Wrigley Greenbelt

A Green Haven Along DeForest Avenue

Right next to DeForest Avenue in Long Beach, California, the Wrigley Greenbelt stretches for several blocks east of the 710 Freeway and the Los Angeles River. This 8-acre linear park isn't just a pretty face in the urban landscape - it's a thoughtfully designed environmental buffer that gives the community a touch of nature to call their own.

The heart of the greenbelt is its wheelchair-accessible one-mile walking trail made of decomposed granite. It's great for a leisurely stroll or a brisk morning walk. Around the park, you'll come across several benches and tables where you can catch your breath, enjoy a packed lunch, or simply sit back and take in the surroundings.

Nature-Smart Design

What makes this park special is how it works with nature, not against it. The greenbelt showcases drought-resistant native plants that don't just look pretty - they support local wildlife and attract native pollinators. Water-wise features like bioswales, rain gardens, and permeable paving aren't just eco-buzzwords here; they actively capture rainwater, filter it, and help replenish groundwater supplies.

The park's landscape includes approximately 15,000 native plants and 200 trees carefully selected to thrive in Southern California's climate without needing tons of water or chemicals. Dry stream beds weave through the greenery, ready to manage stormwater when those rare but intense SoCal rainstorms hit.

Get Moving or Just Relax

Whether you're looking to break a sweat or simply find a moment of peace, the greenbelt has options for both. The flat, accessible trails make it ideal for everyone from families with strollers to seniors seeking a gentle exercise spot. You can walk, jog, or bike along the path without worrying about steep hills or difficult terrain.

If connecting with nature is more your style, bring your binoculars! The park is a surprising bird watching hotspot, with the native plantings attracting a variety of feathered visitors. Spring is especially nice when wildflowers bloom and the park buzzes with life - a little pocket of wilderness in the middle of Long Beach.

Gateway to the LA River

A notable feature of the Wrigley Greenbelt is its connection to the larger LA River Trail. From the park, you can easily hop onto the pedestrian and bike paths that follow the famous waterway. As you venture along the river, you might spot some unexpected neighbors - including properties with horses visible from the path.

Movie buffs will recognize the LA River from countless films, making a journey along its banks both a nature excursion and a bit of Hollywood history.

From Vision to Reality

The path to creating this green space wasn't exactly smooth. Planning for the Wrigley Greenbelt began way back in 1993, but it wasn't until May 2023 that it finally opened to the public after navigating various delays and funding hurdles. What was once just a stretch of unremarkable grass has transformed into a thoughtfully designed park complete with walking paths, seating areas, and drinking fountains.

Today, the greenbelt provides green space for the Wrigley neighborhood, offering both recreational opportunities and environmental benefits along the I-710 corridor. It's a place where neighbors can connect, exercise, and find a moment of calm in the city.