As part of its effort to provide a minimum of eight acres of open space for every 1,000 residents, the City of Long Beach is embarking on a project which would more than double the size of Davenport Park.  

The approximately 5.5-acre, located at 2910 E. 55th Way, served as a landfill and industrial site before being converted to park space in 2006.  The Long Beach Redevelopment agency acquired the six-acre expansion site at 5550 Paramount Boulevard that same year, with the intent of improving it as green space by 2010.

Nearly a decade later, with Redevelopment Agencies shutteed statewide, the City of Long Beach is finally moving forward with the project.  According to an initial study now being circulated for comment, proposed improvements would include:

  • a sports field with four sets of three-level bleachers; 
  • six fitness pads; 
  • a 5,000-square-foot skate park; 
  • walking paths; landscaping; and
  • 31 parking stalls.

Construction is currently expected to commence next year and conclude by 2022.  The site's previous use as a landfill will necessitate the use of a carbon treatment unit and ventilation system for low-level methane emissions.

Davenport Park was named in honor of the late Long Beach Police Officer Ed "Pops" Davenport, who had a 40-year career with the Long Beach Police Department.