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Wrigley Greenbelt Project

Wrigley Greenbelt Project

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

Latest Updates – May 2023

Please join the City of Long Beach on Friday, May 19 at 1:00 p.m. in celebrating the grand opening of the Wrigley Greenbelt. Please park on San Francisco Street as a courtesy to residents, as parking is limited and narrow on De Forest Avenue (*carpooling is highly recommended). A limited amount of parking will be reserved on De Forest Avenue for invited speakers. Please note that there will be no restroom on site. Light refreshments will be provided.

All planting has been completed for the project, and the plant establishment period is currently underway for the next couple of months.

Project Funding

As of July 2021, the Los Angeles County funded grants were successfully extended through May 31, 2022. We thank our County partners in providing the extension so the City of Long Beach can continue the Wrigley Greenbelt Project.

The Wrigley Greenbelt Project was also able to obtain funding from the Rivers and Mountains Conservancy (RMC) which will aid in irrigation and landscaping for the project.

Tree Work and Wildlife

The project contractor completed the site’s remaining tree removal in late Fall of 2021. A tree replanting plan has been developed for the project and will be implemented prior to the completion of the project. A certified arborist oversees all tree removals in order to ensure best practice methods are followed. For every tree removed, three trees will be installed, resulting in an increase of at least 78 trees for a total of at least 165 trees on the project site.

Breakdown of tree removal and replacement:

87 trees were present on the site at the start of the project.

  • 39 of the 87 trees were removed in total:
    • 28 of the 39 trees removed were in poor/dead condition
    • 11 of the 39 trees removed were in good condition, but were removed to accomodate the expansion of greenspace and the design of the pedestria trail.
In partnership with the Conservation Corps, the trees that were removed will be used for lumber as part of a separate grant-funded project.

The 48 remaining trees will not be removed.
  • 12 of the 48 remaining trees were slated to be removed, but were saved due to plan modifications in an effort to save as many trees as possible.

The Department of Public Works takes great care in ensuring tree removals are handled in an environmentally responsible manner, which takes into account the wellbeing and care of all birds and wildlife. For this project, a biologist was hired to perform bird nesting surveys and provide advice and recommendations to the City. For information, view the latest Bird Nesting Survey.

Crews will cultivate and/or till the soil to eliminate existing weeds. For future weed prevention, the project team will utilize a Los Angeles County Agriculture approved chemical mix to be used before mulch and planting. 

Project Background

The Wrigley Greenbelt Master Plan was developed in 1993. Initial engagement for the Wrigley Greenbelt project began in 2007, with follow up outreach efforts taking place in 2009, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2015 and 2021. The project was also part of the RiverLink Open Space Plan of 2007.  Prior to the start of this project, area residents received door hangers providing information on this project. Construction signage was also installed at the site with details. 

Project Contact Information

Marvin Mai, Project Manager

More Information