Laguna Niguel City Council
May 17, 2022

2022

CITY OF LAGUNA NIGUEL

CITYWIDE PARK

NEEDS ASSESSMENT
Source: istock .com
City of Laguna Niguel
Citywide Park Needs Assessment
APRIL 2022
Prepared for:

Prepared by:

Acknowledgments
City Council
Elaine Gennawey, Mayor
Sandy Rains, Mayor Pro Tem
Kelly Jennings, Council Member
Fred Minagar, Council Member
Rischi Paul Sharma, Council Member
City Manager’s Office
Tamara Letourneau, City Manager
Justin Martin, Deputy City Manager
Parks and Recreation Commission
Mayor Elaine Gennawey, City Council Liaison
Mayor Pro Tem Sandy Rains, City Council Liaison
James McGinley, Chair
Stephanie Winstead, Vice Chair
Derek Bartolome, Commissioner
Karen Davis Ferlauto, Commissioner
Darin Loughrey, Commissioner
Parks and Recreation Department
Ron Rivera, Parks and Recreation Director
Yvette E. Aguilar, Recreation Manager
Brett Woodhull, Recreation Supervisor
Public Works Department
Jacki Scott, Public Works Director
Russell Narahara, Senior Management Analyst
Planning Team
Zachary Mueting, Principal Landscape Architect, RJM Design Group Inc.

Kristen Schnell, Project Manager, RJM Design Group Inc.

Timothy McLarney, Ph.D., Survey Specialist, True North Research Inc.

Special thanks to our stakeholders and community members who participated in the planning process.

Source: cityoflagunaniguel.org

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section THREE: NEEDS ASSESSMENT

3.1 Existing Conditions
Park Types.............................................................................34 Acreage Analysis.................................................................38 Community Facilities ...........................................................39 Trail Connectivity .................................................................40 School Facilities....................................................................41 Joint-Use Agreements.........................................................42 Regional and Other Parks and Recreation Facilities.......43 Park Service Gap Analysis ..................................................45

3.2 Custom Park Standards Calculations/Facility Demand..49 Section FOUR: RECOMMENDATIONS

4.1 Key Strategies.......................................................................54 Section ONE: INTRODUCTION

1.1 Purpose of a Needs Assessment ..........................................4

1.2 Benefits of Parks and Recreation.........................................5

1.3 Regional Setting.....................................................................6

1.4 Local Setting...........................................................................7

1.5 Process....................................................................................9

1.6 Related Studies....................................................................11 Section TWO: COMMUNITY VOICE

2.1 Community Profile ...............................................................14

2.2 Outreach and Engagement..............................................17

2.3 Summarizing the Community Voice..................................30 Executive Summary ...................................................................................1 Source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/23155134@N06/24489635377

APPENDIX (SEPARATE DOCUMENT)
Tool 1: Meetings
Tool 2: Existing Documentation
a. Information Request Memo – Existing Document Resources b. Zoning Map
c. Trails Map
Tool 3: Inventory of Recreation Facilities and Parks
a. Map of Existing Parks and Facilities
b. Park Amenity Matrix
Tool 4: Programming Assessment (not conducted)
Tool 5: Demographic Trends
a. 2021 Demographic Assessment
Tool 6: Custom Park Standards Calculations
a. Sports Organization – Facility Demand Analysis
b. Statistically Valid Survey Participation – Facility Demand Analysis Tool 7: Community Engagement
a. Project Website
b. Feedback Comments
c. Stakeholder Interview Summary
d. Community Workshop #1 Summary
e. Community Workshop #2 Summary
f. Community Workshop #3 Summary
g. Statistically Valid Multimodal Community Survey Summary h. Program and Facility Needs Summary Charts
Tool 8: Community Needs Assessment
a. Program and Facility Community Needs
b. Park Acreage Analysis
c. Service Gap Analysis.

Tool 9: Recommendations
Tool 10: Funding (not conducted)

LIST OF EXHIBITS
Section ONE: INTRODUCTION

1.3-1 City of Laguna Niguel Regional Setting..........................................6

1.5-1 Project Timeline..................................................................................9 Section TWO: COMMUNITY VOICE

2.1-1 Tapestry Map ...................................................................................13

2.1-2 Laguna Niguel Age Profile compared to Orange County.........15

2.2-1 Community Workshop #1 Survey Distribution Map .....................21

2.2-2 Community Workshop #2 Survey Distribution Map .....................23

2.2-3 Community Workshop #3 Survey Distribution Map .....................25

2.2-4 Word Cloud Summary of Feedback Comments.........................26

2.2-5 Multi-Modal Survey Distribution Map.............................................27

2.3-1 Program Priorities .............................................................................31

2.3-2 Facility Priorities ................................................................................32 Section THREE: NEEDS ASSESSMENT

3.1-1 Laguna Niguel Park Types Map .....................................................35

3.1-2 Laguna Niguel Special Facilities Map...........................................39

3.1-3 Laguna Niguel Existing Trails Map..................................................40

3.1-4 School Facilities Map.......................................................................41

3.1-5 Service Area Gap Analysis for Mini Parks......................................45

3.1-6 Service Area Gap Analysis for Neighborhood Parks...................46

3.1-7 Service Area Gap Analysis for Community Parks ........................46

3.1-8 Service Area Gap Analysis Map....................................................47

3.2-1 CPSC Methodology.........................................................................50

3.2-2 Local Needs vs. NRPA Needs.........................................................50 Section FOUR: RECOMMENDATIONS

4.1-1 Pickleball Court Survey Results.......................................................58

4.1-2 Soccer Field Survey Results.............................................................59

4.1-3 Residents Over 65 from 2021 Multimodal Survey .........................61

4.1-4 Dog Park Survey Results ..................................................................62

4.1-5 Maintenance Survey Results ..........................................................63

4.1-6 Parking Survey Results .....................................................................65

4.1-7 Playground Survey Results ..............................................................66

4.1-8 Restrooms Survey Results.................................................................67

4.1-9 Shade Survey Results.......................................................................68

4.1-10 Trail Improvement Survey Results...................................................69 Source: abcfitstudio.com
1 2
3 4
1 | City of Laguna Niguel • Citywide Park Needs Assessment

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Laguna Niguel Citywide Park Needs Assessment serves as a guide and implementation tool for the management and development of parks and recreation facilities throughout the City. This document represents a summary of the extensive community input, research, and professional analysis. The culminating result is a community inspired plan for the future of parks and recreation in Laguna Niguel.

The process began with a review of pertinent planning documents, existing park resources, and recreation opportunities. Following the initial inventory an extensive community outreach campaign was developed. In-Person and live streaming online video presentations, one on one stakeholder interviews, public online surveys, direct website feedback, and a statistically valid multi-modal survey was conducted to clearly analyze the community recreation demand in the City. Throughout the process, project updates and summary results were posted to the project website. This website enabled community members to review updates and provide immediate feedback at any point in time. This resource enabled anyone in the community to have a voice in the process regardless of when and where meetings were held.

The following are key strategies developed to balance the available inventory with the community recreational desires.

Key Strategy #1: Provide Sustainable Sports Facility Management Goal 1.1: Since there is not a deficit for organized games, it is assumed that most basketball play is informal play. The City should maintain the existing basketball courts and consider joint use school opportunities for the future recreation needs.

Goal 1.2: The City should maintain its current field allocation considering recommendations for basketball, soccer, and pickleball (illustrated in this report). The existing facilities represent a significant investment by the City that is being utilized by local and regional sports organizations.

If a sport facility is removed the City may be required to reinvest in providing facilities to meet a future demand in generational growth.

Goal 1.3: The City currently has a field allocation policy and fee structure in place; however the City should continue to evaluate this policy and fee structure over time.

Goal 1.4: The City should continue to partner with OC Parks and CUSD to keep and maintain the existing pickleball courts. The pickleball courts at Crown Valley Elementary School are adjacent to homes and should be sensitive to nearby residents. It is recommended that based on the current participation rate the City should look at sites to add as opportunity arise at existing City parks, County parks, or joint use schools.

Goal 1.5: Continue to maintain and reserve the informal fields at Beacon Hill, Juaneno, Marina Hills, and Rancho Niguel Parks for practice and non-organized play. Continue to program organized sports and tournaments at the synthetic turf soccer fields at Bear Brand Park and at Community Parks. Continue to give residents/local teams priority. Utilize overlay opportunities in baseball outfields at Chapparosa Park. Consider partnering with CUSD for use of soccer fields at school facilities.

