On Friday, March 28, the City of Long Beach celebrated the construction start of the Ramona Park Signature Playground project, with a ceremony featuring remarks from Mayor Rex Richardson, Ninth District Councilmember Dr. Joni Ricks-Oddie and other City leaders. Situated in North Long Beach, the new playground will enhance safety and create a more inviting environment for families by incorporating inclusive play equipment and improved accessibility and amenities.

“As a proud resident of this community and as a dad mayor raising my daughters here, I know firsthand how much this park means to our families,” said Mayor Rex Richardson. “The Ramona Park signature playground isn’t just about upgraded amenities — it’s about creating a safe, welcoming space where our kids can play, neighbors can gather, and memories can be made for many more years to come.”

An Elevate ’28 project, the Ramona Park Signature Playground project is a comprehensive effort to enhance recreational amenities at the park. The current playground, last renovated in 1997, will see a new design that will feature an inclusive, state-of-the-art play area designed for children of all ages and abilities and provide a safe and engaging space for families to enjoy. Enhancements will also include shade structures, upgraded seating areas, landscaping with additional trees for shade, and improved accessibility and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant features such as play equipment, pathways, safety surfacing and transfer stations for mobility devices, hydration stations, parking stalls, a communication board and more.

“Ramona Park is a cornerstone of our community, and we are excited to celebrate the launch of this highly anticipated Signature Playground project,” said Ninth District Councilmember Dr. Joni Ricks-Oddie. “This major investment has been a long time coming and reflects something our community has wanted and waited for. It will not only enhance and modernize the space but also make it more welcoming, accessible, and inclusive for all.”

“The Ramona Park Signature Playground exemplifies our commitment to enhancing Long Beach’s public spaces through the Elevate ’28 initiative,” said Director of Public Works, Eric Lopez. “This project is the latest example of the City’s commitment to improve its infrastructure and build vibrant and accessible parks and open space throughout the City.”

This project is funded by a $1.5 million grant from California State Parks, advocated for by 33rd District California State Senator Lena Gonzalez and former 62nd District California State Assemblymember Anthony Rendon, a $550,000 Community Development Block Grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, and $500,000 in Measure A funding. The planned improvements align with the City’s ongoing commitment to creating vibrant, inclusive and enjoyable outdoor spaces for residents. Construction for the project began in February 2025 and is expected to be completed in September 2025.

“I am truly proud to see the amazing work in progress for North Long Beach’s Ramona Park and playground, making it more accessible and inclusive for all children and families to enjoy,” said Gonzalez. “I am thankful to the City of Long Beach for advancing this project, and as a state Senator, I remain committed to advocating for investments in green spaces and outdoor recreational opportunities that foster community, promote physical and mental health and improve our environment.”

Elevate ’28 is a comprehensive five-year infrastructure initiative designed to revitalize parks and community facilities while enhancing accessibility and multimodal transportation throughout Long Beach. For more information about Elevate ’28, visit lbelevate28.com.

For more information about the Ramona Park Signature Playground project, visit longbeach.gov/ramonaplaygroundproject.