Million Dollar Beach Skating Rink Opens in Long Beach After Months of Delays

LONG BEACH, CA – After months of setbacks, Long Beach’s roller skating community is celebrating the long-awaited opening of the Junipero Beach Sports Court, a $1 million outdoor skating rink and sports facility built on the sand. Originally expected to open in May 2024, the project faced multiple construction delays before finally welcoming skaters and basketball players this month.

Located at 2630 E. Ocean Blvd., where Junipero Avenue meets the beach, the new recreation area features a full basketball court with integrated seating, an oval-shaped roller skating area, and a shaded structure—a first for Long Beach’s coastline.

The project, which broke ground in January 2024, encountered several obstacles, including the need to update the surface coating for improved durability and performance. According to Jocelin Padilla, a spokesperson for the Public Works Department, the city had to hire a specialty installer to apply specific materials not originally included in the construction plans. However, a technical issue with the state’s Department of Industrial Relations verification system delayed the vendor’s registration process for two weeks, further pushing back the timeline.

In addition, parts of the custom-built shade structure had to be re-engineered and resurveyed, leading to multiple postponements. The city originally aimed for an August 2024 debut, which was later pushed to September. A planned grand opening was abruptly canceled, frustrating many in the community who had eagerly awaited the new space.

Despite the delays, city officials say the result was worth the wait.

“We appreciate the community’s patience and continued enthusiasm for this project,” Mayor Rex Richardson said in a statement. “We are thrilled to see this vision come to life with upgraded amenities that will provide fun, new ways to stay active and engaged on our beautiful coastline.”

Long Beach is home to a vibrant roller skating community, and the new rink is expected to be a major draw for locals and visitors alike. Skaters, who have long called for dedicated outdoor spaces, are eager to make use of the beachfront facility.

Second District Councilwoman Cindy Allen, a skater herself, expressed her excitement about the opening. “This has been a highly anticipated project, and while unforeseen delays extended the timeline, the result is a fantastic recreational space for everyone to enjoy. As a skater myself, I’m especially thrilled to see our city’s first skate park on the sand become a reality.”

The project was funded through $1 million in Tidelands Capital Improvement funds, which are designated for coastal improvements, along with a $150,000 grant from the National Fish and Wildlife Fund’s South Coast Shoreline Parks and Outdoor Recreation Grants Program.

Now that the Junipero Beach Sports Court is officially open, the city hopes it will become a lively hub for outdoor recreation, drawing skaters, basketball players, and beachgoers for years to come.