Recreation Park

Recreation Park in Long Beach, California is a sprawling 210.9-acre recreation center located in the southeast section of the city. Established in 1923 after a voter-approved bond issue, the park has a rich history dating back to the early 20th century.

The park features both 18-hole and 9-hole golf courses, with the 18-hole course being one of the busiest in the nation. The original 18-hole course was built in 1919 by Col. Charles Drake and members of the private Virginia Country Club, before the city acquired the land in 1923.

Recreation Park is home to several notable facilities, including the Billie Jean King Tennis Center, which received grandstand additions in 1972. The park also houses both Joe Rodgers Field and Blair Field for baseball, with the current Blair Field stadium replacing the original 1,000-seat field in 1957.

In the southern section of the park, visitors can find the "Woodlands area," a heavily landscaped space with a Eucalyptus forest and picnic facilities. This area also contains the "Bruin Den," a community recreation center building constructed in 1957.

The park offers a wide range of recreational activities and classes for all ages, from art and fitness to walking and aerobics. It serves as a meeting place for many community groups and is available for private reservations. In 2022, the playground underwent a $1.9 million renovation, providing updated and accessible facilities for children.

Recreation Park's landscape includes gently rolling hills and various types of trees lining the fairways of its golf courses. The park also incorporates the Colorado Lagoon, another city park located south of the 9-hole golf course.