Goal 1.6: Evaluate current aquatic programs and expand classes and/or hours where appropriate.

City of Laguna Niguel • Citywide Park Needs Assessment | 2 Source: cityoflagunaniguel.org
Key Strategy #2: Increase Park Quality to Strengthen Community Ties and Bring Diverse Populations Together
Goal 2.1: The City parks are ADA accessible, however there is a community desire for more connectivity via sidewalks or other improved pathways. Continue to add benches with shade adjacent playgrounds and along lengthy walking trails in parks.

Goal 2.2: City should continue the planned phased improvements at the City’s Pooch Park, including: the water station, adding shade, and amenity replacements.

Goal 2.3: The City has a high standard of maintenance practices and should keep at current level. Continue to replace/repair for restrooms, benches, picnic tables/shelters, walkways, and landscape. When implementing landscape improvements, consider native plants with low water requirements. As more sports organizations reform after Covid there will be an increased need for active sports facility maintenance compensatory to the level of increased play.

Goal 2.4: The City should continue to evaluate current programming that could benefit from multigenerational design in the City.

Goal 2.5: Continue and consider enhancement of the shuttle services during popular City events. This would allow additional off site parking facilities to be utilized at peak times.

Goal 2.6: As the City renovates park facilities each facility should be evaluated and consideration given to universally accessible “inclusive” playground amenities. Consideration should be given to playground support amenities including shade, seating, and modern playground design components.

Goal 2.7: Continue to evaluate restrooms at parks and upgrade as needed. Restroom renovations should focus on implementing water conservation and energy efficient technologies. Restroom facilities are not recommended at Neighborhood Parks.

Goal 2.8: When implementing park improvements consider adding shade features or trees at playgrounds, seating, and picnic areas. Consider developing a shade study prior to implementation to ensure that shade is cast over the correct area during the hottest times of the day.

Key Strategy #3: Promote Community Connectivity to Nature through an Extensive Trail Network and Trail Events
Goal 3.1: Complete the trailhead signage program to install 21 information and guide signs at trailheads and crossings including trailhead signage at parks that have trail access. Continue to maintain decomposed granite surfacing and guardrails.

Goal 3.2: Continue to implement the eBike Action Plan. offer e-bike safety courses, and promote trail events and programs. Develop partnerships with local business during community events to promote trail usage reducing the impact on available parking.

Key Strategy #4: Celebrate Laguna Niguel History and Local Identity Goal 4.1: The City should look to build or improve upon the class offering, timing and availability, as well as the marketing the existing programs to residents.

Goal 4.2: The City would benefit from developing events that were sponsored by or supported local businesses. As community events develop back to pre-COVID levels, the City should foster public private partnerships.
3 | City of Laguna Niguel • Citywide Park Needs Assessment Source: sandytoesandpopsicles.com City of Laguna Niguel • Citywide Park Needs Assessment | 4 Purpose of a Needs Assessment
The City of Laguna Niguel has numerous parks and recreation opportunities available for both its residents and visitors alike. Park facilities within the City’s boundaries include private home owner association (HOA) parks, County of Orange Park amenities, City parkland as well as an extensive trail network. Across this recreation landscape the public can exercise, socialize, compete in active sports, or simply connect with nature.

In pursuit of the Laguna Niguel Strategic Plan Update mission statement, vision, values, and established goals, this assessment has been developed for the sound management and governance of City resources. Good governance encompasses balancing an equitable park system both financially and socially.

Mission Statement
The City of Laguna Niguel is committed to providing a vibrant quality of life for all residents, businesses, and visitors in a safe, beautiful and involved community. -2021 Strategic Plan Update, Laguna Niguel 2050: The Pursuit of Happiness The community outreach process conducted as part of this analysis, provides a clear understanding of the community’s desires and needs for parks and recreation. Having such an understanding enables strategic expenditures and improvements within the recreation system maximizing the community impact.

This Park Needs Assessment study is intended to be flexible, and should be evaluated and/or modified every five (5) years as the City responds to unforeseen opportunities and constraints, as well as changes in residents’ needs and demands in the context of other City priorities.

1.1 SECTION ONE:

INTRODUCTION 1
Laguna Niguel Skatepark
Source: spotland.fr
5 | City of Laguna Niguel • Citywide Park Needs Assessment Benefits of Parks and Recreation
The California Park and Recreation Society (CPRS) Vision Insight and Planning Project - Creating Community in the 21st CenturyidentifiesthemissionofCalifornia’sparkandrecreation agencies:
“To create community through people, parks and programs.” The CPRS VISION also identifies benefits of park and recreation services including:
• Foster Human Development. Parks and recreation services foster social, intellectual, physical, and emotional development.
• Promote Health and Wellness. Participation in recreation improves physical and emotional health.
• Increase Cultural Unity. Parks and recreation increase cultural unity through experiences that promote cultural understanding and celebrate diversity. • Facilitate Community Problem-Solving. Park and recreation professionals have skills in facilitation and leadership that can be applied to resolve community problems and issues.
• Protect Natural Resources. By acquiring and protecting valuable resources as open space, such as rivers, streams, greenways, viewsheds, forests, and other habitat areas, natural resources are protected and habitat required for the survival of diverse species is preserved.
• Strengthen Safety and Security. Park and recreation professionals provide safe environments for recreation and design programs and services specifically to reduce criminal activity.
• Strengthen Community Image and Sense of Place. Parks, recreation facilities, programs, and community events are key factors in strengthening community image and creating a sense of place.
• Support Economic Development. Recreation programs and facilities attract and retain businesses and residents, as well as attract tourists. Parks and recreation provide jobs and generate income for the community and for local businesses.

Laguna Niguel Aquatic Center

1.2 Benefits of Parks and Recreation
Source: pinterest.com
City of Laguna Niguel • Citywide Park Needs Assessment | 6

1.3 Regional Setting
The City of Laguna Niguel is a coastal community in the San Joaquin Hills in the southeastern corner of Orange County. It is bordered by the cities of San Juan Capistrano, Dana Point, Laguna Beach, Aliso Viejo, Laguna Hills, and Mission Viejo.

Laguna Niguel is known for its
mild climate, low crime rate, and
numerous parks and public trails.

As a predominantly residential
community, more than one-third of
Laguna Niguel is public open space.

Regional Setting 1
City of Laguna Niguel •Citywide Park Needs Assessment | 6 Exhibit 1.3-1: City of Laguna Niguel
Regional Setting
Copyright © 1995–2022 Esri.

All rights reserved.
7 | City of Laguna Niguel • Citywide Park Needs Assessment Major Arterials - Crown Valley
Parkway / Golden Lantern Street
Crown Valley Parkway is one the oldest and
heavily-used arterial parkways extending for
approximately five (5) miles. Golden Lantern
Street is another major arterial coming in from
the south and turning into Moulton Parkway.

California State Route 73
State Route 73 is located entirely in Orange County.

It stretches through Laguna Niguel and connects
from Interstate 5 to the north with Interstate 405.

Local Setting
The City of Laguna Niguel was incorporated on December 1, 1989. The City’s General Plan characterizes Laguna Niguel as “a suburban community situated in the coastal oriented portion of South Orange County. Its physical landscape includes extensive open space areas that provide an outstanding and attractive visual image and character.” Laguna Niguel is an aggregate of many individual planned communities. The numerous private recreation facilities, parks, open space, and trails provide quality recreation opportunities for a significant portion of the population. Topography and the shape of the land have shaped land use in Laguna Niguel, including park and trail uses. Gentle hills, ridgelines, and canyons have created opportunities and constraints to which facility design has responded. Laguna Niguel is rich in natural and recreation resources. A major regional open space network encompasses the surrounding area which includes the Pacific Ocean and associated beaches. Laguna Niguel is part of an effective regional system of recreation, open space, and trail facilities.

Several significant natural and man-made features help shape neighborhoods and provide both opportunities and constraints with respect to parks, recreation, transportation, and community life. These include:
1 - California State Route 73
2 - Major Arterials - Crown Valley Parkway /
Golden Lantern Street
3 - Pacific Coast Highway and Pacific Ocean
4 - El Niguel Country Club and Golf Course
5 - Open Space Hillsides and Corridors
6 - Laguna Niguel Regional Park

1.4 Local Setting
Source: Google Maps
City of Laguna Niguel • Citywide Park Needs Assessment | 8 El Niguel Country Club and
Golf Course
The El Niguel Country Club and Golf Course is a
top-tier, private golf course located in Laguna
Niguel, less than one mile from the beach.

