Upgrades await as Pacific Park Playground prepares for reopening

Changes are in the works at Long Beach’s Pacific Park Playground, as the city moves forward with plans to revitalize it.

The playground, in the East End, where Pacific Boulevard ends at Shore Road, is undergoing a number of upgrades. In addition to new recreational equipment, recent changes include the expansion of the deck area and the addition of a shade structure. The improvements also address safety concerns stemming from the playground equipment’s deterioration in the beach environment.

The playground is set to reopen before Memorial Day, according to city spokesman John McNally. The work was originally expected to be finished last fall.

The improvements were made possible by a grant from the New York State Environmental Protection Fund’s Parks, Preservation and Heritage Grants program. The matching-grant initiative facilitates the acquisition, planning, development and enhancement of parks, historical sites and heritage areas across the state.

“The total project cost is $628,185,” McNally said. “The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation grant is reimbursing the city 50 percent, or $314,092.50.”

Securing the grant required meeting criteria that highlighted the city’s dedication to community well-being and taking care of the environment. Among the criteria was a demonstration of the pressing need for the project, backed by statewide assessments highlighting deficiencies in local recreational facilities. In addition, the city had to explain how the park enhancements would address the needs of a diverse population, and provide equitable access for low-income residents and

“This is a unique and beloved playground,” City Council President Brendan Finn said. “You can’t go wrong investing in the city’s children and our quality of life. We’re really looking forward to the re-opening.”

The city’s comprehensive approach to its recreational facilities, addressing both immediate infrastructure needs and broader community-development goals, played an important role in securing approval for the project. The revitalization of Pacific Park is part of a broader initiative to enhance Long Beach’s public recreational spaces. Within the past year, Magnolia Playground has also been refurbished. The city held a reopening celebration there last June. And two pieces of equipment for young children, and safety surfaces, were installed at Leroy Conyers Park, just east of the Long Island Rail Road station, last year as well.

Those projects were funded by a $1 million state grant obtained by then Sen. Todd Kaminsky, with $750,000 for Magnolia Playground and $250,000 for Leroy Conyers Park. 

City officials say that Pacific Park’s transformation sets a precedent for future initiatives aimed at improving public spaces and building community engagement. As the project nears completion, anticipation builds for the reopening of a safe and fun resource for generations to come.

For updates on the progress of the work at the playground and reopening details, residents are encouraged to stay tuned to official city announcements.