Long Beach residents can learn more about the four improvement projects planned for Houghton Park during a community meeting next month.

The Public Works, and Parks, Recreation and Marine departments will host the informational meeting from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Sept. 16 at the Houghton Park Community Center, 6301 Myrtle Ave.

These coordinated projects at Houghton Park are intended to enhance community facilities, recreation amenities and gathering spaces over the next year, according to a press release.

At the meeting, attendees will be able to review proposed improvements, ask questions and hear about upcoming construction activities related to the four projects, which include upgrading the community center, playground, bike mobility hub, and parking lot and gathering area improvements.

Construction on the Community Center roof project is scheduled to begin in the fall, the press release said. That project will replace the facility’s aging roof system with a new, long-term warranted roofing system to protect the building from water intrusion and extend its life.

These improvements are funding by Measure A  dollars, officials said, and are intended to ensure the continued reliability and availability of the community facility.

Community members will also receive an update on the Houghton Park Playground project, which is anticipated to begin later this year.

The City Council awarded a construction contract for the project last month, marking an important step toward construction, the press release said. This project is also funded by Measure A, as well as Park Impact Fees, the Los Angeles County Regional Park and Open Space District Annual Allocation Grant Program, and an earmark from the California State Parks Office of Grants and Local Services.

The first playground designs were shared with the community at an October 2023 meeting. Updated designs, incorporating community feedback received during the initial outreach, were presented in June 2024.

The new playground will feature modern equipment designed for children of various ages and abilities, including ADA-accessible play features, pathways and surfacing, officials said. The project will also incorporate sensory, physical and imaginative play opportunities at a custom stage inspired by the park’s rich musical history, along with new trees for shade, enhanced landscaping, rubberized safety surfacing, lighting, benches and a new water fountain.

Those who attend the Sept. 16 community meeting will also learn about the “Houghton Park Parking Lot and Gathering Area Improvements” project. That project is intended to enhance the park’s gathering spaces to create a more welcoming, accessible and functional environment for the community.

The planned improvements include parking lot rehabilitation, enhanced pedestrian access, a redesigned gathering area with new seating and a shade structure, new site furnishings, upgraded landscaping and irrigation, and additional trees to provide shade and enhance the overall park experience, the press release said.

Also supported by Measure A, the parking lot work is expected to begin in the fall, and improvements to the gathering area could begin as early as the spring, officials said.

Through community grand funding provided by the Port of Long Beach, the city will also re-establish a Bike Mobility Hub at Houghton Park, in the space under the baseball bleachers, according to the press release. This project’s scope will include flooring restoration, wall repairs, painting and accessibility improvements to the employee restroom.

Together, these projects represent a significant investment into the North Long Beach park, officials said, expanding recreational opportunities and creating more welcoming spaces for residents to gather, connect and enjoy.

The projects are part of the Elevate ‘28 Infrastructure Investment Plan, which has grown to more than $1 billion in funding for nearly 200 projects that are intended to revitalize parks and community facilities while enhancing accessibility and multimodal transportation throughout Long Beach, according to the city’s website.

Those interested in attending the Sept. 16 community meeting can RSVP at lbcity.info/HoughtonProjects. The deadline to RSVP and request interpretation services or other accommodations is Sept. 14.