Rosa Parks Park

Park Overview

Rosa Parks Park is a 0.74-acre passive park located at the intersection of Alamitos Avenue and 15th Street in Long Beach, California. Opened on May 21, 2009, this urban green space serves as a tribute to civil rights pioneer Rosa Parks while providing a peaceful retreat for local residents.

Public Art

The park features a central area where visitors can walk, rest, and appreciate public art. A prominent artwork titled "Roses for Rosa" by artist Pat Ward Williams serves as the park's centerpiece. This piece consists of an 8' x 5' perforated iron panel with added color, depicting a portrait of Rosa Parks nestled in the roots of a "Heritage Tree."

The artwork is situated in the public bus plaza, symbolizing Parks' historic act of civil disobedience on a Montgomery bus.

Educational Elements

Throughout the park, twenty-six 16" x 16" black granite paver tiles are randomly placed along approximately 150 feet of walkway. These tiles are sandblasted with various "Rosa" motifs and biographical information about Rosa Parks, providing an educational element to the park experience.

Community Connections

The Long Beach Redevelopment Agency funded the park's creation, and its design incorporates elements that celebrate the neighborhood. Councilmember Dee Andrews worked with Long Beach Transit to create a bus plaza featuring seven benches to serve nearby residents.

Each bench is named after a local community religious organization that has agreed to adopt the park and assist in its maintenance.

Landscaping Features

Rosa Parks Park includes native plants and water-friendly landscaping, enhancing its environmental sustainability. A decorative raised planter adds to the park's aesthetic appeal, while the "Tree of Equality," an oak tree, was dedicated to recognize the contributions of the Long Beach Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and its president, Naomi Rainey.