Houghton Park

Historic Origins

Houghton Park is a 26.4-acre public park located in North Long Beach, California. The park was established in 1924 when three acres of land were donated by the Houghton family in memory of Col. Sherman Otis Houghton and his wife Eliza Donner Houghton.

The City of Long Beach later purchased additional acreage to expand the park to its current size.

Community Center and Facilities

The park features a community center complex named after former Long Beach Vice Mayor Doris Topsy-Elvord. This center houses various facilities including a senior center, teen center, and spaces for community programs.

The park grounds contain several athletic facilities, including baseball diamonds, a soccer field, basketball courts, and tennis courts. A skate park was added in 2004, providing recreational opportunities for skateboarding enthusiasts.

Community Value

Houghton Park serves as an important green space and recreational hub for the North Long Beach community. It offers a mix of active and passive recreation areas, with playgrounds for children and open spaces for relaxation.

The park also preserves some of its historical elements, including palm trees planted by Stanley Houghton in the early days of the park's existence.

Renovations and Future Plans

In recent years, the park has undergone various improvement projects. These include renovations to the baseball fields, playground, and sports field lighting, funded by Los Angeles County Safe Neighborhood Parks Bond Acts.

As of 2025, there are ongoing plans for further enhancements to the park's facilities, including improvements to the playground and community center.