Pacific Coast Highway
and Pacific Ocean
Pacific Coast Highway is a major highway
running north-south. Pacific Coast Highway
is also the longest state route in California,
it runs along the coast for 656 miles.

Open Space Hillsides and Corridors
Topography and land forms have shaped land
use in Laguna Niguel over the years for parks and
trail uses.

Laguna Niguel Regional Park
One main feature of Laguna Niguel Regional Park
is the 44 acre lake in the park. This 227 acre park
provides many different recreational uses to Laguna
Niguel residents and the surrounding communities.

Source: commons.wikimedia.org
1 Source: commons.wikimedia.org
Source: elniguelcc.com
Source: commons.wikimedia.org
9 | City of Laguna Niguel • Citywide Park Needs Assessment

1.5 Process
The Needs Assessment process began in
July of 2021 and included seven months of
research, analysis, community outreach,
and reporting. Critical to the process
was the development of the Community
Voice. Through the lens of community
views, program and facility priorities
are set leading to the final updated
recommendations required to continue
the development of parks and recreation
in Laguna Niguel.

Over a five-month period (AugustDecember) focused community outreach methods were used to collect data from
various segments of the community.

Stakeholder interviews, community
workshops, online surveys, direct feedback
surveys, and a statistically valid, multimodal
community survey were each conducted
to gather insight into the community’s
views and desires for recreation programs,
services, and facilities.

The Needs Assessment Process
Exhibit 1.5-1: Project Timeline
Sports-Custom
Park Standards
Workshop #2:

Parks & Recreation
Needs
(In Person and
Online Option)
Statistically Valid
Multi-Modal,
Community
Survey
Kick Off Meeting Workshop #1:

Scoping Session
(In Person and
Online Option)
Demographic
Assessment &
Local Trends
Analysis
Launch Project
Website to
Public
Stakeholder
Interviews
Inventory &
Existing
Conditions
July 2021 August 2021 September 2021 October 2021 Novem City of Laguna Niguel • Citywide Park Needs Assessment | 10 A project website was developed
that outlined the Needs Assessment
goals and objectives and identified a
schedule of dates on how to be involved
in the outreach opportunities. As each
segment of the community outreach was
completed, the results were placed on
the website for the community to view
and provide feedback. This component
extended the ability for anyone at any
time to review the information collected
and provide feedback.

After the outreach process was
completed, the data was synthesized into
a clear community voice of prioritized
programs and facilities. This list of priorities
was then compared against the inventory
of existing facilities during the months
of December and January. The results
of the comparison formed the basis
for the recommendations presented in
this report. In the beginning of 2022, this
report and subsequent presentations
were developed to clearly illustrate
what facilities exist, what the community
priorities are, and how the two can align
today and in the future.
1 Workshop #3:

Prioritization
(In Person and
Online Option) Conceptual Park Plans Community
Needs
Assessment
Final Report Development
& Review
Public Meetings
& Presentations
ber 2021 December 2021 January 2022 February 2022 March 2022 11 | City of Laguna Niguel • Citywide Park Needs Assessment Related Studies
There are existing documents and plans that relate to the planning of recreation and influence its direction. These documents and their relationship to the planning process include:

Laguna Niguel General Plan (1992)
Each city in California is required by State
law to adopt a comprehensive, longterm General Plan for its own physical development. The General Plan consists
of mandatory and discretionary elements
including land use, housing, circulation,
conservation and open space, parks and
recreation, safety, noise, air quality, and
economic development. California State
law requires that the day-to-day decisions
of a city should follow logically from, and
be consistent with, the General Plan.

Parks and Recreation Master Plan
(1998)
The Master Plan was created to guide
for the orderly development and
management of parks, recreation, and
trail facilities in the City. This document
has been utilized over the last twenty-four
years to focus recreation development
based on community input. Several of
the recommendations identified have
been implemented in the community.

This document has served its purpose
and is slated to be updated soon to
continue to provide direction and support
for recreation development in the City.

Laguna Niguel Trails Master Plan (2005)
The trails master plan identifies the
orderly and efficient development of
the City’s extensive trail network for
both multi-use and off-road bikeway
systems. Developed through community
input and past planning documents,
existing trail conditions are reviewed,
and proposed new trail amenities
and trail improvements are illustrated.

Laguna Niguel 2050 Strategic Plan
Update
The City’s first ever strategic plan was
adopted in 2019, updated in 2021, and
again updated in February 2022. The
plan outlines specific Mission, Vision,
Values, Goals, as well as strategies for
key elements that enhance the quality
of life for the residents of Laguna Niguel.

The Needs Assessment presented
herein is part of the defined strategy for
infrastructure and technology as well as
serves as an update in part to the previous
1998 Parks and Recreation Master Plan.

Gateway Specific Plan 2011
The Laguna Niguel Gateway Specific Plan
illustrates a new community development
where residents can experience a
pedestrian-oriented urban village with
places to live, work, and play. The plan
illustrates a unified network of roadways
and streetscapes, and their relationship to
the surrounding communities.

1.6 Related Studies
City of Laguna Niguel • Citywide Park Needs Assessment | 12 1 13 | City of Laguna Niguel • Citywide Park Needs Assessment La
Paz
Alis Creek
133
Wood
Canyon Dr
Knollwood
Rancho Niguel Rd
A dela nto Dr
La Hermosa Ave
Highlands Ave
Avila Rd
Hidden Hills Rd
Nue va Vist a Dr
Moulton
Pkwy
Ma rina Hills Dr
Oso Pkwy
S
Coast Hwy
Crown
Valley Pkwy
San Joaquin Hills Trans Corridor
El Niguel
Country Club
Laguna Niguel
Regional Park
Aliso & Wood
Canyons
Wilderness Pk
South Laguna
Top of the
World
Laguna Niguel
Aliso Viejo
East Nine Dr
Stonehill Dr
Niguel Rd
Ca mino del Avion
Pacific Island Dr
Golden Lantern
S Coast
Hwy
Monarch Beach
Golf Links
Three Arch Bay
Dana Point
M
Mission Viejo
Country Club
Oso Creek
Camino Capistrano
Camino Capistrano
Cabot Rd
Ca bot Rd
Rancho Viejo
Margue
Golden Lantern
Golden Lantern Paseo
de
Colinas
San Dieg
o Fwy
Galivan
Peppertree Bnd
A
Alipaz St
Camino
Capistran
D
o
el Obispo
St
San Juan
Capistrano
Tapestry
11B Young and Restless
1A Top Tier
1B Professional Pride
1C Boomburbs
1D Savvy Suburbanites
1E Exurbanites
2A Urban Chic
2B Pleasantville
2D Enterprising Professionals
3C Trendsetters
8A City Lights
8B Emerald City
8C Bright Young Professionals
9B Golden Years
Exhibit 2.1-1: Laguna Niguel
Tapestry Map
Copyright © 1995–2022 Esri.

All rights reserved.

City of Laguna Niguel • Citywide Park Needs Assessment | 14 Who is Laguna Niguel? A Community Profile
Understanding the demographic context of a community can create a valuable perspective for understanding current parks, recreation facility, and program requirements and, moreover, for anticipating parks, recreation facility, and program needs in the future. A complete demographic analysis was developed utilizing the 2021 Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI) demographic datasets including the Tapestry Segmentation. This information provides a deeper understanding of “who” the community is and “where” they are geographically and economically.

SECTION TWO:

COMMUNITY VOICE

2.1 2
1 2
Most (82%) of Laguna Niguel households fall into one of two Tapestry LifeMode groups:

Affluent Estates (1A,1B,1D,1E)
Median Age: 40.8 - 51.0
Median Income: $103K - $173K
% of LN Households: 47.4%
Upscale Avenues (2A,2B,2D)
Median Age: 35.3 - 43.3
Median Income: $87K - $109K
% of LN Households: 34.6%
Highly educated professionals. Mostly
homeowners. Married couples with
children ranging from grade school to
college. Known to participate actively in
their communities. Generally interested in
sports.

Predominanty married couples living
in older suburban neighborhoods or
townhomes. Majority are homeowners.

Many with older children. Generally
interested in active recreation and fitness.

Exhibit 2.1-2: Residents Over 65
from 2021 Multimodal Survey
The Tapestry Segmentation (9B) indicates
that the senior community is located in the
Southwest corner of the City. The age 55+
residential communities, such as Monarch
Summit, are located in this geographical
region. However from the 2021 Multimodal
Survey data, Exhibit 2.1-2 illustrates the
geographic location of residents older than
age 65 is distributed evenly across the entire
City and not located in one area.
15 | City of Laguna Niguel • Citywide Park Needs Assessment How old are Laguna Niguel residents?
The Age Profile as illustrated in Exhibit 2.1-2, shows significant large portions of the population to be classified in the 35-64 category (43% of the total population).

