DeForest Park and Wetlands

DeForest Park and Wetlands in Long Beach, California, represents a harmonious blend of natural preservation and community engagement.

Project Partners

Vandewalle Architects

Vandewalle Architects is dedicated to creating visionary architectural solutions that enhance urban landscapes through innovation and sustainability. With a focus on urban design, adaptive reuse, and community revitalization, Vandewalle Architects combines creativity with practicality to deliver t

Dake Landscape Architects

Dake Landscape Architects specializes in creating sustainable and aesthetically pleasing outdoor spaces. With expertise in landscape design, urban planning, and ecological restoration, Dake Architects integrates environmental stewardship with innovative design.

W S Klem Contractor, Inc.

W S Klem Contractor, Inc. is a trusted name in commercial construction, known for its excellence in building and renovation projects. Specializing in diverse sectors including retail, hospitality, and healthcare, W S Klem Contractor combines craftsmanship with innovation to deliver quality.

Used in this project

Black Locust Boardwalks

Project Details

• Project Name: DeForest Park and Wetlands
• Location:  Long Beach, California, USA
• Year: 2019
• Architect: Vandewalle architects
• Landscape Architect: Dake Landscape Architects
• Firm (Contractor): W S Klem Contractor, Inc.

Product Used: Boardwalk

Press and Additional Resources

• DeForest Park and Wetlands Website
• Long Beach Parks - DeForest Park

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DeForest Park and Wetlands in Long Beach, California, is a landmark example of how urban design can preserve nature, foster education, and build community resilience. Completed in 2019, this project brought together a multidisciplinary team led by Vandewalle Architects, with landscape design by Dake Landscape Architects and construction by W S Klem Contractor, Inc. The result is a thoughtfully designed wetland sanctuary that provides both ecological protection and meaningful public access. At the heart of the project lies a carefully planned boardwalk system, which allows visitors to move through the wetlands without disturbing sensitive habitats. The design team recognized that building in such an environment required materials that were durable, safe, and environmentally responsible. This led to the use of black locust boards, a choice that reflects a deep commitment to sustainability. Black locust wood has long been recognized for its incredible durability and natural rot resistance. It is one of the hardest and most resilient woods native to North America, often lasting decades outdoors without the need for chemical treatment. By choosing black locust lumber, the project team avoided the environmental risks associated with pressure-treated wood, which can leach harmful chemicals into soil and water. Instead, black locust offered a toxin-free, sustainable solution perfectly suited for the sensitive wetland ecosystem. The use of black locust wood also carries an aesthetic benefit. Its warm, natural tones blend seamlessly with the reeds, grasses, and wildlife habitats of the wetlands, making the built environment feel like an extension of the natural landscape rather than an intrusion. Over time, the wood will weather gracefully to a silver-gray patina, further harmonizing with its surroundings. This careful material choice strengthens the park’s identity as a place of natural immersion and tranquility. The DeForest Park and Wetlands project was never just about preserving a landscape—it was about reconnecting people with nature. The new boardwalk has transformed the park into a vibrant educational resource where school groups, local families, and visitors can learn about wetland ecology, water management, and urban biodiversity. By making the wetlands accessible, the project provides opportunities for experiential learning, recreation, and quiet reflection. From an environmental perspective, the selection of black locust lumber contributes to long-term ecological resilience. Unlike tropical hardwoods that are often imported from vulnerable rainforests, black locust is a renewable resource that grows quickly in North America. Its use reduces reliance on less sustainable timber options, while its long lifespan minimizes the need for replacement and maintenance. This translates into lower environmental impact over the project’s lifetime. The boardwalk also helps protect the wetlands themselves by keeping foot traffic above the ground and water, preventing erosion and safeguarding wildlife habitats. In this way, the project not only offers a space for human connection but also reinforces ecological stability. The DeForest Park and Wetlands project stands as an inspiring example of how design and material selection can reflect broader environmental values. By relying on black locust boards for the boardwalk, the architects and contractors demonstrated that it is possible to prioritize both human experience and ecological health. The result is a space where people can enjoy nature while learning to appreciate the role wetlands play in urban ecosystems. Ultimately, the park represents a harmonious blend of preservation and community. It is a sanctuary for wildlife, a classroom for future generations, and a retreat for residents seeking calm in the midst of a busy city. The thoughtful integration of black locust wood not only supports the structure itself but also symbolizes the project’s lasting dedication to sustainability, durability, and respect for the natural environment.