The Long Beach Parks and Recreation Commission voted last week to approve a recommendation to the city manager for the installation of playground equipment at Jenni Rivera Memorial Park, 2001 Walnut Ave. The project is one of several new playgrounds in the city that are being implemented with Measure A funds.
“We are actively working to improve public recreation within the city,” said Mayor Robert Garcia. “Community investment in Measure A makes projects like these possible.”
The Jenni Rivera Memorial Park playground will be located across from the mural dedicated to the late singer. The playground will be accessible from multiple neighborhood access points, including Orange and Walnut Avenues, and 21st Street, East Wesley Drive and E Smith Place, by the existing bike and pedestrian path that runs the length of Jenni Rivera Memorial Park.
“Soon, children in our community will have a new and safe place to play and explore the outdoors,” said Vice Mayor Dee Andrews. “The Jenni Rivera Memorial Park is a significant landmark that is deserving of this much needed improvement, and I am glad we can be a part of bringing this project to life.”
The project includes site preparation and installation of a play structure with a slide and climbing pieces, along with rubberized safety surfacing. The playground is designed for children of various age groups and will feature bright colors to complement the vibrant mural across the park, officials said.
The project is made possible through $250,000 in Measure A funds and $10,000 in “Divide-by-Nine” funds from City Council District 6, totaling $260,000. Funds are budgeted in the Capital Projects Fund in the Public Works Department.
The project is currently in the design phase, and construction is anticipated to begin in the fall.
Source: City of LB
