PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release

Public Invited to Attend New Leeway Pier and Bayshore Revitalization Celebration on June 16

On Saturday, June 16, 2018, at 11 a.m., the City of Long Beach will be unveiling the City’s newest shoreline improvements made to the Bayshore Area, and the public is invited to attend. The event, which will take place at 5411 E. Ocean Blvd., will feature free food and refreshments for attendees and a tour of the upgraded Leeway Pier facility.

“I’m really excited about these amazing improvements and they couldn’t have come at a better time as we are getting ready for summer,” said Mayor Robert Garcia. “This revitalized area will provide countless hours of fun for Long Beach residents and visitors.”

The Bayshore revitalization efforts included:

• A complete rebuild of the Leeway Pier and repairs to the foundation and aesthetics of the Leeway Pier Center.

• New paint and other aesthetic enhancements to the Bayshore Concessions Stand.

• The addition of free, public lockers for beach-goers.

• The rebuilt of the swim dock and pier, with the addition of water features to the swim dock such as water guns and a drinking fountain.

• The installation of a large aquatic playground near the swim dock, providing swimmers with the opportunity to participate in various activities like climbing, sliding and jumping, all on the water at no cost.

“The Bayshore area offers a variety of activities such as basketball, handball, swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding, gondola rides, and now the new aquatic playground,” said Councilmember Suzie Price. “I look forward to seeing families out together in Bayshore enjoying this upgraded shoreline space.”

Completion of the Leeway Pier and Bayshore area improvements comes as Heal the Bay released its most recent water quality report on June 7, 2018 giving the Bayshore area an A+ water quality rating.

“Swimability in Long Beach has never been better. Our City has made many improvements along the shoreline to increase usability of our city’s beaches and waterways,” said City Manager Patrick H. West.

In the coming years, more improvements will be made to the surrounding area including reconstruction of the existing Bayshore Lifeguard Station. The City is also working with Los Angeles County to relocate the storm drain pipes underground that currently separate Leeway Pier from the Bayshore swim dock.

About Public Works

The Long Beach Public Works Department strives to operate, preserve, and enhance the City's physical infrastructure and transportation systems, as well as preserve the upkeep of the cityscape with a robust refuse and recycling service that serves more than 120,000 residential and commercial customers. The Department provides a variety of community services including the repair, rehabilitation and general upkeep of City streets, trees, sidewalks, and City structures. Public Works also provides emergency support services throughout the City. Visit us at http://www.longbeach.gov/pw/, "Like" us on Facebook, and follow us onTwitter and Instagram.

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