Children and families in North Long Beach have a new playground to enjoy at Ramona Park.
Long Beach has completed the Ramona Park Signature Playground Project, which enhances safety and creates a more inclusive, accessible, and welcoming environment at the park. City leaders, staff, neighborhood leaders, and community members came together last weekend for a ribbon-cutting ceremony and community “play date” to celebrate.
“The new signature playground is more than just a renovation,” Ninth District Councilmember Joni Ricks-Oddie said during the ceremony. “It’s a reflection of what’s possible when community comes together with a shared vision, when residents, neighborhood associations, and city departments work side by side, where we can create spaces to not only meet the needs of our families and residents but truly celebrate our community spirit.”
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, officials said.
Long Beach celebrated the completion of the Ramona Park Signature Playground Project with a ribbon-cutting celebration and community play date on Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025. (Photo courtesy of the City of Long Beach)
Long Beach celebrated the completion of the Ramona Park Signature Playground Project with a ribbon-cutting celebration and community play date on Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025. (Photo courtesy of the City of Long Beach)
Long Beach celebrated the completion of the Ramona Park Signature Playground Project with a ribbon-cutting celebration and community play date on Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025. (Photo courtesy of the City of Long Beach)
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Long Beach celebrated the completion of the Ramona Park Signature Playground Project with a ribbon-cutting celebration and community play date on Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025. (Photo courtesy of the City of Long Beach)
Enhancements include new shade structures and mister cooling features focused on reducing heat impacts and creating an inviting park environment for all. Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant amenities include accessible play equipment, a curb ramp, pathways, parking stall striping and ADA signage, according to the city’s website.
Landscaping was also enhanced with additional trees for shade, and new radial benches, picnic tables, upgraded seating and water fountains were added to the outdoor space.
An Elevate ’28 project, the playground also includes upgrades that address multiple aspects of a child’s development: physical, social-emotional, sensory, cognitive and communication, officials said. These upgrades include sensory, physical and imaginative play equipment, a communication board, a safety space 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 a sensory wave climber.
“The inclusive design creates an opportunity for children of all abilities to learn and grow together,” Ricks-Oddie said. “Together, these features make Ramona Park a more welcoming and vibrant gathering place for everyone in our community.
“This project shows what it means to invest in our neighborhoods,” she added, “creating spaces that bring people together, strengthen community bonds and give our children a safe and inspiring place to play.”
The Ramona Signature Park Playground was funded by a $1.5 million grant from California State Parks, secured by state Sen. Lena Gonzalez, former Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon, and former Assemblymember Patrick O’Donnell through the Fiscal Year 2022 State budget surplus. It was also funded by a $550,000 Community Development Block Grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and $650,000 in Measure A funding.
The total estimated project cost was $2.7 million, according to Marilyn Surakus, project management bureau manager for Public Works.
Construction for the project began in February and was completed this month, according to a press release.
“Parks play such an important role in the health and well-being of our communities,” Gonzalez said in a statement. “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.”
After the ribbon-cutting ceremony on Saturday, Oct. 25, children ran to play on the new equipment. Community members also enjoyed an afternoon full of food and crafts.
“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,” Mayor Rex Richardson said in a statement.
“Every upgrade was thoughtfully designed to be inclusive, welcoming and engaging for families and children of all abilities,” the mayor added. “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.”