Long Beach residents are invited to explore the newly renovated MacArthur Park at a ribbon cutting ceremony Saturday at 10 a.m.
Saturday’s ceremony at MacArthur Park (1321 E. Anaheim St.) will mark the conclusion of the MacArthur Park Rehabilitation Project and allow the community to check out the park’s new amenities. Vice Mayor Roberto Uranga, Sixth District Councilmember Dr. Suely Saro and representatives from the Departments of Parks, Recreation and Marine and Public Works will make remarks during the event.
“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 in a public statement. “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 teamed up with local groups and organizations to form a Vision Plan for the project, with community input used to determine the desired improvements to the park’s amenities. The upgrades to MacArthur Park are meant to expand recreational opportunities, emphasize recreation and wellness and ensure a welcoming space for all community members. Construction for the MacArthur Park Rehabilitation Project began in April 2024 and concluded this summer.
New shade structures, inspired by the thatched-roof architecture popularized in Southeast Asia, as well as new seating, new accessible play equipment and resting areas are among the notable improvements to the park. The basketball courts received upgraded surfacing, lighting and fencing, and the park now has a walking loop and trails featuring traditional and calisthenic fitness equipment.
In addition, the park features new picnic and gathering spaces with shade provided by newly planted trees and a pagoda-inspired structure, and multi-purpose green spaces that are supported by a re-established lawn and a new irrigation system. General site improvements were also made, like enhanced pathways and landscaping, pedestrian-scale lighting and improved fencing.
“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 California State Senator Lena Gonzalez in a public statement.
The MacArthur Park Rehabilitation Project was funded by $1 million in Measure A Funds and $8.5 million from the 2022 California State Budget. This project is part of Long Beach’s five-year Elevate ‘28 initiative intended to upgrade infrastructure and improve accessibility throughout the city’s parks, facilities and community spaces ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and Paralympics.
To learn more about the MacArthur Park Rehabilitation Project, visit the project’s webpage.
