Recreation Park

History and Origins

Established in 1923 after a voter-approved bond issue, Recreation Park has a rich history dating back to the early 20th century. The sprawling 210.9-acre recreation center is located in the southeast section of Long Beach.

The original 18-hole golf course was built in 1919 by Col. Charles Drake and members of the private Virginia Country Club, before the city acquired the land in 1923.

Golf Facilities

The park features both 18-hole and 9-hole golf courses, with the 18-hole course being one of the busiest in the nation. The landscape includes gently rolling hills and various types of trees lining the fairways of its golf courses.

Sports Facilities

Recreation Park is home to the Billie Jean King Tennis Center, which received grandstand additions in 1972. The park also houses both Joe Rodgers Field and Blair Field for baseball, with the current Blair Field stadium replacing the original 1,000-seat field in 1957.

Nature and Picnic Areas

In the southern section of the park, visitors can find the "Woodlands area," a heavily landscaped space with a Eucalyptus forest and picnic facilities. The park also incorporates the Colorado Lagoon, another city park located south of the 9-hole golf course.

Community Facilities

The "Woodlands area" contains the "Bruin Den," a community recreation center building constructed in 1957. In 2022, the playground underwent a $1.9 million renovation, providing updated and accessible facilities for children.

The park offers a wide range of recreational activities and classes for all ages, from art and fitness to walking and aerobics. It serves as a meeting place for many community groups and is available for private reservations.