The under 19 years of age segment (21%) is slightly lower than the Orange County average population (24%). The trend from 2010 to 2026 indicates the senior population age 55 and older will continue to grow into a larger section of the community.

Community Profile
Exhibit 2.1-2: Laguna Niguel Age
Profile Compared to Orange County
City of Laguna Niguel • Citywide Park Needs Assessment | 16

KEY FACTS
65,952
Population

45.2 Median Age

2.6 Average
Household
Size
In addition to the age profile, the
demographic assessment included
analysis of population growth, housing
unit growth, and housing value for the
resident population. Highlights of these
demographic trends include:
• The Esri forecast data set indicates the
five year growth from 2021 to 2026 of

1.4% is below the County’s average
growth rate of 2.5% change from 2021
to 2026. The forecasted population for
2031 is 68,236.
• Housing unit growth in the City during
the 2010 to 2021 time frame occurred
at a 3.3% rate, with approximately 75
new housing units documented each
year on average.
• The median housing value of $925,968
in the City of Laguna Niguel in 2021
is well above the median value of
$747,128 in Orange County.

Community Profile Overview
According to the 2021 Statistically Valid
Community Survey, 94% reported that
they visit one or more parks or open space
areas in Laguna Niguel on an annual basis
and 58% do so on a weekly basis. The City of
Laguna Niguel has a population that is highly
active and engaged in outdoor activities.
2 Source: Population Estimate is from Department
of Finance for 01/01/2022. Esri 2022
Demographic Data
17 | City of Laguna Niguel • Citywide Park Needs Assessment 1 2
3 Outreach and Engagement
The community outreach campaign developed for this Needs Assessment utilized multiple methods of information sharing and data collection including live and online video presentations, one on one stakeholder interviews, public online surveys, a statistically valid multimodal survey, and online website feedback surveys.

Throughout the process, project updates and summary results were posted to the project website. This website enabled community members to review updates and provide immediate feedback at any point in time. This resource enabled anyone in the community to have a voice in the process regardless of when and where meetings were held.

The purpose of gathering community input through a variety of methods is to ensure that the Needs Assessment is as inclusive as possible and that it reflects the views, preferences, and recreation patterns of Laguna Niguel residents. Within this section, community feedback has been recorded in three (3) separate categories:

Category One: One-on-One Stakeholder Interviews
Direct one-on-one interviews with key stakeholders and elected officials were conducted in a format where participant’s discussed key issues and opinions on facility needs and programmatic recommendations that should be researched in the Needs Assessment.

Category Two: Community at Large Public Workshops
Public community consensus-building workshops were held via in-person and live streaming meetings. Meetings were open to the public where community members could learn about past survey results, ask questions of the design team, and participate in live follow up surveys.

Category Three: Statistically Valid Surveys
Direct survey responses were collected through a statistically valid, multimodal survey. This survey was conducted via telephone (land lines and cell numbers), text, and email to ensure the population demographic was represented.

2.2 Outreach & Engagement
City of Laguna Niguel • Citywide Park Needs Assessment | 18 Total Combined Participants Reached:
1,602
Total Website Views
656
Total Facebook
Likes
87 Total YouTube Video
Views
15 Stakeholder Interviews
31 Total Website Feedback
Comments
842
Total Multi-Modal Surveys
Representing
2,231
Residents
422
Total Online / Paper
Surveys Completed
17 Total Sports Organization
Surveys
Representing
6,440
Players
2 19 | City of Laguna Niguel • Citywide Park Needs Assessment Stakeholder Interviews:

The following summarizes the results of the fifteen (15) stakeholder interviews conducted as a part of the public outreach effort to assist in the preparation of the Needs Assessment. The interviews were held between August 16 and October 12, 2021. Stakeholders were interviewed in a one-on-one environment in either in-person meetings or over a secure online virtual meeting. Over a series of questions, various topics were discussed to identify important recreation issues, programs, facilities, as well as areas in which the Parks and Recreation Department could improve. The following charts illustrate the similar responses in frequency or alphabetical order.

Stakeholder Interviews
“How do you think the Parks and Recreation Department could improve in providing services and facilities to community residents?” “What is the most important issue related to the Parks, Recreation Facilities, Open Space,Trails, and Services currently provided in Laguna Niguel?” City of Laguna Niguel • Citywide Park Needs Assessment | 20 What is the one program, class, or activity
you would most like to see added or
expanded in Laguna Niguel to meet the
needs of the community?

PROGRAMS
What is the one recreation facility you
would most like to see added in
Laguna Niguel to meet the needs of the
community?

FACILITIES
Additional details that were discussed, as well as individual answers, are available in the Appendix document.

MOST COMMONLY IDENTIFIED:
• Community Theater / Performing Arts
Center
• Dog Park
• Pickleball Court
• Upgrade or Enhance Existing Parks
Additional Responses Included:
• Basketball Court
• Bowling Alley
• City Center
• Expanded Senior Center
• Gymnasium
• Homeless Shelter
• Outdoor Exercise Course
• Parking
• Wood-Working Shop
MOST COMMONLY IDENTIFIED:
• Community Forums
• Marketing of Programs Offered
• Programs for Working Adults
• Summer Concerts
• Tech Programs for Seniors
• Trail Events
Additional Responses Included:
• Art, Music, and Dance Classes
• Expand Senior Fitness Center Hours
• Multi-Generational Programs
• School Events/Performances at
(Crown Valley) Amphitheater
• Special Olympics
• Youth Lacrosse Program
2 21 | City of Laguna Niguel • Citywide Park Needs Assessment Community Workshops
Community Workshop 1: Scoping Session
Community members were invited to the
first community workshop to learn about
the Citywide Park Needs Assessment
process, and to participate in the first
survey. Workshop #1 commenced on
Wednesday, September 8, 2021, from
6:00pm to 8:00pm at Crown Valley
Community Center. The workshop was in
person and live-streamed on the City’s
social media accounts. Seventeen (17)
attendees participated in the in-person
workshop. The Workshop #1 Survey was
open for more than two weeks until
Friday, September 24, 2021. The survey
was available online and paper copies
were available at all City facilities, as well
as the County library, and distributed
at community events. The Workshop
#1 Survey was also advertised on the
City’s social media and at the Jr. Civic
Workshop, Chamber Breakfast, and the
Dive In Movie Event. A total of one hundred
and twenty-two (122) surveys were
completed. The following charts represent
the summary of similar responses received.

Laguna Niguel - Community Workshop - survey 1 0 0.25 0.5 1 Miles City of Laguna Niguel, CA
Exhibit 2.2-1: Community
Workshop 1 Survey Distribution Map
Copyright © 1995–2022 Esri.

All rights reserved.

Online survey
(open for 2
weeks)
Online survey
results collected
Results posted on
project website
Survey, feedback, and
live poll summary report
developed
Hybrid Community Workshop Process
In person presentation
and simultaneous live
streaming video made
available via City’s social
media and project
website. Online survey
launched on project
website*.
*paper copies of surveys made available at City hall,
community centers and the County library.

CITY OF LAGUNA NIGUEL

CITYWIDE PARK NEEDS ASSESSMENT
Community Workshop Process
City of Laguna Niguel • Citywide Park Needs Assessment | 22 Issues or trends that may be negatively impacting the
important community characteristics.

Important community characteristics that make Laguna Niguel a great place to live, work, and play.

What role can parks and recreation department play
in addressing the issues.
2 23 | City of Laguna Niguel • Citywide Park Needs Assessment Community Workshops
Community Workshop 2: Prioritization
Workshop #2 commenced on Saturday,
October 9, 2021 from 1:00pm to 3:00pm
at Sea Country Senior and Community
Center. The workshop was in person and
also live-streamed on the City’s social
media accounts. Nine (9) attendees
participated in the in-person workshop.

Workshop #2 Survey was open for two
weeks until Saturday, October 23, 2021.

The survey was available online and
paper copies were available at all City
facilities as well as the County library. The
Workshop #2 Survey was also advertised
on the City’s social media, at the Dive
Meet, Jr. Civic Workshop, 10-Year City Hall
Anniversary Celebration, Snap and Treat
Event, and Haunted Trails Event. A total
of one hundred and seventy-eight (178)
surveys were completed. The following
represents the summary of similar responses
received.

