Children and families in North Long Beach have a new playground to enjoy at Ramona Park.<\/p>\n
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 \u201cplay date\u201d to celebrate.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe new signature playground is more than just a renovation,\u201d Ninth District Councilmember Joni Ricks-Oddie said during the ceremony. \u201cIt\u2019s a reflection of what\u2019s 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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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)\n<\/p>\n
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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)\n<\/p>\n
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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)\n<\/p>\n
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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)\n<\/p>\n
Expand<\/a><\/p>\n 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\u2019s website<\/a>.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n An Elevate \u201928 project, the playground also includes upgrades that address multiple aspects of a child\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n \u201cThe inclusive design creates an opportunity for children of all abilities to learn and grow together,\u201d Ricks-Oddie said. \u201cTogether, these features make Ramona Park a more welcoming and vibrant gathering place for everyone in our community.<\/p>\n \u201cThis project shows what it means to invest in our neighborhoods,\u201d she added, \u201ccreating spaces that bring people together, strengthen community bonds and give our children a safe and inspiring place to play.\u201d<\/p>\n 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\u2019Donnell 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.<\/p>\n The total estimated project cost was $2.7 million, according to Marilyn Surakus, project management bureau manager for Public Works.<\/p>\n