Long Beach children and families will soon have greener spaces in their neighborhoods, thanks to the Conservation Corps of Long Beach.
CCLB, in partnership with the YMCA of Greater Long Beach, has launched the first of six planned playground revitalization projects this month at the Downtown YMCA Preschool, 820 Long Beach Blvd. The projects were funded through a $900,000 grant from CAL FIRE through its Urban and Community Forestry program, according to a press release.
The program works to advance the development of sustainable, healthy and resilient urban forests throughout California, according to CAL FIRE’s website, offering grants for tree planting, management, and urban forest expansion, with a focus on equity by prioritizing underserved neighborhoods.
This innovative, first-of-its-kind local initiative will transform YMCA preschool outdoor spaces into greener, healthier, and more climate-resilient environments for children and families across Long Beach, officials said.
The Downtown YMCA Preschool marks the first site where construction began on Monday, May 4.
Rendering of the planned playground revitalization by the Conservation Corps of Long Beach at the Downtown YMCA Preschool. (Photo courtesy of Conservation Corps of Long Beach)
(L-R) Sam Waldoch, representative for Assemblymember Josh Lowenthal, YMCA of Greater Long Beach Executive Director and CEO Alfredo Velasco, CCLB Executive Director and CEO Dan Knapp, and Olina Bensen, representative for Senator Lena Gonzalez, at the groundbreaking of the first of six planned playground revitalizations by CCLB at YMCA preschool locations across Long Beach on Friday, May 1, 2026. (Photo courtesy of Conservation Corps of Long Beach)
The Conservation Corps of Long Beach, YMCA of Greater Long Beach, and other community representatives celebrated the groundbreaking of the first of six planned playground revitalizations by CCLB at YMCA preschool locations across the city on Friday, May 1, 2026. (Photo courtesy of Conservation Corps of Long Beach)
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Rendering of the planned playground revitalization by the Conservation Corps of Long Beach at the Downtown YMCA Preschool. (Photo courtesy of Conservation Corps of Long Beach)
The playground redesign, developed by Los Angeles-based landscape architecture firm Dake Landscape, includes leveling and improving the lawn area, planting new shade trees, installing a native plant learning garden, and creating a welcoming parent courtyard featuring drought-tolerant landscaping, the news release said.
“These improvements will not only enhance the play and learning experience for children, but also deliver meaningful environmental and public health benefits,” CCLB Executive Director and CEO Dan Knapp said in a statement. “We are proud to partner with the YMCA, and we’re grateful for CAL FIRE for funding this project that will bring sustainable, community-centered green spaces to life.”
Project benefits include reducing greenhouse gas emissions, mitigating extreme heat, improving air and water quality, reducing energy use, and enhancing stormwater management, according to the press release. The redesigned spaces will also provide hands-on environmental learning opportunities for corpsmembers and promote outdoor recreation, supporting overall community health and well-being.
CCLB handles projects ranging from recycling to ensuring trees are nourished, and even learning core construction skills and using power tools for its youth workforce ages 18 to 26. Many of the young people served come from and live in historically under- resourced communities, as well as communities where environmental justice issues like inadequate access to healthy food, air and water pollution, and inadequate transportation are prevalent, according to the organization’s website.
A groundbreaking ceremony was held on Friday, May 1, at the Downtown YMCA Preschool to celebrate the launch of this impactful investment in Long Beach’s youth and neighborhoods. The event brought together representatives from CCLB, the YMCA of Greater Long Beach, CAL FIRE, Dake Landscape, representatives of elected officials, and community stakeholders.