PRESS RELEASE

Above: As part of the Bixby Park Bandshell and Park Improvements project, the historical Bixby Park Bandshell has been revitalized, including the installation of a new stage.

Long Beach, CA – The City of Long Beach invites the community to attend a celebration event for the completion of the Bixby Park Bandshell and Park Improvements project. The event will be held at 1 pm. on Friday, July 25, 2025, at Bixby Park (130 Cherry Ave.) and will feature remarks by Vice Mayor Roberto Uranga, Second District Councilwoman Cindy Allen and other City leaders, followed by a ribbon cutting ceremony and open use of the improved spaces.

“Bixby Park is an iconic community hub with a rich history dating back to the early 20th century, once hosting the Iowa State Society Picnics and speeches by politicians such as then presidential candidate Herbert Hoover,” said Mayor Rex Richardson. “We are committed to preserving our historic and cultural spaces and ensuring they are enjoyed by residents and visitors alike for years to come.”

The project included revitalizing historical park elements, including the Bixby Park Bandshell, extending the useful life of the bandshell and installing a new stage. Additional improvements focused on park security, visitor safety and accessibility and included upgraded paving by the bandshell, new Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)-compliant picnic tables and improved access to restrooms. The project also enhanced the dog park with upgraded fencing, four new benches, a hydration station and security camera. Lighting throughout the area was also improved.

Following the event, community members are invited to enjoy a free concert sponsored by the Office of Second District Councilwoman Cindy Allen and featuring Bread and Butter, a Frank Sinatra tribute band.

"This is more than just an upgrade to Bixby Park—it’s a reinvestment in a space that has brought joy to generations of Long Beach families," said Second District Councilwoman Cindy Allen. "From an improved bandshell, which brings modern upgrades to an historical space, to improved ADA accessibility and security, every improvement here is about making this park more welcoming and functional for everyone. Restoring Bixby Park was one of my top priorities since day one and I want to thank all our City departments and partners who made this possible."

Construction for the Bixby Park Bandshell and Park Improvements began in August 2024 and will be completed on July 25, 2025.

An Elevate ’28 initiative, the project is funded by $850,000 from California State Parks grant advocated for by U.S. Congressman Robert Garcia, $200,000 from Measure A (Fiscal Year 2021), and $1 million from Measure A (Fiscal Year 2025). Elevate ’28 is a comprehensive five-year infrastructure initiative dedicated to enhancing Long Beach parks, community facilities, mobility access and streets. To learn more about Elevate ’28, visit lbelevate28.com.

For more information about the project, visit the project webpage.

About the City of Long Beach
Long Beach is nestled along the Southern California coast and home to approximately 466,000 people. As an award-winning full-service charter city, Long Beach offers the amenities of a metropolitan city while maintaining a strong sense of individual and diverse neighborhoods, culture, and community. With a bustling downtown and over six miles of scenic beaches, Long Beach is a renowned tourist and business destination and home to the iconic Queen Mary, nationally recognized Aquarium of the Pacific and Long Beach Airport, the award-winning Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center and world-class Port of Long Beach.

For more information about the City of Long Beach, visit longbeach.gov/. Follow us on social to keep up with the latest news: Facebook, X, Instagram and YouTube. More information about the Department of Parks, Recreation and Marine is available at longbeach.gov/park and on Facebook and Instagram.