Willow Springs Park

Geological Features

Willow Springs Park is a 48.2-acre public space located in Long Beach, California. Established in 2012, the park sits atop the Cherry Hill Fault, a region of the Newport/Inglewood Fault, which contributes to its unique topography.

The park's landscape rises approximately 4 millimeters per year due to this geological feature, creating distinct contours that set it apart from other parks in Long Beach's system.

Wetlands Restoration

The park includes a significant wetlands restoration project, which opened in October 2017. This project transformed 11 acres of previously degraded land into wetlands, highlighting the area's historical importance in Long Beach's early water supply during the late 1800s.

The restoration efforts have preserved the site's history and distinctive topography while creating a diverse ecosystem.

Park Features

Visitors can explore a walking loop that winds through a series of water-capturing bio-swales. These lead to one acre of restored seasonal wetlands and 10 acres of habitat featuring native plants and trees.

The park also features a constructed spring that mimics the original artesian spring that once provided water to early Long Beach settlers.

Longview Point

One of the park's notable features is Longview Point, a four-acre site located on the west side of Orange Avenue between Willow and Spring Streets. This area, situated at the highest point of the Willow Springs property, offers visitors breathtaking 360-degree views of the Long Beach skyline, the Port of Long Beach, Rancho Palos Verde, the Los Angeles Basin, and the San Gabriel Mountains.

Environmental Benefits

The park serves multiple purposes beyond recreation. It includes a water retention basin that cleans and diverts water for reuse on-site, contributing to local water conservation efforts.

Additionally, the park houses an outdoor environmental education classroom, providing opportunities for community learning and engagement with nature.