On Saturday, March 1, several City of Long Beach representatives scooped their shovels into soil as they officially launched the Silverado Park Signature Playground Project.
The groundbreaking ceremony marked a milestone for the West Long Beach plan, which is intended to ensure the creation of a safe, engaging and inclusive community space for families.
“Silverado Park is at the heart of the Seventh District and has served as a gathering place for our entire community,” said Vice Mayor and Seventh District Councilmember Roberto Uranga in a public statement. “With this significant investment, as well as our many other initiatives that align with the Westside Promise, we are building a stronger, more vibrant future for West Long Beach.”
The Silverado Park Signature Playground Project is part of the city’s Elevate ‘28 initiative to revitalize the city’s parks and public spaces through various accessibility improvements.
While its just one element of a city-wide effort, the playground’s design took particular inspiration from the park’s mural We Are The Seeds by Mer Young, which is made up of colorful leaves that symbolize the power of community growth.
New features to the playground of Silverado Park will include play equipment that is focused on sensory, physical and imaginative play, plus additional safety features and amenities. The overall goal is ensure a better visitor experience, improve accessibility and prolong the facility’s use. Construction on the playground is anticipated to be completed by this fall.
The Silverado Park Signature Playground Project aligns with the 10-year Westside Promise plan to invest in confronting contemporary and systemic challenges that have impacted West Long Beach. The project is funded by $1.5 million from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Community Development Fund, $200,000 in Measure A funds and $750,000 from the Elevate ‘28 Infrastructure Investment Plan.
“This groundbreaking on the Silverado Park Signature Playground Project is more than just the start of a construction project — it’s a symbol of the progress we are making to uplift and invest in the Westside,” said Mayor Rex Richardson in a public statement. “Through the Westside Promise, we committed to improving parks, infrastructure, and quality of life for families who call this diverse and vibrant community home. Seeing shovels hit the ground is proof that those promises aren’t just words — they’re action. This is what it looks like when we build a healthier, safer, and stronger Westside, together.”
To learn more about the Silverado Park Signature Playground Project, visit longbeach.gov/sppp.
