Lincoln Park

A Walk Through History

Tucked into the heart of downtown Long Beach, Lincoln Park holds the distinction of being the city's oldest green space, dating back to 1880. Sitting at the crossroads of Ocean Boulevard and Pacific Avenue, this historic park has reinvented itself multiple times throughout its long life.

After a six-year closure for civic center construction, Lincoln Park reopened in February 2022 with a new look after a $19.5 million renovation project.

The Civic Center's Green Heart

The reimagined 4-acre park now is the verdant centerpiece of Long Beach's modern Civic Center complex. It's surrounded by architectural neighbors including City Hall, Port of Long Beach headquarters, and the striking Billie Jean King Main Library.

The new design creates an inclusive urban space for Long Beach's diverse community. The library connects nicely with the park, creating a public space in the middle of downtown.

Eye-Catching Landmarks

You can't miss the park's standout feature - a massive 13-foot-tall bronze penny sculpture that's become a recognizable landmark.

History buffs will appreciate that the park kept its historic Abraham Lincoln statue, which has stood watch since 1915 when Pacific Park officially became Lincoln Park.

Places to Play

If you're into skateboarding, the park's skate park offers plenty of features for everyone from beginners to more experienced riders.

For families, the large playground has equipment for kids of all ages. There's climbing structures, musical elements, spinning activities, and tube swings for an afternoon of play.

Need to get a workout in? Head to the west side where you'll come across an outdoor fitness zone equipped with various exercise stations.

Sports options include a basketball half-court and open spaces excellent for casual games or just tossing a frisbee around.

For the Four-Legged Friends

Dog parents will appreciate the two designated dog park areas, including a separate section where smaller pups can play safely away from the big dogs. Just remember that in all other parts of the park, Long Beach city ordinance requires dogs to stay on leash.

A friendly tip: the water fountains for dogs aren't always working, so it's a good idea to bring your own water supply.

Comfort and Access for All

One of the thoughtful aspects of Lincoln Park is its universally accessible design elements that make the space welcoming for people of all abilities.

You'll discover public restrooms near the playground, but like many city parks, the maintenance can be hit or miss.

The east side features artificial turf areas that provide clean spots to spread out a blanket for picnicking or just lounging with a good book.

Community at the Core

What makes this park special is how much community input shaped its redesign. Local residents helped guide both the physical features and the planned activities.

The city continues to seek feedback from Long Beach locals about what kinds of events they'd like to see in the park. This ongoing conversation helps ensure Lincoln Park remains a vibrant gathering place.

Throughout the year, the park hosts various community events, from concerts to cultural celebrations.