Wilmington Waterfront Park — Attraction in Los Angeles

The ancient Greeks believed it was the mark of an enlightened society when men planted trees under whose shade they would not live to enjoy - they were planting trees for future generations. By that measure, the designers of the Wilmington Waterfront Park were very civilized. The young trees that are grouped at the top of the walkway and near the entrances will be resplendent in 25 years. Right now they are part of a fascinating green world wedged into a griity, grimy industrial area that is part of the Port of Long Beach. The much older community park across the street is testimony to the post World War II idea of what a park should be: essentially square, grass mowed to just the right height, reliable conifers and the ubiquitous horseshoe pits, basketball hoops and above all the requisite "recreation center" right in the middle. There's nothing wrong with the concept - in fact during Wilmington's more violent past, murals were painted on the sides of the "rec center" that still challenge in vivid images the halcyon dreams of towns and cities like Wilmington that came to life after the War. But one has only to look now at the new park to see what is missing in the old. It is the sense of freedom, the exuberant feeling that comes with broad expanses of greenery and rock not forced into being a green dot in an otherwise concrete confine. This park when approached from Neptune Avenue looks to be endless. Careful details are evident everywhere - look at the park's light poles and then look at the red cranes arched above the ships docked on just the other side of the park. Children splash in a water area that shoots spurts of recycled water into the air at unpredictable intervals. You can sit down to tie your shoe only to look up and realize you are sitting in a stone amphitheater carved into the hillside that separates the lower area of the park from a walkway overlooking the huge ships being unloaded. Those young trees I mentioned are grouped along the walkway in clusters that speak to the diversity of the area; who would think to pair liquid ambers with cypress and ficus? If I seem overly enthused about a park, it's because I have seen other, larger, wealthier cities unsuccessful efforts in trying to achieve the results so clearly realized here. Life's no walk in the park, but if it were, this wouldn't be a bad...

Large park. Skateboard park (at adjacent Will Hall park) Exercise stations. Sandbox playground ( at adjacent Will Hall park). Water park area (summer). Binocular viewing stations looking toward the port. Restrooms including handicap accessable. Padded playground area. Several grass areas for play/relax. Horseshoe pit area (at adjacent Will Hall park). Barbeque pit area with tables. Close to 110 freeway on-ramp/exit-ramp. Port authority/ police camera systems with call boxes. Base/soft ball fields (2) (At Will Hall park). Indoor gym for basketball volleyball (Will Hall park). After school programs for kids. Organized sports for kids all ages including volleyball baseball and softball....

It's a great place to bring your kids & family friends or loved ones. If your having a get together or trying to entertain kids, going for a walk to keep healthy or just need fresh air. This place is a must go. On a hot day it's good for the kids & big kids. There's a water recreation area so getting wet & staying cool is fun. You can also just chill and watch soccer teams practice from kids to adults, so enjoy the fresh ocean breeze. If your a BBQ person they have an area for that as well. Occasionally, they have family movie night & the community really joins in for fun.., ( the police is within earshot) so no worries just be polite & enjoy your...