Bloomfield Park’s update Teen Resource Center was launched in mid-2008. The facility’s makeover turned a circa 1950s craft room into a convenient 500 square foot study and social center for a growing number of teen participants. The supervised center combines a work area of five computer workstations with a comfortable reading area, game tables and room for special events. Loaded with educational and Internet filtering software, the computers are intended to help students complete homework assignments. The PC’s also include desktop publishing and digital photography tools for special school projects.The technology is the result of efforts by the Rotary Club of Lakewood, the Lakewood Lions Club, and Soroptimists International of Lakewood/Long Beach.
A typical after-school day finds 10-20 teens at the facility. More show up for various special events like Super Bowl or World Series big-screen pizza parties, or Playstation video game tournaments on the 42-in television.
The facility-wide facelift included safety and security improvements like security lighting, cameras, new windows and paint using anti-vandalism glass and paint. ADA-compliance upgrades were also made.
A portion of the center’s funding was made possible through a competitive grant from Supervisor Don Knabe. The grant was funded from the Fourth Supervisorial District’s allocation of the Safe Neighborhood Parks Propositions of 1992 and 1996.
“I was very glad to assist in having these funds allocated to our cities,” said Supervisor Knabe. “These projects are about making a reinvestment in our communities. These improvements will not only increase the quality of life for those who reside in the cities, but also the residents of the surrounding communities that utilize these areas.”
Federal and state grants, with Lakewood park development funds, provided additional support.
Bloomfield Park
21420 Pioneer Blvd. Lakewood California
562-865-1717
Bloomfield Park is a 15 acre facility located near the corner of Centralia Avenue and Pioneer Boulevard. Originally a county facility, the park was annexed with in 1964. In 1999, Bloomfield Park received new playground equipment and numerous park improvements.
Teen Resource Center features
·Staff supervision
·5 
desktop computers
·Supervised internet connection for school work
·Educational software
·Reading alcove and library
·Variety of game tables
·Interactive games on 42” flat screen
Existing park amenities
·Meeting room with kitchen
·Lighted athletic fields and game courts
·Picnic shelter with barbecues
·Tot lot and school age playgrounds
·Wading pool
Existing and ongoing programs and services
·Recreation classes
·Dance, cooking, piano, soccer
·Activity Zone after-school programs
·Homework assistance, games, arts and crafts
·Youth and adult sports leagues
·Lakewood youth sports, adult softball leagues
