Wrigley Greenbelt

The Wrigley Greenbelt is a linear park located in Long Beach, California, stretching for several blocks along DeForest Avenue, east of the 710 Freeway and the Los Angeles River. This 8-acre green space was designed to provide a natural area for the community to enjoy while also serving as an environmental buffer.

The park features a one-mile walking trail made of decomposed granite, allowing visitors to stroll through the area and enjoy the outdoors. The Wrigley Greenbelt incorporates sustainable design elements, including drought-resistant native plants that support local biodiversity and attract native pollinators. Water conservation features such as bioswales, rain gardens, and permeable paving help capture and filter stormwater, improving water quality and recharging groundwater.

As part of the park's development, approximately 15,000 native plants and 200 trees were planted, chosen for their ability to thrive in the local climate and reduce the need for chemical inputs. The greenbelt also includes dry stream beds to control stormwater runoff.

The Wrigley Greenbelt project, which had been in planning since 1993, was officially opened in May 2023 after overcoming various delays and funding challenges. The completed park now serves as a valuable green space for the Wrigley neighborhood, offering recreational opportunities and improving air quality by forming a green buffer along the I-710 corridor.