Long Beach to hold grand opening for new sports courts at Junipero Beach

Basketball and roller-skating aficionados will now have a view of Long Beach’s coastline at the new sports courts at Junipero Beach.

Long Beach will hold a grand opening and ceremonial ribbon cutting for the new Junipero Beach Sports Courts at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 14, at 2630 E. Ocean Blvd.

The new sports courts include a dedicated roller-skating area, a full basketball court and integrated seating – which will complement the existing half and full basketball courts — at the intersection of Ocean Boulevard and Junipero Avenue.

Following the ribbon cutting, community members will be able to use the new amenities, according to a press release. Tthese new amenities will provide a dynamic space for both residents and visitors of Long Beach to enjoy, officials said.

“With the opening of the Junipero Beach Sports Courts, we are not just adding new recreational options for our community to enjoy – we are bringing people together,” Mayor Rex Richardson said in a statement. “This new amenity will offer our community fun, new ways to stay active and engaged on our beautiful coastline.”

Construction of the upgraded facilities began in January and was completed in August.

The Junipero Beach Sports Courts project was funded by $1 million in Tidelands Capital Improvement funds, which are restricted to improvements along the coast and cannot be used for other purposes. It was also funded with $150,000 awarded by the National Fish and Wildlife Fund’s South Coastal Shoreline Parks and Outdoor Recreation Grants Program.

The site will also have future enhancements, including native dune landscaping and a custom shade structure, according to the project’s webpage.

“I am thrilled to celebrate the opening of the Junipero Beach Sports Courts and all the exciting amenities it brings to our community,” Vice Mayor Cindy Allen said in a statement.

Allen represents District 2, which is where the new development is located.

“I also want to recognize the Coastal Commission and our Public Works and Parks, Recreation, and Marine Departments for completing this one-of-a-kind sports facility,” Allen said. “We are excited to open our first skate park on the sand, and as a skater myself, I have been waiting to share this experience with family and friends.”