Local labor union Teamsters 848 wants to transform a 4-acre vacant lot near the Long Beach Airport into a “playground with no bounds.”
City staff will study the possibility of building a playground in an area neighboring the airport and report back to the council within four months. Councilmember Megan Kerr explained there “may be legal or safety challenges” in using the space for recreation given its proximity to the airport.
The vision for the playground is a space for kids and adults of all abilities, both developmental and physical. Features would include a rubberized ground cover, wheelchair access, multi-play equipment, roller slides, ground level play areas, calm spaces, signage and ramps instead of stairs. The playground would be located between the California Heights and Bixby Knolls neighborhoods.
About a dozen Teamster 848 members went to Long Beach City Council on April 21 to advocate for the playground. The lot located between 2301 and 2322 Cover St. has been vacant for decades, said Teamster 848 member Eric Tate, and is currently a heap of piled-high dirt. The lot is adjacent to the Teamster 848 office.
Tate said they also want to hire adults on the autism spectrum to work at the playground and be a part of Teamsters 848.
“We always welcome it when folks say, ‘Hey we’ll use our own resources to help create a public benefit,’” said Mayor Rex Richardson, adding that he wants to put “pedal to the medal” in getting this project approved.
The cost of the playground was not discussed at last Tuesday’s meeting, but the project would be sponsored by the union group.
Kerr asked City staff to also provide a list of city-owned lots that could possibly be turned into a playground with no bounds if the lot on Cover Street isn’t feasible.
A playground that’s “accessible and welcoming to all individuals of physical and cognitive abilities” aligns with the City’s goals of expanding equity, accessibility and community wellness, according to a City staff report.
