City of Long Beach to Celebrate Completion of MacArthur Park Rehabilitation Project

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PRESS RELEASE

Above: MacArthur Park Rehabilitation Project upgrades include enhancements to the playground, sports courts, green spaces and picnic areas.

Long Beach, CA - The City of Long Beach invites the community to attend a ribbon cuttingceremony for the completion of the MacArthur Park Rehabilitation Project, an effort that is elevating the park's sports courts, green spaces, picnic areas and playground to create a place of inspiration, gathering and play for the surrounding neighborhoods and community. The ceremony will take place at 10 a.m. on Saturday, July 26, at MacArthur Park (1321 E. Anaheim St.) and will include remarks by Vice Mayor Roberto Uranga, Sixth District Councilwoman Dr. Suely Saro and representatives from the Departments of Parks, Recreation and Marine and Public Works. Community members may enjoy the park's new amenities following the ceremony.

"The vast improvements made to MacArthur Park will offer families and visitors from surrounding neighborhoods safe and engaging recreational opportunities for years to come," said Mayor Rex Richardson. "This transformation would not have been possible without the generous advocation from Senator Lena Gonzalez and Assemblyman Anthony Rendon to secure $8.5 million in surplus funds from the 2022 California State Budget to support this project.

In 2022 the City collaborated with various local organizations and community groups to come up with a Vision Plan that helped inform the new park amenities. Elements of the enhanced park are reflective of the community's diverse needs and priorities, ensuring the park is welcoming and accessible for everyone. Improvements are intended to enhance recreational opportunities, promote recreation and wellness, and create vibrant gathering spaces for residents of all ages.

Park improvements include playground enhancements, such as new shade structures designed to resemble thatch-hut roofs found in Cambodia and other Southeast Asian countries, new accessible play equipment suitable for all ages, and new seating, resting areas and fencing for parents and caretakers. Sports and fitness areas were revitalized, including basketball courts with upgraded surfacing, lighting and fencing, and the park now features a new walking loop and trails outfitted with both traditional and calisthenic fitness equipment.

Additional amenities include new picnic and gathering spaces, such as smaller tables shaded by newly planted trees and a larger picnic area featuring a pagoda-inspired shade structure. A re-established lawn and a new irrigation system support multi-purpose green spaces intended for community programs and events to enhance recreational, cultural and community use. The park also received general site improvements such as enhanced pathways and landscaping, newly added trees, pedestrian-scale lighting, and improved fencing throughout.

Construction began in April 2024 and was completed this summer.

"I'm excited for the reopening of MacArthur Park, a beloved space in the heart of Cambodia Town and Central Long Beach. These upgrades reflect our community's needs and are a major investment in public safety, youth, and families. I'm proud to add to the celebration with free pizza, ice cream, and fun activities for families to enjoy. This project was a community effort and I am thankful to all whose input and persistence made this possible."

The MacArthur Park Rehabilitation Project, part of the City's Elevate 28 Infrastructure Investment Plan, is funded with $1 million in Measure A funds and $8.5 million secured by California State Senator Lena Gonzalez and Speaker-Emeritus Anthony Rendon. Elevate '28, is a five-year infrastructure program made of projects dedicated to serving Long Beach parks, community and public facilities, access to mobility, and street improvements and support for Long Beach as a Venue City for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic and Paralympic Games. For more information about Elevate '28, visit lbelevate28.com.

"The rehabilitation of MacArthur Park is such a meaningful milestone for Central Long Beach. I'm proud to have helped secure funding for this major equity investment, bringing new amenities, better access, and more open space for residents of all ages and abilities to enjoy. It is truly exciting to see this project come to life to serve our community for years to come," said Gonzalez.

For more information about the project, visit the project webpage.

About the City of Long Beach
Long Beach is nestled along the Southern California coast and home to approximately 466,000 people. As an award-winning full-service charter city, Long Beach offers the amenities of a metropolitan city while maintaining a strong sense of individual and diverse neighborhoods, culture, and community. With a bustling downtown and over six miles of scenic beaches, Long Beach is a renowned tourist and business destination and home to the iconic Queen Mary, nationally recognized Aquarium of the Pacific and Long Beach Airport, the award-winning Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center and world-class Port of Long Beach.

For more information about the City of Long Beach, visit longbeach.gov/. Follow us on social to keep up with the latest news: Facebook, X, Instagram and YouTube. More information about the Department of Parks, Recreation and Marine is available at longbeach.gov/park and on Facebook and Instagram.

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