The City of Long Beach will host a ribbon cutting ceremony for the completion of the Ramona Park Signature Playground Project at 10 a.m. on Saturday at Ramona Park (3301 E. 65th St.) and will include remarks by Mayor Rex Richardson, Ninth District Councilmember Dr. Joni Ricks-Oddie and representatives from the Departments of Parks, Recreation and Marine and Public Works. Community members may enjoy the new playground following the ceremony.
“The Ramona Park Signature Playground is more than a beautiful new play space—it’s a symbol of renewal for this wonderful community my family and I proudly call home, and one that represents the kind of accessible city we’re building,” said Mayor Rex Richardson. “Every upgrade was thoughtfully designed to be inclusive, welcoming and engaging for families and children of all abilities. I’m thankful for the collaboration that made this transformation possible and looking forward to seeing how it will inspire and strengthen the neighborhood for years to come.”
An Elevate ‘28 project, the playground, which was last renovated in 1997, features a new design that includes an inclusive, state-of-the-art play area for children of all ages and abilities and provides a safe and engaging space for families to enjoy. Enhancements include new shade structures and mister cooling features focused on reducing heat impacts. Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)-compliant amenities include accessible play equipment, a curb ramp, pathways, parking stall striping and ADA signage. Landscaping was also enhanced with additional trees for shade, and new radial benches, picnic tables, upgraded seating and hydration stations were added to the outdoor space.
The new playground also includes upgrades that address multiple aspects of a child’s development: physical, social-emotional, sensory, cognitive and communication. These upgrades include sensory, physical and imaginative play equipment, a communication board, a safety surface with shock-absorbing material and a new Under the Sea theme with sensory elements such as a sensory wave seat, babble talk tubes, an inclusive expression swing and sensory wave climber.
“Ramona Park is a cornerstone of District 9 and an active community gathering place in the heart of a vibrant neighborhood,” said Ninth District Councilmember Dr. Joni Ricks-Oddie. “Our community has anticipated this updated, inclusive playground that welcomes children of all ages and abilities, and that’s exactly what this new Signature Playground delivers. With accessible play features, imaginative underwater themes, shaded seating and enhanced shared spaces, the new playground at Ramona Park will serve as a vital space in North Long Beach where families can grow, play and build lasting memories. As a mom, I’m especially excited to bring my own children here to enjoy its unique new features!”
The Ramona Signature Park Playground is funded by a $1.5 million grant from California State Parks, secured by 33rd District California State Senator Lena Gonzalez, former Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon and former Assemblymember Patrick O’Donnell through Fiscal Year 2022 State budget surplus, a $550,000 Community Development Block Grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and $650,000 in Measure A funding. Construction for the project began in February 2025 and was completed in October 2025.
“Parks play such an important role in the health and well-being of our communities. I’m proud to have helped secure funding for Ramona Park, and it’s wonderful to see the new playground and green space upgrades come to life making it safer, more accessible and now open for everyone to enjoy,” said Senator Lena Gonzalez.
Elevate ‘28 is a five-year infrastructure initiative dedicated to enhancing Long Beach parks, community and public facilities, access to mobility, and street improvements. More about Elevate ‘28 can be found at lbelevate28.com.
For more information about the project, visit longbeach.gov/ramonaplaygroundproject.
