PRESS RELEASE

The public is invited to attend a grand opening ceremony for the Jackson Park Playground, located at 1432 Jackson Street, on Friday, April 6, 2018. The event will begin at 10:00 a.m. The Jackson Park Playground Project included an upgrade of the previous playground, which is the first of five Measure A-funded playground upgrades throughout the City.

“We are very excited for this much-needed improvement in Jackson Park. This will be a great and beautiful place for the community to gather in this neighborhood,” said Mayor Robert Garcia. “I’m thankful we are able to provide these upgrades, thanks to voters approving Measure A.

The construction project included the demolition of the previous playground, play surface, and walkway, as well as the installation of:

• A new playground structure with shade.
• Rubber safety surfacing.
• New concrete walkway.
• Swings.
• Benches.

“I am excited about this enhancement to Jackson Park,” said Councilmember Al Austin. “We have a new play structure for children and youth in our community, and a new reason for families to come and enjoy this great neighborhood park.”

The playground equipment offers a variety of play experiences helpful in childhood cognitive development and healthy outdoor activity, including opportunities to slide, swing, spin, and climb. The modern play equipment brings an updated element to this neighborhood park, and the bright colors reflect the vibrant character of the community.

Additional improvements to the surrounding concrete area and rubber surfacing were made to meet Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements.

The total project cost was $150,000, which was made possible through Measure A funds.

About Measure A

In 2016, Long Beach voters recognized a pressing need to maintain and enhance public safety services and invest in City infrastructure. Thanks to the passage of Measure A, Fire Engine 8, Rescue 12, South Division, and Police Academy operations have been restored, enhancing public safety citywide. The City is also making a historic investment in revitalizing heavily utilized public spaces such as streets, libraries, community centers, and parks. Anticipated to raise $384 million for the City of Long Beach, over ten years, Measure A is collected as a one percent sales tax for the first six years, and then reduces to half a percent in the four years before it sunsets

For more information, visit: www.longbeach.gov/MeasureA.

About Public Works

The Long Beach Public Works Department strives to operate, preserve, and enhance the City's physical infrastructure and transportation systems. The Department provides a variety of community services including the repair, rehabilitation and general upkeep of City streets, trees, sidewalks, and City structures. Public Works also provides emergency support services throughout the City. Visit us at http://www.longbeach.gov/pw/, "Like" us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter and Instagram.

About Long Beach Parks, Recreation and Marine

The Long Beach Parks, Recreation and Marine Department (PRM) is one of the premier parks and recreation departments in the country, is consistently recognized for excellence in management practices and programs, and has received the national Gold Medal Award four times. PRM operates 171 parks with 26 community centers; two major tennis centers; an animal shelter; one of the busiest municipal golf systems in the country with five courses; and the largest municipally operated marina system in the nation with over 3,200 boat slips. More than 3,200 acres are developed for recreation. The Department offers approximately 2,400 contract classes (fitness, health, enrichment) to people of all ages (newborn to senior) every year; after-school programs at 26 sites during the school year; and summer programs for youth 5-12 years old. Other unique sites include multiple community gardens, a municipal cemetery, more than 38 miles of bike trails, 10 dog parks, and eight skate parks

For more information about Long Beach Parks, Recreation and Marine programs and services, visit www.lbparks.org. Please “Like” us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @LongBeachParks.