Lights   The choice of 1st Street lampposts (and now also the Bluff Park Historic Lamppost Project) was to create continuity with the historic neighborhood named after it.  There will be a single row of lampposts along the walkway, spaced seventy five feet apart.


The originally plan included double-headed lampposts such as what once existed on Broadway, at the other edge of the Bluff Park neighborhood.  And today, double-headed lampposts are utilized in prominent locations such as major downtown streets, Rainbow Lagoon Park, Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center, among others.  We chose these lampposts for better light coverage and to signify the importance of this highly visible and unique Long Beach landmark.  But we recently changed to a 1st Street-style single-headed lampposts in order to reduce cost.


The lights have been carefully designed with Ocean Boulevard residents in mind.  This lead to the choice of using lower brightness, and downward directed LED lamp design (see more information below).  The lights will be about as bright as those on Bluff Park’s 1st Street, but distance of lampposts to the homes across Ocean Boulevard is over four times that of the homes on 1st Street.  The closer placement of lampposts still allows for adequate illumination for a safe environment.

Walkway and Lights

 

Wider Walkway   The open grass area is presently used for various activities, so in the plan, it remains mostly untouched.  But for pedestrians strolling on the bluff-top walkway, it is unfortunate that such a significant oceanfront treasure is noticeably not user-friendly with its narrow walkway and staircases (see a ‘friendly’ walkway example below).  The plan provides for widening the walking path and stairways, in order to create a more comfortable environment for the users.

The historic lights and decorative open-style benches provide for a safer environment, while keeping with the character of the historic neighborhood.  The park will now be more available to nearby residents for an evening stroll on a warm summer night, or to enjoy a beautiful winter sunset, in the comfort of a promenade-like wider path.

Light output reduced from 5,000K standard LED lamp to 3,000K

in order to produce a softer

and warmer color temperature

Traditional Halogen or Incandescent bulbs scatter light in all directions, and require a reflector to direct the light.  However, LED light source is single-directional, and can be designed to direct light in a particular direction and shape (like a shower head).  The light output specified in this plan, is aimed in a downward direction, and a tight oval in shape (called Type II Distribution).  This is designed to deliver the light only on the walkway and grass areas, and not effect nearby residents.

Benches   The bench design was guided by two requirements —Public Safety and Historic Heritage. 

According to the LBPD Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design expert, the existing solid concrete benches provide perfect hiding spots.   The new benches provide clear visibility of any activity on or behind the bench.  Also, not shown in the photo below, the benches will have a center armrest, so to make it comfortable for sitting, but not for sleeping.

The historic style, elegance and solid construction, makes this bench a perfect choice for this project.

Historic Benches, Trashcans and Bus Stops, Flora, Wider Stairs

 

Bus Stops   The bus stops are not designed yet, but will be guided by a number of requirements  —Historic-Style and Open Design (so not to block views, and maintain clear visibility for public safety).

The plan includes bus stops on both sides of Ocean Boulevard.  Since these are mostly outside the Tidelands Fund zone, LB Transit funding sources will be tapped for this part of the project.

Flora   Flower beds along the walkway and park enterences, to add color, but low profile in order to keep the open view.

Beach Stairs   Two particular groups are heavy users of the staircases going down to the beach —Walkers and Runners.  A popular use of the stairs is stair-running; running up and down continuously over a period of time for exercise.  Due to the existing narrow stairs, walkers and runners often must take turns using the stairs, where wider stairs could accommodate both groups at once.  Also, wider stairs provide for a more attractive scale to the long staircases.

Widening of the stairs will also be funded by the Tidelands Fund, but will take place over a longer period, being done when each staircase requires rebuilding.

The user-friendly 10 ft. wide bluff-top walkway at Santa Monica’s Palisades Park, with its historic lampposts

Bluff Park’s bluff-top view of the Long Beach Bay, with its 5 ft. wide walkway

1st Street lamppost

Official Bluff Park logo as seen

on neighborhood street signs