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Fairways and Folklore: The Storied Past of Long Beach's Recreation Park Golf

By: LB Golf News

The Recreation Park Golf Course in Long Beach represents over a century of community history and evolution. From its origins as sheep pastures to a bustling public park, "Big Rec" and "Little Rec" host diverse activities, embodying local culture. The park’s legacy continues through accessible golf, lively events, and a supportive community spirit.

The Green Heart of Long Beach

This is the story of Recreation Park Golf Course—a tale of fairways and foundations where the clubhouse is as much a landmark as it is a 19th hole. The park, a huge green heart of Long Beach, transformed from sheep pastures and sandy greens into a bustling public space filled with golf swings, laughter, and competition.

Today, right in the center of the city, you’ll find Recreation Park’s famous 18-hole course, known as “Big Rec,” and its charming little sister, the 9-hole “Little Rec.” This place is woven into Long Beach’s history, tied to the push for public parks, the gorgeous Spanish-style bandshell, and the city’s longtime love affair with golf.

Golf’s Early Days: Sand Traps and Sheep

Long Beach’s relationship with golf began early. Old newspapers state that California’s first public nine-hole course opened here in July 1899. These weren’t the manicured courses of today; players fought wind and city sprawl, putting on sand greens slicked with crude oil.

Though the first course quickly faded, the dream was kept alive by city boosters like lumber magnate Arthur M. Goodhue and hotel developer Charles R. Drake. They founded the Virginia Country Club (VCC) in 1909, tied to the luxurious Hotel Virginia.

  • The VCC Course: In 1910, the VCC opened its first nine holes on Reservoir Hill. Sheep kept the fairways trimmed, and players putted on sand greens.

  • The Designer: Scottish course architect Arthur Rigby, known as a top clubmaker, designed the course, which was expanded to 18 holes by 1912.

When the VCC moved to Rancho Los Cerritos in 1921, the club left behind its original 256-acre leased land—the spot that would soon become Recreation Park.

The Battle for Recreation Park: A City Takes Control

In the Roaring Twenties, the vacant VCC land was prime real estate for developers. But Long Beach leaders had a different vision: a massive public park for everyone.

The city needed voters to approve a huge bond measure. To ensure success, the city launched an unprecedented public relations campaign:

  • Parades and PR: Newspapers screamed "Buy Recreation Park!" Kids marched in noisy parades, and car owners turned out for a massive rally.

  • A Victory for Populism: On June 15, 1923, the bond passed by an incredible 16-to-1 margin—a feat hailed as a "signal achievement" in city and possibly state history. The land was secured for the community forever.

Big Rec: From Private Luxury to Public Treasure

The existing 18-hole course, originally built by the Virginia Country Club crowd, was quickly turned into a city course. Starting in 1926, the city replaced the old sand greens with smooth turf greens, greatly improving the playing experience.

  • The Course: Recreation Park 18, or “Big Rec,” is a par 72 course that has tested generations of golfers. It sits on rolling, tree-shaded land and features a night-lit driving range and pro shop.

  • The Legacy: It hosts major events like the Long Beach Golf Festival and is beloved for making golf accessible to everyone—pros, beginners, kids, and seniors.

Little Rec: The 9-Hole Hidden Gem

Built in 1928, Recreation Park 9, or “Little Rec,” is the smaller, quieter sibling.

  • The Challenge: Nestled near the Colorado Lagoon, this par 31 course is quick and charming. Its signature challenge is the 7th hole, requiring a shot right over the Colorado Lagoon water.

  • The Start: Little Rec has hosted USGLL Tournaments and Special Olympics fundraisers. It is often where parents hope their kids find their love for the game.

More Than Just Golf: A Community Hub

Recreation Park is Long Beach’s second-biggest public park, sprawling over 200 acres and packed with amenities that embody the classic Long Beach spirit:

  • The Bandshell (1929): This Spanish Baroque gem hosted concerts, plays, and graduations, serving as a true local landmark.

  • Sports Fields: Including Blair Field (baseball institution since 1924), Joe Rodgers Softball Field, and an international-sized Lawn Bowling Green.

  • Historical Resilience: After the devastating 1933 Earthquake (magnitude 6.4), the park became a lifeline—serving as a feeding station, shelter, emergency hospital, and tent city for thousands of displaced residents.

Keeping the Spirit Alive

Today, the park continues to evolve:

  • Modern Upgrades: A 2022 renovation brought a $1.9 million dinosaur-themed playground with rubberized surfaces and ADA access.

  • Cultural Revival: The non-profit Friends of the Recreation Park Bandshell (FORPBS), formed in 2022, is dedicated to restoring the Bandshell and reviving it as a community stage for music, theater, and shared experiences.

The park’s story is like a round of golf—it has glorious highs, long stretches, and unexpected detours. But it always circles back to the city’s heart.

Next time you tee up at Big Rec or Little Rec, remember: You’re not just playing holes. You’re stepping into a living tale as old, quirky, and full of surprises as Long Beach itself.

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