The Californer - City of Long Beach to Celebrate Completion of MacArthur Park Rehabilitation Project

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Long Beach, CA ~ Long Beach, CA - After months of construction and collaboration with local organizations and community groups, the City of Long Beach is proud to announce the completion of the MacArthur Park Rehabilitation Project. The project, which aimed to elevate the park's sports courts, green spaces, picnic areas, and playground, will be celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Saturday, July 26 at 10 a.m.

The ceremony will take place at MacArthur Park (1321 E. Anaheim St.) and will feature remarks from Vice Mayor Roberto Uranga, Sixth District Councilwoman Dr. Suely Saro, and representatives from the Departments of Parks, Recreation and Marine and Public Works. Following the ceremony, community members are invited to enjoy the park's new amenities.

According to Mayor Rex Richardson, these improvements will provide families and visitors from surrounding neighborhoods with safe and engaging recreational opportunities for years to come. He also expressed gratitude towards Senator Lena Gonzalez and Assemblyman Anthony Rendon for securing $8.5 million in surplus funds from the 2022 California State Budget to support this project.

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The MacArthur Park Rehabilitation Project was a collaborative effort between the City and various local organizations and community groups. A Vision Plan was created in 2022 to inform the new park amenities, ensuring that they reflect the diverse needs and priorities of the community.

The enhanced park features playground enhancements such as new shade structures designed to resemble thatch-hut roofs found in Cambodia and other Southeast Asian countries. The playground also includes new accessible play equipment suitable for all ages as well as seating areas for parents and caretakers. Sports enthusiasts can enjoy upgraded basketball courts with improved surfacing, lighting, and fencing as well as a new walking loop equipped with traditional and calisthenic fitness equipment.

In addition to these improvements, there are also new picnic areas shaded by newly planted trees as well as a larger picnic area featuring a pagoda-inspired shade structure. The park also received general site improvements such as enhanced pathways, landscaping, and pedestrian-scale lighting.

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Construction for the project began in April 2024 and was completed this summer. Senator Lena Gonzalez expressed her excitement for the reopening of MacArthur Park, stating that these upgrades reflect the community's needs and are a major investment in public safety, youth, and families. She also announced that there will be free pizza, ice cream, and fun activities for families to enjoy at the reopening celebration.

The MacArthur Park Rehabilitation Project is part of the City's Elevate 28 Infrastructure Investment Plan, which is funded with $1 million in Measure A funds and $8.5 million secured by Senator Lena Gonzalez and Speaker-Emeritus Anthony Rendon. This five-year infrastructure program aims to serve Long Beach parks, community and public facilities, access to mobility, and street improvements in preparation for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Senator Lena Gonzalez expressed her pride in helping secure funding for this major equity investment that will provide new amenities, better access, and more open space for residents of all ages and abilities to enjoy. She also stated that it is truly exciting to see this project come to life to serve the community for years to come.

For more information about the MacArthur Park Rehabilitation Project or Elevate '28, visit lbelevate28.com.

Filed Under: Government, City

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