Drake-Chavez Connection Project
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Background
The Drake-Chavez Connection project is a plan 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.This project, along with the proposed Master Plan project, will lead to the creation of a continuous 57-acre park space along the lower Los Angeles River.
Already shaped by community input from a 2021 survey and the 2019 Vision Plan, the project team will conduct additional outreach beginning in fall 2025 to reaffirm community priorities and build off foundational input and principles informed by earlier community engagement processes. This project marks a significant milestone in the City’s plan to transform the area. Future plans in the area will be guided by the more comprehensive Drake-Chavez Master Plan project.
Efforts to acquire properties, conduct engagement and secure additional funding for planning, design, engineering and construction seed funding have already been underway, but the City will need to seek additional funding to fully realize the Drake-Chavez Connection Project.
This project is part of the Elevate ’28 Infrastructure Investment Plan, a historic initiative dedicated to enhancing Long Beach parks, community facilities, mobility access, and streets. Learn more at lbelevate28.com.
Timeline
| Planning | Fall 2025 |
| Design | Summer 2026 |
Objectives
- Connect Drake Park and Cesar E. Chavez Parks into one large regional park
- Revitalize and strengthen connections between the neighborhoods in the area
- Expand and improve public green space
- Create recreation space along the lower Los Angeles River
- Reduce environmental and air quality impacts in the surrounding area
Project Features
- To be identified with the support of community input
- Due to the significant cost of removal, the existing concrete slab throughout site will largely remain
Project Funding
This project is funded by the Port of Long Beach Grant, Park Impact Fees, the Rivers and Mountain Conservancy Grant, and the Los Angeles County Regional Park and Open Space District TAP.
More Information
- 04.25.26 Community Workshop Presentation
- 10.16.25 Community Workshop Presentation
- 10.16.25 Community Workshop Display Boards
- 09.17.25 Willmore City Community Presentation
Project Updates
May 2026
On April 25 and 30, the City of Long Beach hosted community workshops to provide an update on the Drake-Chavez Master Plan and share the draft concept of the Drake-Chavez Connection project.
October 2025
On October 16 and 20, 2025, Public Works, in partnership with the Department of Parks, Recreation and Marine, hosted two community workshops to share information and gather feedback on the design and planning of the Drake-Chavez Connection and Master Plan. The presentation and other informational materials shared at the meeting can be found under the more information section below.
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Contact
For inquiries about this project, please visit the Drake-Chavez Projects Contact Form page.
Useful Links
Contact Public Works
411 W. Ocean Blvd.
Long Beach, CA 90802
Phone: (562) 570-5000
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