Somerset Park

A Piece of Long Beach History

Set in Long Beach, California, Somerset Park spans a cozy 3.7 acres of community space that's been bringing neighbors together since 1950. The park's roots stretch back to February 19, 1944, when the Cerritos Park Association gifted a piece of the historic Rancho Los Cerritos to create this green haven. Interestingly, it got its name from Somerset, Maine - the hometown of some Bixby and Hathaway family members who settled in the area and left their mark on Long Beach history.

What You'll Find There

Wandering through Somerset Park, you'll discover tree-lined pathways winding through lush greenery - an excellent escape from city life without leaving town. The layout balances active spaces with quiet corners for relaxation. Those mature trees create generous patches of shade, making this an ideal spot to spread out a blanket for a leisurely afternoon picnic. The open grassy areas provide room to toss a frisbee or lounge with a good book.

Getting Active

If you're looking to break a sweat, Somerset offers several options. The tennis courts double as pickleball courts (though heads up - some courts do have cracks in the pavement). Basketball enthusiasts will appreciate the full-court setup that accommodates both serious games and casual shootarounds. There's also an outdoor workout area next to the basketball court, and you can borrow equipment from the recreation center if you forget your own.

Kid-Friendly Zones

The little ones haven't been forgotten - Somerset features two separate playground areas designed with different age groups in mind. Older kids can challenge themselves on various climbing structures and choose between traditional swings and comfy chair-style swings. For the toddler crowd, there's a dedicated area with smaller slides that won't intimidate, plus a spacious sandbox fantastic for creative play. The specially designed toddler swing sets ensure even the youngest visitors can join in the fun safely.

Fresh Facilities

The park received a welcome facelift in 1998, with renovations to the restrooms and brand-new playground equipment. These improvements were made possible by the Los Angeles County Safe Neighborhood Parks Bond Act of 1992. The updates have helped keep Somerset relevant and functional for today's community needs while maintaining its neighborhood charm.

Community Hub

At the heart of the park stands the Somerset Park Community Center, which offers various programs for the community. You'll find sports leagues, fitness classes, and youth activities throughout the week. Their Monday through Friday afternoon programs (3 PM to 6 PM) are particularly popular with families. The center also provides free meals for children at designated times, making it a valuable resource for the neighborhood beyond just recreation.

Planning Your Visit

Somerset Park welcomes visitors daily from 6 AM to 10 PM, so whether you're an early bird jogger or prefer evening strolls, the gates are open. You won't need to stress about parking - there's plenty available around the perimeter. The park maintains a clean, well-kept appearance throughout the seasons, and its location in a quiet residential area adds to the peaceful atmosphere.