Los Altos Park

Park Overview

Tucked away on Stearns Street in Long Beach, Los Altos Park spans a cozy 4.6 acres of public green space. It's a neighborhood spot that offers a little breathing room from the hustle of city life, with various recreational options available.

What started as a simple space with some lawn, trees, and benches has evolved over time to meet community needs. Nestled in a residential area, it's the kind of quiet retreat where you can actually hear yourself think while still being firmly within Long Beach's urban embrace.

A Bit of History

Los Altos Park has been part of the Long Beach landscape since January 30, 1951, when the Home Investment Company and the Bixby Land Company handed over the deed to the city.

The City Council gave the green light to a development plan on December 21, 1954, and since then, the park has continued to evolve with the needs of the community.

Growing Better With Time

Safety got a boost in 1995 with the addition of security lighting within the park.

A playground was installed in 1998, funded by the Los Angeles County Safe Neighborhood Parks Bond Acts of 1992 and 1996.

Around 2000, the local Parks, Recreation and Marine Department staff added a T-ball baseball field, giving the little sluggers a place to practice their home runs.

Fresh Additions

The park hasn't been resting on its laurels. Recent upgrades include two new backstops, two new drinking fountains, and new play equipment that's brought some extra life to this community space.

Playground Fun

The playground features slides in different shapes and sizes, swings for various ages, and climbing structures. You'll find monkey bars, a chain ladder, and a twisty corkscrew climbing feature among the playground equipment.

One of the thoughtful touches is the co-parent swings where adults and toddlers can enjoy swinging together. There's also a charming jeep-shaped climbing structure that transforms everyday park visits into imaginary driving adventures.

Room to Play

One of Los Altos Park's best features is its extensive open grassy areas that seem to invite impromptu games. On any given day, you might see informal soccer practices, baseball games, or frisbee tosses happening across the lawn.

The T-ball baseball field gives young players their own dedicated space, however it could use some TLC according to regular visitors.

Comfort Features

Scattered around the park are several concrete picnic tables and metal benches, positioned just right for parents keeping an eye on playing children. If you're looking to escape the California sun, you'll appreciate the benches tucked under shady trees.

Dog owners have made this park their own too, taking advantage of the open fields for games of fetch and doggy exercise sessions.

Note that you'll want to plan bathroom breaks before or after your visit, as there are no public restrooms available at Los Altos Park.