Public Works

Houghton Park Playground Project

Additional project updates and information will be published on an ongoing basis.

Background

Houghton Park has been part of the North Long Beach community since the 1920s, when part of the Houghton family ranch was converted into a park for public recreation and enjoyment. Over the years, many park features have been added, including the senior center, numerous sports courts and, in 2021, the Doris Topsy-Elvord Community Center.

The Houghton Park playground has brought joy to families for years and now requires modernization to continue providing exciting play opportunities for all visitors. The City of Long Beach is replacing aging equipment with brand new structures and enhancing the overall visitor experience with new trees, landscaping, and furnishings. The new playground will feature net climbers, slides and accessible elements, like rubber ground cover and an inclusive seesaw.

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.

For questions, contact ParksCIP@longbeach.gov.

Click here for project updates

Timeline

The timeline below estimates timing for the playground improvements only. 

Project timeline is set barring weather delays and other unforeseen circumstances.

Objectives

The objectives below apply to the playground improvements only.

• Enhance neighborhood outdoor recreational opportunities
• Offer enriching experiences with structures and activities for a variety of ages
• Improve playground accessibility with new and upgraded elements
• Introduce opportunities for creative and open play

Proposed Features

The features below apply to the playground improvements only. 

• Acoustic play elements for all ages
• Nature exploration area with structures made of natural materials
• Native and water-efficient landscaping
• Multiple play structures, including slides, net climbing tower, swings and inclusive seesaw, in areas targeting different age groups (ages 2-5 and 5-12)
• New and modernized amenities, including water fountains, benches and dance stage

Project Funding

The Houghton Park playground upgrades are supported by funds from Measure A ($200,000), Elevate 28 ($800,000) and California State Parks ($2,000,000).

Measure A is a Long Beach ballot initiative approved by voters in 2016 as a 10-year sales tax to fund public infrastructure and public safety services and was extended indefinitely by voters in 2020. For more information, visit longbeach.gov/measurea.

To learn more about Elevate ’28 and the historic infrastructure investment currently underway in the City of Long Beach, visit lbelevate28.com.  

Latest Updates

January 2025

In fall 2024, the project team submitted an environmental review application for the proposed improvements, as required by the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). The design team and architects continue to prepare design and engineering documents to advance the project and ensure compliance with code requirements and design and safety standards.

June 2024

Thank you for joining us at the Houghton Park Playground Project Update at the Houghton Park Neighborhood Association meeting on June 6, 2024. The project team presented updated designs based on feedback we received at the previous community meeting. If you missed the meeting, you can view and download the presentation here. Stay tuned for updates!

October 2023

Thank you for joining us at the Houghton Park Playground Project Community Meeting. Your feedback on the design and future of the Houghton Park Playground Project is being reviewed by the project team. Stay tuned for updates!

September 2023

There will be a community meeting on Wednesday, October 11, 2023, at 6:30 p.m. at the Doris Topsy-Elvord Community Center located at 6301 Myrtle Ave. Join us to learn about project updates and next steps for the upcoming improvements. Interpretation services are available if requested by October 2, 2023, via email at contactlbpw@longbeach.gov.

More Information

Houghton Park Playground Project - Community Meeting Presentation - June 6, 2024

Houghton Park Playground Project - Community Meeting Presentation - October 11, 2023