with the development of 4.5 acres of new parkland, transforming the adjacent, former industrial parcel into an open space and recreational amenity. The Public Works project team will confirm community input gathered during a 2021 survey and earlier outreach that informed the Vision Plan, adopted by the Long Beach City Council in 2019, and outline next steps to finalize the design and secure additional funding for construction.

The City will also introduce new planning efforts for further revitalization in the area under the Drake-Chavez Master Planning Project. Community input is being sought to help shape priorities for this once-in-a-generation effort that will potentially bring even more green space and recreational access to the community. By connecting existing parcels, the initiative will deliver lasting environmental and social benefits for neighborhoods in the area. With current funding limited to planning, engagement and concept design, the City will continue to work toward securing the additional resources required to move the project into detailed design and construction.

Workshop participants will learn about both projects and have the opportunity to share feedback that will help shape each project's design and vision. While these projects are independent from one another and therefore on separate phases of project planning and development, both projects will cohesively transform the surrounding areas.

Pre-registration is encouraged but not required. Interpretation services in Spanish, Khmer and Tagalog will be provided. To ensure accommodation for any other needs, please request in advance by Monday, Oct. 13 when registering for either of the workshops.

Virtual Community Meeting
Date: Monday, Oct. 20, 2025
Time: Noon to 1:30 pm
Zoom: bit.ly/LBDrakeChavezMeeting

These projects reflect the City's commitment to creating more accessible, connected and equitable spaces throughout Long Beach communities. More information about these projects is available at lbcity.info/drakechavezconnection and lbcity.info/drakechavezmasterplanning.

Media inquiries may be directed to [email protected].

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