Exhibit 2.2-2: Community
Workshop 2 Survey Distribution Map
Copyright © 1995–2022 Esri.

All rights reserved.

Laguna Niguel - Community Workshop - survey 2 0 0.25 0.5 1 Miles City of Laguna Niguel, CA
City of Laguna Niguel • Citywide Park Needs Assessment | 24 What are the top park and/or facility improvements you would like to see added in Laguna Niguel to meet the needs of the community? What are the top programs, classes, or activities you would like to see added in Laguna Niguel to meet the needs of the community? 2 25 | City of Laguna Niguel • Citywide Park Needs Assessment Community Workshops
Community Workshop 3: Summary Results
Workshop #3 commenced on Saturday,
November 6, 2021 from 1:00pm to 3:00pm
at Crown Valley Community Center. The
workshop was in person and live-streamed
on the City’s social media accounts.

Sixteen (16) attendees participated in
the in-person workshop. RJM shared
an overview of the Needs Assessment
process followed by a brief outline of
the afternoon’s workshop agenda.

The Workshop #3 Survey was open for three
weeks until Saturday, November 27, 2021.

The survey was available online and paper
copies were available at all City facilities,
as well as the County library. The Workshop
#3 Survey was also advertised on the City’s
social media. A total of one hundred and
twenty-two (122) surveys were completed.

Survey participants ranked the top facility
and program needs that were identified
throughout the community outreach
process by indicating if they wanted the
improvement as an immediate need,
short term need, long term need, or never. Laguna Niguel - Community Workshop - survey 3 0 0.25 0.5 1 Miles City of Laguna Niguel, CA
Exhibit 2.2-3: Community
Workshop 3 Survey Distribution Map
Immediate Need
(0-5 Years)
Short Term
(5-10 Years)
Long Term
(10-15 Years)
Park Access for Disabled Basketball Courts Dog Park
Bike Path & Trail
Improvements
Parking
Maintenance & Landscape
Improvements
Pickleball Courts
Playground Renovations Performing Arts Classes
Restrooms
Bike & Trail Events
Community Events
Senior Activities & Programs
Swimming Lessons & Aquatic
Programs
Teen Programs
Copyright © 1995–2022 Esri.

All rights reserved.

City of Laguna Niguel • Citywide Park Needs Assessment | 26 Project Website and Feedback
A project website was developed to keep
the community informed all day, every
day. The website launched to the public
on August 9, 2021. Throughout the project,
updates were published and surveys
were made available on the project
website. Website views totaled 1,602.

A total of 31 feedback comments were
received throughout the project. The
feedback survey option was available
on the project website and opened
with the website launch in August
2021. The feedback option remained
open for the duration of the project.
2 Exhibit 2.2-4: Word Cloud Summary of
Feedback Comments
27 | City of Laguna Niguel • Citywide Park Needs Assessment Laguna Niguel Multi Modal 0 0.17 0.35 0.7Miles City of Laguna Niguel, CA Statistically Valid Multi-Modal Survey
A total of 842 residents were surveyed in a statistically valid manner between September 16-24, 2021. A survey of this size yields a margin of error of +/-5.0%, with a confidence level of 95%. The survey followed a mixed-method design that employed multiple recruiting methods (email, text, and telephone) and multiple data collection methods (telephone and online). Our sample used stratified random sampling methodology to ensure that the demographic proportions of survey respondents match the demographic composition of City of Laguna Niguel residents.

Participant responses are geolocated
to identify the trends in recreation
desires as well as verification
community members from across
the community are included in the
analysis. Exhibit 2.2-4 indicates that
there was an equal geographic
distribution of participants across
the City. This not only validates the
statistically valid component of the
survey but also indicated there is
not a geographic bias in the data
being recorded from only one end
of the community and not the other.

Statistically Valid Multi-Modal Survey
Exhibit 2.2-5: Multi-Modal Survey
Distribution Map
Copyright © 1995–2022 Esri.

All rights reserved.

City of Laguna Niguel • Citywide Park Needs Assessment | 28 Subjects explored in the context of the multi-modal survey included:

Use City Recreation Programs, Classes or
39%
Lessons at least Once a Year
Visit a Park or Open Space Area at
80%
Least Monthly
Said Walking was the Top Recreation
61%
Activity Engaged in Most
What Facility Residents Would Most
Like to See Added
12% Provide / Improve Dog Parks / Water Fountains /
(Pooch Park)
9% Improve Playgrounds (Chapparosa, Laguna
Regional, La Plata, LN Regional, Marina Hills, Hidden
Hills, Lilly Shapell, Niguel Heights)
9% Improve / Upgrade Parks / Facilities in General
8% Clean / Beautify Parks / Landscaping (Bear Brand
Park, Aliso Creek Trail, Bergeson School, LN Regional,
La Plata, Hidden Hills, Chapparosa, Marina Hills)
6% Improve Laguna Niguel Regional Park / Events
Activities / Cleanliness
6% Not Sure / Cannot Think of Anything Specific
4% Provide / Improve Basketball Courts
4% Provide / Improve Restroom Facilities (Clipper Cove, Hidden Hills, Niguel Heights, La plata, Marina Hills)
4% Provide / Improve Bike Parks / Trails
4% Provide More Seating / Shaded Areas (Pooch Park,
Hidden Hills, Chapparosa)
4% Provide / Improve Community Pool / Water Play
Areas (Crown Valley)
4% Provide / Improve Tennis Courts (Regional Park,
Hidden Hills)
3% Provide / Improve Walking Trails (Aliso Summit, Ridge Line Trail, Hermosa Park Trail)
3% Provide / Improve Pickleball Courts (Adelanto,
Community Center)
3% Improve Laguna Niguel Lake
2% Provide / Improve Soccer / Grass Fields (George
White, Marina Hills, Chapparosa, La Paz Sports)
2% Improve Marina Hills Park
2% Provide / Improve Skate Parks
2% Provide / Improve Golf Course / Disc Golf Course
2% Improve Park / Facility Accessibility in General
2% Improve Botanical Garden
Are Satisfied
91%
with City’s Existing
Maintenance
Use Laguna Niguel Regional Park
28%
the Most Often
Get Parks and Recreation Information
75%
from City Website or Google
What Program Residents Would Most
Like to See Added
2 13% Yoga / Meditation / Pilates Classes
12% Arts / Crafts Classes
11% Ballroom Dancing / Dance Classes
8% Adult Sport Leagues (soccer, softball,
basketball, dodgeball, boxing, volleyball)
7% Activities / Classes for Toddlers / Children
7% More Fields / Courts (pickleball, volleyball,
badmiton, golf, tennis, bocce ball, soccer)
6% Swimming / Aqua Aerobic Classes
6% Senior Classes / Activities
5% Community Events (farmers market, movies
at the park, 4th of July event, gatherings for
different age groups)
4% Fitness Classes (spin, cardio, aerobics,
jazzercise)
4% Enrichment / Education Classes (sign
language, finance, technology, photography)
3% Pickleball Classes
3% Tennis Classes
3% Cooking Classes
3% Gardening
3% Sports / Activities for Teens in General
2% Martial Arts / Tai Chi / Self-Defense Classes
2% Music Classes
2% Music Events / Concerts
2% Archery
2% Board / Card Games
2% Biking / Mountain Biking
2% Water Activities / Sports
2% Not Sure / Cannot Think of Anything Specific
29 | City of Laguna Niguel • Citywide Park Needs Assessment Sports Organizations*
Organization name % Residents
Sports Organization Survey
A questionnaire was designed and
distributed to the organized sports groups
that use the City facilities. This questionnaire
obtained information regarding the
number of players and teams in the
league or sports organization, age ranges
of the players, what seasons they play, if
they travel outside Laguna Niguel to play,
and if they participate in tournaments.

The online questionnaire was completed
by seventeen (17) sports organizations.

The information regarding the number
of players, size of teams, seasonality and
turnover of facilities for both games and
practice are used to better define peak
day demand and convert that to the
number of facilities required to meet the
needs of this segment of the recreation
market. Information regarding which of
the facilities are currently being used by
the sports groups provides input to the
inventory of sports facilities regarding usage
for adult sports, youth sports and practices.

The questionnaire addresses the
percentage of the players in each
organization that live within the City of
Laguna Niguel. This varies widely by type
of sport and in Laguna Niguel reflects that
a number of participants in certain sports
reside outside of the City. The demand
for facilities to accommodate organized
sports are adjusted to accommodate
all players in the leagues, regardless of
whether they are living in Laguna Niguel.

