City officials ask young people for thoughts on park amenities

In an effort to make parks more impactful and enjoyable for young people, Long Beach officials are asking youth how city parks can better help them, the city said this week.

From now to Thursday, May 22, young people ages 11 to 14 can fill out a survey on how parks in the city can be made better to help their health and wellbeing, parks officials said.

Data collected from the surveys will help both the city's parks and health departments learn about youth preferences and interests as well as what barriers exist that keep young people from participating in outdoor activities, according to city officials.

The hope is that the results will help officials make parks more appealing to middle school-aged youth, which in turn would encourage more physical activity, a sense of community and connection with nature, officials said.

"Parks have many health benefits both physically and mentally, including fresh air, services and resources that promote exercise and fitness, sports and recreational programs, and space for social connection," city officials said in a statement Thursday.

What's more, regular access to places like parks can help increase recovery times after surgery and lower rates of asthma, obesity, cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, according to the California State Parks Foundation.

Young people can access the survey, which is available in English, Spanish, Khmer and Tagalog, at LBParks.org. They can also complete it in-person at any of the following park facilities during normal business hours:

• Cesar E. Chavez Park (401 Golden Ave.)
• Drake Park (951 Maine Ave.)
• Freeman Center (1205 Freeman Ave.)
• Martin Luther King Jr. Park (1950 Lemon Ave.)
• McBride Park (1550 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave.)

Young people who fill out the survey will also get a chance to win prizes like T-shirts, hats and gift cards from local vendors, according to parks officials.