Stearns Champions Park

History and Origins

Situated in Long Beach, California, Stearns Champions Park spans 22.3 acres in total. Back in 1931, the Long Beach Water Department purchased this land for well and recharge purposes, initially dubbing it simply Stearns Park.

The park got its current name after the neighborhood kids made history - the Little League Baseball World and National Championships teams of 1992 and 1993 called these fields home. If you chat with some of the old-timers around here, they might even tell you about when locals affectionately called it "Triangle Park" way back when.

Facilities and Amenities

This park offers numerous sports facilities. You'll find night-lighted basketball and volleyball courts for evening games, plus three baseball diamonds used by local youth baseball teams.

Since 1997, a soccer field has been hosting matches for the community's footie enthusiasts. There are also tennis courts for those who prefer racket sports, and a concrete area that's become a flexible space for everything from hockey games to youth breakdancing classes (how cool is that?). Head to the northwest corner and you'll discover a full basketball court plus two half-court basketball courts for pickup games.

Playground Area

Kids can enjoy swing sets, slides, spring teeter-totter horses, and a platform playground for climbing. Parents can relax in the good shade while keeping an eye on the little ones.

Most play areas feature cushioned flooring for safer tumbles and falls, but some equipment could use a little TLC and updating.

Open Spaces and Picnic Areas

The expansive grassy areas are great for spreading out a blanket or tossing a frisbee. You'll find plenty of tables and benches scattered throughout, many nestled under shade trees that offer welcome relief during California's sunny days.

The soft grass and gentle breezes make this spot ideal for family get-togethers. Many local families have been creating memories here for generations - laying out picnics and firing up barbecues in the same spots their parents and grandparents once did.

Community Significance

More than just green space, this park represents the beating heart of community activities. The Little League baseball program thrives here with its warm, family-friendly atmosphere, and various sports teams use the grounds for training and practice.

Dog walkers frequently stroll the paths (just remember to keep your four-legged friends leashed), and regular dog-training classes happen on the east side. What's particularly nice is that despite its popularity, the park's spaciousness means you can usually find a quiet corner to yourself.

Facilities and Maintenance

When nature calls, you can find clean restroom facilities conveniently located behind the baseball fields. The grounds generally stay well-maintained and tidy, which is one reason locals keep coming back.

There's plenty of parking available, however you might want to arrive early during baseball tournaments or busy weekend afternoons when spaces fill up quickly.

Historical Connection

Dig a little deeper, and you'll discover the park's connection to east Long Beach's development. It was named after Abel Stearns who, along with Don Juan Temple, purchased Rancho Los Alamitos in the 1830s - land that eventually became part of east Long Beach.

This historical link adds a richer dimension to the park's place in the community. Many longtime residents can share stories of family gatherings here that stretch back decades, weaving this green space into the fabric of Long Beach's collective memory.