Mayor Rex Richardson unveils Elevate 28 billion dollar Long Beach investment plan

The grand reopening of the Martin Luther King Jr. Park Pool in Long Beach marks a significant milestone for the community, as Mayor Rex Richardson celebrated the refurbished facility during a lively event on June 23, 2025. The mayor expressed gratitude to the Parks, Recreation and Marine team, Public Works, and local leaders for their contributions to the project, emphasizing the importance of community involvement in revitalizing public spaces.

This reopening is part of a broader initiative known as Elevate '28, a billion-dollar investment plan aimed at enhancing various neighborhoods in Long Beach ahead of the 2028 Olympics. Mayor Richardson highlighted that Long Beach will host 11 Olympic events and 7 Paralympic events, making it a key venue for the games. He noted that the majority of the Elevate '28 projects will focus on Central, North, East, and West Long Beach, ensuring that the benefits of this investment reach all residents.

The mayor also mentioned upcoming projects, including the renovation of MacArthur Park and improvements to Anaheim Street, which are part of the city's commitment to creating better infrastructure and public spaces. He stressed that these developments are not just about preparing for the Olympics but are aimed at fostering a vibrant community that residents can enjoy long after the games conclude.

As the community comes together to celebrate the pool's reopening, it symbolizes a commitment to investing in public amenities that enhance quality of life and promote community engagement. The excitement surrounding the Elevate '28 initiative reflects a shared vision for a better Long Beach, where residents can look forward to improved parks, open spaces, and transportation systems in the years leading up to the Olympics.