Tanaka Park

Tanaka Park is a small urban park located in West Long Beach, California. Situated near Wardlow Road and Caspian Avenue, this 1.4-acre green space provides a welcome respite for local residents. Developed in 2004, the park transformed a vacant lot that was once part of the former Tanaka farm.

The park's history is tied to the Tanaka family, who leased the land to the City of Long Beach for park purposes. This arrangement came about as a solution to code enforcement issues the family was facing due to illegal dumping on the vacant property. The park's development was a collaborative effort, involving community meetings, funding from various sources, and assistance from the Conservation Corps of Long Beach.

Tanaka Park features a rubberized perimeter walking trail, funded by a grant from the California Integrated Waste Management Board, which utilized recycled California tires in its construction. This trail provides a comfortable surface for visitors to walk or jog around the park.

While primarily a passive park, Tanaka Park offers several recreational amenities for visitors of all ages. The park includes a playground for children, a half-court basketball court for sports enthusiasts, and picnic areas for families and groups to gather. Benches are scattered throughout the park, providing places for relaxation and enjoyment of the grass and trees.

The park's design incorporates both recreational facilities and open space, striking a balance between active use areas and more tranquil spots for relaxation. Its compact size and range of amenities make it a versatile community space that serves various needs of the West Long Beach neighborhood.