Sports Organizations
AYSO Region 41
Pateadores
LN Youth Soccer Assoc. (LNYSA)
South Coast Community Soccer League
LN Adult Rec. Soccer League
SJC Soccer League
SC Blues
Elite Soccer League
LN Coed Soccer League (LNCSL)
LN Little League
LN Girls Softball
Spirit League
South Slammers
LN Football Assoc. (LNFA)
Magic Elite Basketball Academy
LN Bocce Club
US Youth Volleyball League
* Data not provided by league representative.
80%
80%
70%
70%
55%
30%
20%
10%
*
90%
75%
5%
75%
*
45%
90%
75%
City of Laguna Niguel • Citywide Park Needs Assessment | 30 Every Voice Counts
Summarizing the Community Voice
Throughout the process, numerous needs have been identified and recorded across multiple modes of outreach (Individual Interviews, Community at Large Workshops, and Statistically Valid Surveys). Each of these modes represents a specific segment of the community outreach methodology. The community voice is developed by synthesizing all the data into a single summary representing both program and facility needs.

Since each of the input modes is directly or indirectly based on community input (qualitative and quantitative measures), it is fair to say that all of the needs identified are significant and important to some portion of the community. However, it is generally helpful to attempt to determine which needs have the highest priority as perceived by the largest number of residents (identified as the area of maximum community impact).

To achieve this analysis, each response recorded from the community is cataloged in a matrix. As an individual program or facility need is brought up (swimming, sports facilities, trails, shade, etc.), it is recorded for frequency in the specific outreach tool and mode in which it was received. Needs that have been identified in each of the three modes have a higher impact across the community than needs identified in only one mode.

The recommendations are developed from the planning tools and outreach modes in which the community’s voice was recorded and evaluated. Both qualitative and quantitative measures are combined to illustrate where improvements will have the maximum impact across the entire community.

Exhibit 2.3-1 and 2.3-2 illustrate the classification of these categories as Frequent (3 modes), Apparent (2 modes), and Identified (1 mode), the respective needs within each category, and the number of times the need was listed across all categories.

The top needs in each category have been outlined as an area of maximum community impact. There is an inherent priority of needs based on the number of times a need comes up in each category. For example, Pickleball Courts (5) is ranked higher than Shade (4) because it was identified in each of the three outreach modes. However, cost implications should take precedence if the City does not have the funds for higher-ranked needs, but does for a lower-ranked need, in which case the priority for implementation may shift.

2.3 2
31 | City of Laguna Niguel • Citywide Park Needs Assessment Area of maximum
community impact
Public/Community
Workshop 1 / Workshop 2 /
Feedback Comments
Small Group
Stakeholder Interviews
Surveys
Multi-Modal Community Survey

HUNTINGTON BEACH PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN UPDATE Program Needs Prioritization Summary 09/21/21

FREQUENT

APPARENT

IDENTIFIED
3 3
3 3
4 3
3 Program Priorities
Exhibit 2.3-1: Program Priorities
City of Laguna Niguel • Citywide Park Needs Assessment | 32 Facility Priorities 2
Exhibit 2.3-2: Facility Priorities
33 | City of Laguna Niguel • Citywide Park Needs Assessment City of Laguna Niguel • Citywide Park Needs Assessment | 34 SECTION THREE:

NEEDS ASSESSMENT
Existing Conditions
What parks exist and where are they?
The process for evaluating the community
needs relies heavily on what recreation
facilities exist today and how they may or
may not meet the needs of the community.

Carefully balancing the inventory with
the community needs and desires will
allow resources to be directed to critical
areas, maximizing the community benefit.

Park Types
Park classifications are useful in
several ways. They can help define
a set of characteristics to serve as a
guide when parks are constructed
or renovated. They can also restrict
incompatible activities by limiting those
activities to only certain types of parks.

Parks can be classified by type based
on their size, function, and character.

The 1992 Laguna Niguel General Plan,
Open Space/Parks/Conservation Element
contains six park type classifications: 1)
Mini Parks; 2) Neighborhood Parks; 3)
Community Parks; 4) County Regional
and Non-Regional Parks; 5) Private Park
or Recreational Facilities; and 6) School
Recreation Facilities. The 1998 Parks
and Recreation Master Plan added
another classification, Special Facilities.

3.1 Mini Park: A mini park is a small park site
generally consisting in size between
2500 square feet and one (1) acre.

These parks may serve any age group,
depending on the characteristics of the
neighborhood. They usually feature a
play apparatus, a paved area, benches
and landscape treatment. They may
also feature a children’s play area, quiet
game areas and some sports activities
if space allows. Some mini parks are
natural areas with minimal improvements,
which help safeguard identified natural
resources or serve as viewpoints.

Neighborhood Park: A neighborhood park
is any general use local park developed
to serve the needs of a particular
neighborhood within a community. The
size of the park depends on the population
within its service area and the extent of
desired amenities, but usually ranges
from 2 to 20 acres. Typical neighborhood
parks may be within walking or bicycling
distance of park users with a service
radius of approximately 1/2 mile. These
parks may feature such amenities as
children’s play areas, ball fields, and
open turf areas. Presently, Laguna
Niguel contains 20 neighborhood parks.
3 35 | City of Laguna Niguel • Citywide Park Needs Assessment Park Types
Park Types
There are currently thirty (30) parks which
encompass 128 acres of developed
parkland. The City currently categorizes
parks into four broad categories, Mini,
Neighborhood, Community, and
Regional Parks.

Community Park: A community park is
typically a 20 to 50 acre site designed
to meet the active recreational needs
of several neighborhoods. These parks
are intended to serve a drive-to clientele
within a radius of up to three miles. They
contain facilities which require more space
than neighborhood parks, and which may
include playfields, basketball courts, tennis
courts, swimming pools, community centers
and off-street parking. Laguna Niguel
has five community parks: Chapparosa
Community Park, Crown Valley Community
Park, Laguna Niguel Skate & Soccer
Park, La Paz Sports Park and Pooch Park.

Regional Park: Regional parks are
operated by OC Parks and serve the varied
recreation needs of County residents.

Regional parks provide significant open
space, and opportunities for picnicking,
boating and organized sports activities.

The City of Laguna Niguel includes the
Laguna Niguel Regional Park, portions
of the Salt Creek Regional Park, and the
Aliso and Woods Canyons Regional Park.

Additionally, Laguna Niguel has two smaller
County, non-regional parks: Seaview
Park, and Badlands Park. These parks
serve as scenic destination facilities which
function as neighborhood or community
parks rather than regional facilities.

Private Park or Regional Facilities: These
facilities are operated by homeowners
associations for the exclusive use of
association members. Some facilities
are fully featured recreational clubs with
gymnasiums, indoor and outdoor courts,
ballfields, pools and trail systems. Some
are parks with open grass meadows, sports
courtsandballfieldsinadditiontoswimming
pools and spas. These facilities vary in size
from less than 1 acre to 10 acres. In the
1992 General Plan there were 68 private
parks and recreation facilities in the City. In
addition to the private facilities offered to
the public by virtue of residency, there are
also private, membership clubs within the
City. These facilities include Laguna Niguel
Racquet Club and El Niguel Country Club.

School Recreation Facilities: School
recreation facilities are operated by the
Capistrano Unified School District. School
recreation facilities are for the use of
students during school hours and are
available to the public at other times.

Special Facilities: Special facilities such as
the Sea Country Senior Center and Crown
Valley Community Center.

