Long Beach is moving forward with plans to build its first universal playground, a thoughtfully designed space intended to serve children with disabilities, neurodivergent children and their caregivers.

The playground, which will be built at El Dorado Park West, is being developed under the City’s Elevate ’28 Infrastructure Investment Plan. The five-year initiative aims to upgrade parks, community spaces and transportation infrastructure citywide in part in preparation for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

City officials are encouraging residents to help shape the project by completing an online survey open now through June 30.

Unlike traditional playgrounds, a universal playground incorporates design features that support accessibility and inclusion for people of all abilities. These spaces typically include wheelchair-accessible play structures, sensory-rich activities, nature-based features and quiet areas, offering a range of physical, cognitive and social play experiences for families with diverse needs.

While this would be the first official universal playground in Long Beach, recent projects that have incorporated universal design elements include the Silverado and Ramona Park Signature Playground Projects, both of which recently broke ground.

City officials say the goal at El Dorado Park West is to create a space where children of all abilities—and their families—can play together comfortably and safely.

The playground will replace existing play structures located north of the El Dorado Duck Pond off of Studebaker Road and Willow Street.

An in-person community workshop to collect public feedback about the project was held on April 24 at El Dorado Park West, where residents learned about the scope, budget and site constraints of the playground and shared their priorities.

For those who were unable to join in person, the online survey is available in English, Spanish, Khmer, and Tagalog. The survey asks participants to weigh in on the types of play equipment they’d like to see included in the final design.

City planners say the results of the survey will directly inform the next phase of design work. Once a concept design for the playground is drafted, additional opportunities for public input will be offered before construction begins in spring 2026.

More information about the project, along with a link to the community survey, is available at longbeach.gov/eldoprojects.