A roller skate park and a pickle ball court is likely to be coming to Junipero Beach as the City of Long Beach continues its waterfront-long expansion of beach amenities.
While the city continues to seek public input regarding the expansion—its survey ends July 30—they are asking the public between two likely choices regarding the empty, sandy space that currently sits just west of the basketball court at Junipero Beach.
“Option 1” includes a derby-sized skate area, a separately constructed basketball court, and re-striping the existing multi-use court to create two pickleball courts.
“Option 2” will create a skate dance pad—not derby competition-sized—with an additional kids play zone, a separately constructed basketball court, and re-striping the existing court for two pickleball courts.
While the city continues to determine which option they will move forward with, longtime advocates for expanding the city’s public roller skating space are ultimately happy that their sport—which has a deep and rich history within Long Beach—is being recognized.
“I think it’s fantastic the city is finally getting with the times,” said longtime roller skater and overall Long Beach cheerleader Mimi Masher. “Many will say that rollerskating has just taken off but for many of us we have been doing it here in the city for decades. There has always been a shortage of places for us to skate. And, what folks don’t understand, is that a lot of beginning skaters of all ages just cannot skate on the bike path yet especially with the addition of motorized bicycles.
“Since land has become so valuable, all the indoor spots are closing. But, considering COVID-19 and our current situation, outdoors on the beach is a supreme choice.”
For the city’s survey regarding the expansion of Junipero Beach’s amenities, click here.