City of Laguna Niguel • Citywide Park Needs Assessment | 36 6 10
11 1
15 17
18 22
4 24
25 5
31 29
13 7
26 21 23
32 8
9 27 122
16 20
19 30
3 35
33 34
28 Mini Park
1 - La Hermosa Park
2 - Long View Park
3 - Redondo View Node
4 - Ridge View Park
5 - Vista Plaza Park
6 - Beacon Hill Park
7 - Bear Brand Park
8 - Clipper Cove Park
9 - Crown Royale Park
10 - Hidden Hills Park
11 - Juaneno Park
12 - La Plata Park
13 - Lilly Shapell Park
14 - Marina Hills Park
15 - Niguel Heights Park
16 - Niguel Road Park
17 - Niguel Woods Park
18 - Ocean Breeze Park
19 - Parc Vista Overlook Park
20 - Parc Vista Park
21 - Parc Vista View park
22 - Rancho Niguel Park
23 - Reef View Node
24 - Seminole Park
25 - Yosemite Park
Community Park
26 - Chapparosa park
27 - Crown Valley Park
28 - Laguna Niguel Skate & Soccer Park
29 - La Paz Sports Park
30 - Pooch Park
County of Orange Parks
31 - Aliso & Woods Canyon Wilderness Park
32 - Badlands Park
33 - Laguna Niguel Regional Park
34 - Salt Creek Corridor
35 - Seaview Park
Neighborhood Park
6 10
11 1
15 17
18 22
4 24
25 5
31 29
13 7
26 21 23
32 8
9 27 122
16 20
19 30
3 35
33 34
28 Mini Park
1 - La Hermosa Park
2 - Long View Park
3 - Redondo View Node
4 - Ridge View Park
5 - Vista Plaza Park
6 - Beacon Hill Park
7 - Bear Brand Park
8 - Clipper Cove Park
9 - Crown Royale Park
10 - Hidden Hills Park
11 - Juaneno Park
12 - La Plata Park
13 - Lilly Shapell Park
14 - Marina Hills Park
15 - Niguel Heights Park
16 - Niguel Road Park
17 - Niguel Woods Park
18 - Ocean Breeze Park
19 - Parc Vista Overlook Park
20 - Parc Vista Park
21 - Parc Vista View park
22 - Rancho Niguel Park
23 - Reef View Node
24 - Seminole Park
25 - Yosemite Park
Community Park
26 - Chapparosa park
27 - Crown Valley Park
28 - Laguna Niguel Skate & Soccer Park
29 - La Paz Sports Park
30 - Pooch Park
County of Orange Parks
31 - Aliso & Woods Canyon Wilderness Park
32 - Badlands Park
33 - Laguna Niguel Regional Park
34 - Salt Creek Corridor
35 - Seaview Park
Neighborhood Park
Exhibit 3.1-1: Laguna Niguel Park
Types Map
Copyright © 1995–2022 Esri.

All rights reserved.
3 37 | City of Laguna Niguel • Citywide Park Needs Assessment Source: de.m.wikipedia.org
City of Laguna Niguel • Citywide Park Needs Assessment | 38 Acreage Analysis
The City’s General Plan references that
the City of Laguna Niguel requires a
parkland dedication of three (3) acres
per 1,000 persons. There are currently
thirty (30) City parks which encompass
128 acres of developed parkland.

This parkland acreage includes Mini,
Neighborhood, and Community Parks.

Based on the City’s parkland acreage
identified above and the City’s 2021
population of 65,953 the City currently has:

In addition, the private golf course is
not counted in the parkland acreage
goal since it is not available for use by
the public and are pay to play facilities.

Park Acreage
Park Acres by Park Type Summary
Mini Parks
Neighborhood Parks
Community Parks
Total Park Acreage

5.0 Acres

69.6 Acres

53.4 Acres
128.0 Acres
Acres per 1000 Residents
Developed Parks
Neighborhood Parks
Community Parks

1.94 Acres

1.06 Acres

0.81 Acres
Acres per 1000 Residents (including
County, schools, and private parks)
Developed Parks 6.54 Acres
3 However, the 1998 Parks and Recreation
Master Plan includes partial credit for
the County Regional Parks (180 acres),
public school facilities (37.75 acres),
and private parks/facilities (85.38 acres)
in the parkland acreage credit. If this
acreage is included, the city has a
total of 431.13 acres of parkland, which
provides 6.54 acres per 1,000 persons.

Exhibit 3.1-x: Laguna Niguel Open Space
and Parks Map
39 | City of Laguna Niguel • Citywide Park Needs Assessment Special Facilities
Opportunities are available to the
community through the programs and
services provided by the Parks and
Recreation Department. The Department
provides recreation activities and
programs at the Crown Valley Community
Center and at the Sea Country Community
and Senior Center. Room rental facilities
are available at both facilities. In addition,
some community events are held at
Laguna Niguel City Hall.

Exhibit 3.1-2: Laguna Niguel
Special Facilities Map
Copyright © 1995–2022 Esri.

All rights reserved.

Special Facilities
1 2
C
Community Center
1- Crown Valley Community Center
2 - Sea Country Senior and Commonuty Center
City of Laguna Niguel • Citywide Park Needs Assessment | 40 Trail Connectivity
The City is home to approximately 80 miles
of scenic trails. Developed multi-use trails
include the Aliso Summit Trail, Colinas Bluff
Trail, Laguna Ridge Trail, Long View Park
Trail, Niguel Trail, and Salt Creek Trail.

Trail Connectivity
Exhibit 3.1-3: Laguna Niguel
Existing Trails Map
3 Sentry H ill
Cl ipper W y
Shell Cove
K ensington D r
S an Simeon
Via Acapu lco
Crown
Valley
Parkway
Paseo
De Colinas
C
a
b
ot Road
Cam ni o C
ap si trano
Moulton
Pacific Park Drive
Aliso Creek
La
Road
Alicia
Niguel
Road
Drive
Marina
Hills
Drive
Island
Camino
Del
Avion
Golden
P
arkway
Pacific
Parkway
Paz
Golden
Lantern
Lantern
Aliso Summit Trail
Colinas Bluff Trail
Laguna Ridge Trail
Long View Park Trail
Niguel Trail
Salt Creek Trail
To Cleveland
National Forest
To Nellie Gail
To Salt Creek
Beach
Laguna Niguel Lake
Cl ipper W y
Shell Cove
K ensington D r
Simeon
Via Acapu lco
Parkway
Paseo
De Colinas
C
a
b
ot Road
C
a
m
ni o
C
a
p
si tra
n
o
M
o
ulto
n
Pacific Park Drive
Aliso Creek
La
Road
Alicia
P
arkway
Parkway
Paz
Golden
L
Aliso Summit Trail
Colinas Bluff Trail
Laguna Ridge Trail
Long View Park Trail
Niguel Trail
Salt Creek Trail
To Cleveland
National Forest
To Nellie Gail
Laguna Niguel Lake
41 | City of Laguna Niguel • Citywide Park Needs Assessment School Facilities
Exhibit 3.1-4: School Facilities Map Copyright © 1995–2022 Esri.

All rights reserved.

School Facilities
The City of Laguna Niguel is served by
the Capistrano Unified School District.

Throughout the City, schools have
several recreation amenities including
playgrounds, sports fields, running tracks,
basketball, pickleball, and tennis courts. 5
6 7
8 3
1 2
4 Laguna Niguel Schools
Elementary Schools
1 - Crown Valley Elementary School
2 - George L. White Elementary School
3 - Hidden Hills Elementary School
4 - John Malcom Elementary School
5 - Laguna Niguel Elementary School
6 - Marian Bergeson Elementary School
7 - Moulton Elementary School
Middle School
8 - Niguel Hills Middle School
City of Laguna Niguel • Citywide Park Needs Assessment | 42 Joint Use Agreements
Throughout the City, schools have several recreation amenities including playgrounds, sports fields, running tracks, basketball, pickleball, and tennis courts. The City of Laguna Niguel has established joint use agreements on some school properties for use of the various recreation amenities. While the City and Sports Organizations may request use of school facilities there is no guarantee of availability as the school district typically reserve priority reservation and exclusive use of facilities during normal school operating hours.

The City currently has joint use agreements in place for Crown Valley Elementary School, George White Elementary School, Laguna Niguel Elementary, Malcom Elementary, Moulton Elementary, and Niguel Hills Middle School.
3 Crown Valley Elementary School has (8) pickleball courts open for community use. 43 | City of Laguna Niguel • Citywide Park Needs Assessment Salt Creek Corridor
Regional Park
Salt Creek begins in the central portion of the
City of Laguna Niguel and flows west and
south through a narrow canyon referred to
as the Salt Creek Corridor, which is mostly
inside a long and narrow regional park that
includes hiking trails and natural landscapes.

Aliso and Woods
Canyons
Wilderness Park
A small portion of this wildlife sanctuary is
within City borders. Within the park there are
mature oaks, sycamores, and elderberry trees,
streams and trails. Many rare and endangered
plants and animals can be found in this park.

Seaview Park
Seaview Park is 7 acres in size with 1
acre of useable area and is located on
Talavera Drive near Pacific Island Drive.

The park is primarily passive in character
providing views of the ocean to the south.

Private Parks and
Facilities
Private facilities are operated, controlled,
and maintained by the associations
that own them. Visitors to these facilities
are usually limited to residents in the
association and their invited guests.

El Niguel Country Club
and Golf Course
The El Niguel Country Club and Golf Course is a
top-tier, private golf course located in Laguna
Niguel, less than one mile from the beach.

