Intrigued by how a simple park tells a story of community and transformation? Drake Park is more than just green space. It’s a living testament to Long Beach’s history.
Drake Park, located west of Maine Avenue, sits peacefully between 9th and 10th Streets. It started small, just 1.86 acres. Col. Charles R. Drake, a key figure in Long Beach’s early development, donated this land. He was the operator of the old Virginia Hotel. He was also president of the Long Beach Amusement Company.
In 1904, Col. Drake gifted the land to the city. Back then, it was named Knoll Park. Drake, as president of the Seaside Water Company, ensured the land remained a park. For years, he had personally maintained it as a private retreat.
Fast forward to 1972. Drake Park expanded significantly. Federal funding from the Department of Housing and Urban Development made this possible. The expansion involved acquiring and clearing one and a half blocks of the surrounding neighborhood. Park Circle Drive, which once curved around the park, was removed. St. James Place, a short street, also disappeared. The expansion brought new amenities. A baseball diamond, handball court, volleyball court and two lighted tennis courts were added.
Originally, Drake Park had a semi-circular shape. Maine Avenue formed its base. Park Circle Drive defined the half-circle to the west. It was designed as a passive park. Ornamental light standards lined the walkways. Benches offered places to rest. Restrooms provided necessary facilities.
The exact date of the renaming to Drake Park remains unknown. It’s believed to have happened after Col. Drake’s death in 1928. By August 1939, the park began to evolve. The circular rose garden at its center was converted into a playground. In 1949, construction began on a clubhouse and an enlarged play area. That same year, a sprinkler system and restrooms were completed.
Adjacent to Drake Park’s northeast edge stands the historic Bembridge House. It’s owned by the Long Beach Heritage Coalition. Often, people mistake it as part of the park. Tennis courts wrap around the house on its west side.
The 1990s brought further improvements. Funds from the Los Angeles County Safe Neighborhood Parks Bond Act of 1992 were used. New lighting, baseball diamond upgrades, new play equipment and park benches were installed. Two gazebos appeared in the early 2000s. They provided shelter for students bused to the site.
Over time, the baseball diamond transformed into a soccer field. The volleyball court became first a roller hockey court and then a skate plaza.
In 2009, discussions began about redeveloping Drake Park. The plan involved combining it with the Drake/Chavez Greenbelt development. Drake Park would revert to a passive park. Active uses, like the community center, handball court, skate plaza and soccer field, would move to the greenbelt.
Today, you can still see remnants of the past. You can also envision future possibilities at Drake Park. Two well-maintained, lighted tennis courts offer a unique experience. They overlook an urban coastal panorama. From this bluff, the sun glints off warehouses serving the Port of Long Beach. This park resides in Long Beach’s original section. Buildings here date back to the 1880s. Drake Park stands as a testament to community growth. It reflects Long Beach’s ever-changing landscape.