Picture this a sprawling 19-acre sports complex under the California sun. This is Chittick Field a place where history and recreation intertwine. Originally known as Hamilton Bowl it began its life in 1936 not as a playground but as a vital stormwater detention basin. Imagine the raw landscape then a bowl carved into the earth designed to capture the relentless flow of rainwater from Signal Hill. It even absorbed occasional oil gushers from nearby wells a unique challenge for its time.
Chittick Field wasn’t always a field of dreams. For decades it was known by several names including “The Hole” and “The Dust Bowl” reflecting its less than glamorous state. The baseball diamonds arrived in 1950. Soccer fields and parking followed in the 60s and 70s. Then in 1983 it was renamed in honor of Brian Chittick founder of the Kid Baseball Association a true local hero.
But the story doesn’t end there. In 2005 ambitious plans for a massive community center were proposed. They ultimately fell through. However this setback paved the way for something truly remarkable. A complete transformation. A $9.9 million renovation in 2014 breathed new life into the aging facility. A new football field emerged alongside a 400-meter all-weather track. Three new soccer fields shone under updated lighting. The once-dreaded “Dust Bowl” was reborn.
And the transformation continues. In 2021 Chittick Field received another name change becoming the Dee Andrews Sports Complex at Chittick Field. This honored former councilmember Dee Andrews a man who championed this space and secured funding for its incredible makeover. Andrews himself had a deep connection to the field. He played there as a boy. He fought for its revitalization. His legacy lives on in the vibrant heart of this community gathering spot.
Today Chittick Field stands as a testament to perseverance and community spirit. It’s a place where the echoes of history blend with the energy of modern recreation. It is a stormwater management marvel. It is a recreational haven. It is Chittick Field. A true Long Beach landmark.