Tanaka Park

A Touch of History in West Long Beach

Nestled between Wardlow Road and Caspian Avenue, Tanaka Park is a charming 1.4-acre green oasis that locals treasure in West Long Beach. It's small but pleasant - a nice spot to catch your breath in the midst of urban life.

The park has an interesting backstory that dates back to 2004, when it transformed from a vacant lot with a problem to a community asset. Once part of the Tanaka farm, the land was leased to the City of Long Beach by the Tanaka family. Why? Well, they were dealing with some headaches from illegal dumping and the resulting code enforcement issues. Sometimes the best solutions are the simplest ones - turn a problem space into a park!

It wasn't just a top-down decision, though. The community came together through meetings, multiple funding sources joined forces, and the Conservation Corps of Long Beach rolled up their sleeves to help make it happen.

What You'll Find There

One of the coolest features is the rubberized perimeter walking trail that loops around the park. It's not just comfortable to walk on - it's eco-friendly too! Made with recycled California tires through a grant from the California Integrated Waste Management Board, it's literally turning trash into treasure.

Though Tanaka Park is primarily designed for peaceful enjoyment, it doesn't skimp on fun activities. Kids can burn off energy at the playground, while basketball enthusiasts can shoot some hoops at the half-court. Bringing lunch? You'll find picnic areas for a casual outdoor meal.

If you're just looking to sit and enjoy some greenery, you'll come across benches thoughtfully placed within the park. The design strikes that perfect balance between activity zones and quiet spots where you can just sit and be.

Tanaka Park packs several amenities into a compact space that serves the West Long Beach neighborhood well. It's not the biggest park around, but it's a practical green space for local residents.