Rec Center Ceiling Loses Battle with Rain

The Long Beach Recreation Center was closed Friday after a section of the ceiling started to fall in the wake of stormy weather.  

The suspended ceiling tiles in the lobby, men’s locker room and an office came loose after heavy rain fell overnight and leaked into the building where city employees are reconstructing the roof.

“A small section of the ceiling had come loose because of the rain this morning,” James LaCarrubba, the city’s commissioner of public works, said Friday. “We took that opportunity to tear down the entire ceiling and remove all of the insulation and sheetrock that has been sitting up there for God knows how long.” 

Workers were expected to finish replacing the roof during the weekend, as the facility was reopened Saturday morning. “We’re going to be putting a new ceiling, some new lighting and wiring in the lobby and the hallways,” LaCarrubba said about the repairs.

Water has leaked into the multipurpose facility for many years, perhaps even decades, LaCarrubba said. The aging facility on Magnolia Boulevard and West Bay Drive, which features a pool, weight room and cardio room, has been the subject of much criticism from residents who have called for upgrades and an even an entirely new building.