MacArthur Park Reopens After Major Renovation, Bringing New Life to Cambodia Town

Long Beach, CA — July 26, 2025 — Community members, city leaders, and local organizations gathered on Saturday for a festive ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the grand reopening of MacArthur Park. The long-anticipated rehabilitation project marks a new chapter for the beloved green space at the heart of the Cambodia Town neighborhood, with sweeping improvements designed to inspire, connect, and serve residents of all ages.

The revitalization of MacArthur Park is the result of years of collaboration between the City of Long Beach’s Sixth Council District, local organizations including AOC7, Friends of MacArthur Park, LANLT, and nonprofit design firm City Fabrick. The project was shaped by extensive community input collected through 15 public workshops, stakeholder meetings, 205 park audits, and numerous surveys. In total, 17 community-driven ideas helped inform the final Vision Plan for the park.

“This park is more than just a place to play—it’s a symbol of community resilience, culture, and unity,” said a city official during the ceremony. “Thanks to the dedication of our partners and neighbors, MacArthur Park now stands as a modern, inclusive, and vibrant space for everyone.”

The $9.5 million project—supported by $1 million in Measure A funds and $8.5 million secured by State Senator Lena Gonzalez and Speaker-Emeritus Anthony Rendon—features wide-ranging upgrades. The redesigned park now includes:

• Upgraded playgrounds with diverse and accessible equipment
• Shaded structures inspired by traditional thatch-roof huts
• Modernized basketball courts with improved surfacing, lighting, and fencing
• A walking loop with fitness equipment
• New picnic areas, including shaded tables and a pagoda-style shelter
• Re-established green spaces with new irrigation and landscaping
• Improved lighting, fencing, and pathways throughout the park

The park’s new design incorporates architectural and landscape cues from Cambodia and Southeast Asia, honoring the cultural identity of the surrounding community. This thoughtful integration of heritage and modern amenities is part of a broader commitment to creating spaces that reflect and serve their neighborhoods.

MacArthur Park’s renovation is a key milestone within Long Beach’s Elevate ’28 Infrastructure Investment Plan, a citywide initiative aimed at improving parks, mobility, and public spaces ahead of the 2028 Summer Olympics.

With its fresh design and renewed purpose, MacArthur Park now stands ready to serve as a center of inspiration, gathering, and joy for generations to come.

For more information, visit lbelevate28.com.