New Playground To Be Officially Unveiled At Long Beach Park: 'Inspiring Place To Gather And Play'

LONG BEACH, CA — City officials say they will be unveiling a new playground in Long Beach with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday.

The new playground at Silverado Park is part of a long-term investment plan, known as the Westside Promise, to address current and historical disparities in the Long Beach communities located west of the Los Angeles River.

The Westside Promise project was launched in 2023 by Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson in an effort to revitalize West Long Beach through investing in improving fields such as public health, housing, culture and community empowerment.

In a statement Monday, Richardson said the completion of the playground was an example of what's possible when officials come together and "put our promises into action."

“Through the Westside Promise, we remain committed to investing in the Westside and ensuring the families who call it home can thrive, and this project delivers on that commitment by providing our vibrant community a safe, accessible and inspiring place to gather and play," Richardson said.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday will feature further remarks by Richardson and mark the official opening of the playground.

The new playground was designed to be more inviting, all while encouraging sensory, physical and imaginative play, city officials said. It is also divided into two areas, one for preschoolers, ages 2 to 5, and another for school-age children, ages 5 to 12, city officials said.

The additions of inclusive play equipment, a ramp and level concrete also make the playground compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act, according to city officials.

Vice Mayor and Seventh District Councilmember Roberto Urange said that the playground "embodies" the city's investment into ensuring West Long Beach grows "stronger, healthier and more vibrant."

“The Silverado Park Signature Playground is a beautiful space that encourages new ways to play, uplifts our diverse community and creates more opportunities for people to come together and celebrate what makes West Long Beach special," Uranga said in a statement Monday.