Community celebrates Pacific Park’s reopening

Pacific Park Playground, located along Shore Road in Long Beach, reopened to the public on Saturday after undergoing renovations aimed at enhancing the park’s amenities and safety features.

The grand reopening event, which took place from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., gathered the community to celebrate the park’s transformation.

The reopening event featured various family-friendly activities organized by the city, including face painting, music and games. Attendees were invited to explore the newly renovated space as well as experience the park’s updated amenities firsthand.

Funded by a grant from the New York State Environmental Protection Fund: Parks, Preservation, and Heritage Grants program, the revitalization project focused on addressing safety concerns and improving accessibility for visitors of all ages. The upgrades, totaling $628,185, included the installation of new play equipment, an expanded decking area, and additional shade structures. The grant covered 50 percent of the project costs, reimbursing the city $314,092.

Long Beach met the grant’s criteria by highlighting the urgent need to upgrade recreational facilities, specifically Pacific Park’s deteriorating playground equipment. The city demonstrated how the park’s infrastructure had been severely affected by salt air and harsh ocean weather, showing the need for improvements. By focusing on enhancing a facility in a low-income area with limited recreational spaces, the project aligned with the grant’s objective of equitable access for under served communities.

These improvements aim to provide a more enjoyable and comfortable experience for park-goers while ensuring the long-term sustainability of the facility.

City officials and community leaders expressed their appreciation for the grant funding that made the renovations possible. The successful completion of the Pacific Park revitalization project reflects the city’s commitment to maintaining and improving public recreational spaces for the benefit of residents and visitors alike.

“My kids grew up playing at Pacific Playground, so this one is special to me,” Councilman Michael Reinhart said. “Investing in healthy outdoor outlets for kids is a no-brainer. The city revamped Magnolia last year, Pacific now and Sherman Brown is slated to begin this fall. These playgrounds are part of what makes Long Beach such a unique and special place. I’m proud of the work we’re doing.”

The reopening of Pacific and Magnolia Park is part of a broader initiative to enhance public recreational spaces across Long Beach to refurbish and upgrade other parks and public spaces, demonstrating its dedication to promoting safe outdoor recreation and community well-being.

The reopening of Pacific Park signifies not only a physical transformation but also emphasizes the park’s role as a community asset.

Through collaboration and investment in public spaces, the city continues to prioritize the safety and enjoyment of its residents, ensuring that Pacific Park and other public spaces remain accessible destinations for the future.