Badlands Park
Badlands Park is a 5-acre site located in
the southwestern area of the City. The
park site is primarily passive in character,
providing distant views to the south.

Regional and Other Parks and Recreation Facilities
Regional and Other Parks and Recreation Facilities Open to the Public Additional County and private recreation facilities exist within the City of Laguna Niguel. Though not directly owned or controlled by the City, these parks also provide recreation opportunities to the community. Such facilities are important to identify so not to duplicate City facilities in areas that may already be served through non-City owned recreational opportunities. The following are parks and facilities that have been identified in this category:

Source: commons.wikimedia.org
Source: Google Maps
Source: pinterest.com
Source: cityoflagunaniguel.org
Source: elniguelcc.com
Source: traillink.com
City of Laguna Niguel • Citywide Park Needs Assessment | 44 Laguna Niguel Regional
Park
Laguna Niguel Regional Park includes a 44-
acre lake, which is regularly stocked with
catfish, bass and, during the winter months
only, trout. A fishing license is required
for anyone older than 16 to fish. A large
assortment of trees covers the park’s 227
acres, providing beauty and shade. Two
pedestrian bridges provide access to remote
picnic shelters and hiking trails. Picnic areas
are equipped with shelters, sinks, picnic
tables and barbecues. An amphitheater
is provided for youth and community
organization activities. Turf areas, horseshoe
pits, a par course along the park’s two-mile
jogging trail, two sand volleyball courts, four
lighted tennis courts, and four pickleball
courts are available for public enjoyment.

Kite Hill is popular for remote control
gliders. Bicycle trails meander throughout
the park. Dogs are permitted on leashes.

Niguel Botanical
Preserve
Established in 1981 as a community
vegetable garden, the Preserve represents
the vision of local community leaders who
dreamed of horticultural education and
the enjoyment of future generations. It was
incorporated as a non-profit corporation in
1984. Since then, development has been an
ongoing volunteer project working together
as Friends of the Preserve in tandem with
the City of Laguna Niguel. The Preserve is
an 18.2-acre botanical garden situated
above the amphitheater within Crown Valley
Community Park in the City of Laguna Niguel.

Source: commons.wikimedia.org
3 Source: commons.wikimedia.org Source: commons.wikimedia.org 45 | City of Laguna Niguel • Citywide Park Needs Assessment Park Service Gap Analysis
In addition to providing appropriate
quantities and types of recreation
facilities, the City of Laguna Niguel strives
to provide them in useful and appropriate
locations. The service area gap analysis
examines how parks are distributed
throughout residential areas in the City.

Park Service Area Gaps
Mini Parks
5 Min
Walk
10 Min
Walk
15 Min
Walk

3.7% of
population

9.25% of
population

19.96% of
population
2,448 pop /

0.4 sq. miles
6,103 pop /

1.2 sq. miles
13,165 pop /

2.4 sq. miles
“Everyone deserves a park
within walking distance of their
home.”
-NRPA (National Recreation and Parks
Association)
Proximity to parks is more than a
convenience issue. It helps to establish
an excellent park system by providing
improved air quality, circulation, and
overall improved community health and
wellness. One-half (.5) mile is approximately
a 10-15-minute walk for most people.

Most residences should be within one-half
mile of a neighborhood park or amenity
that satisfy common recreation needs.

The 5-10-15 minute walk map outlines the
service availability around the existing
parks that are available to Laguna Niguel
residents. The service area boundaries
also reflect the physical obstructions to
pedestrian travel created by arterial
roadways and freeways, which limit
easy access to parks and are reflected
by truncated shapes in the service
areas shown on the following exhibits.

Exhibit 3.1-5: Service Area Gap
Analysis for Mini Parks
Laguna Niguel - Walking Distance (Mini Parks) 0 0.250.5 1 Miles City of Laguna Niguel, CA
Mini Parks
1 - La Hermosa Park
2 - Long View Park
3 - Redondo View Node
4 - Ridge View Park
5 - Vista Plaza Park
Mini Parks Walking Distance
5 Minutes
10 Minutes
15 Minutes
Copyright © 1995–2022 Esri.

All rights reserved.

City of Laguna Niguel • Citywide Park Needs Assessment | 46 3 Neighborhood Parks
5 Min
Walk
10 Min
Walk
15 Min
Walk

16.74% of
population

41.27% of
population
58% of
population
11,038 pop
/ 1.8 sq.
miles
27,220 pop
/ 4.5 sq.
miles
38,258 pop
/ 7.3 sq.
miles
Community Parks
5 Min
Walk
10 Min
Walk
15 Min
Walk

0.12% of
population

2.05% of
population

7.38% of
population
76 pop
/ 0.5 sq.
miles
1,355 pop
/ 1.2 sq.
miles
4,866 pop
/ 2.6 sq.
miles
Exhibit 3.1-6: Service Area Gap
Analysis for Neighborhood Parks
Exhibit 3.1-7: Service Area Gap
Analysis for Community Parks
Laguna Niguel - Walking Distance 0 0.25 0.5 1
Miles City of Laguna Niguel, CA
Neighborhood Parks Walking Distance
5 Minutes
10 Minutes
15 Minutes
hborhood Park
6 - Beacon Hill Park
7 - Bear Brand Park
8 - Clipper Cove Park
9 - Crown Royale Park
10 - Hidden Hills Park
11 - Juaneno Park
12 - La Plata Park
13 - Lilly Shapell Park
14 - Marina Hills Park
15 - Niguel Heights Park
16 - Niguel Road Park
17 - Niguel Woods Park
18 - Ocean Breeze Park
19 - Parc Vista Overlook Park
20 - Parc Vista Park
21 - Parc Vista View park
22 - Rancho Niguel Park
23 - Reef View Node
24 - Seminole Park
25 - Yosemite Park
Laguna Niguel - Walking Distance (Community Parks) 0 0.250.5 1 Miles City of Laguna Niguel, CA
Community Parks Walking Distance
5 Minutes
10 Minutes
15 Minutes
Community Park
26 - Chapparosa park
27 - Crown Valley Park
28 - Laguna Niguel Skate & Soccer Park
29 - La Paz Sports Park
30 - Pooch Park
Copyright © 1995–2022 Esri.

All rights reserved.

Copyright © 1995–2022 Esri.

All rights reserved.

Parks W47 | City of Laguna Niguel • Citywide Park Needs Assessment alking Distance od Parks Walking Distance
s
Walking Distance
s
s
Park Service Area Gaps
Community Parks Walking Radius
5 Minutes
10 Minutes
15 Minutes
Drive from Community Parks

3.0 Miles
Mini Parks Walking Radius
5 Minutes
10 Minutes
15 Minutes
Neighborhood Parks Walking Radius
5 Minutes
10 Minutes
15 Minutes
All Parks Walking Distance
0 0.5 1 2
Miles
Community Parks Walking Radius
5 Minutes
10 Minutes
15 Minutes
Drive from Community Parks

3.0 Miles
Mini Parks Walking Radius
5 Minutes
10 Minutes
15 Minutes
Neighborhood Parks Walking Radius
5 Minutes
10 Minutes
15 Minutes
Exhibit 3.1-8: Service Area Gap
Analysis Map
Copyright © 1995–2022 Esri.

All rights reserved.
#2 #3
#4
#6
#5
#1
Community Parks Walking D
5 Minutes
Neighborhood Parks Walking
5 Minutes
10 Minutes
15 Minutes
Mini Parks Walking Distance
5 Minutes
10 Minutes
15 Minutes
City of Laguna Niguel • Citywide Park Needs Assessment | 48 Community parks serve a larger active recreational community need and are also evaluated with a 3-mile drive radius. Residents within a short drivable distance to Community Parks (measured in a 3 mile radius due to the vehiclecentric design and programming) is 100% of the total 2021 population.

To analyze the distribution of existing City parks, a service area radius map is created for City-owned mini, neighborhood, and community parks (see Exhibit 3.1-8). When areas zoned for residential use fall outside of these service area designations, they are identified as an underserved neighborhood or “gap area.” It isimportant to note that most of the seven gap areas are serviced by private parks and recreation facilities. 3 #1
#2
#3
#4
#5
#6
This area indicates a gap area, however upon closer
exploration there is a private HOA park, Country Village Park, that offers residents in this area access to park amenities.

Gap area #2 includes private recreation facilities available to the residents living at The Palms Apartments, in the San Joaquin Hills Community Association, and in the Rancho
Niguel Master Community Association.

In this gap area there are various private HOA recreation opportunities for the residents. The areas with private recreation facilities are Sparrow Hill and the Villa Mira Community. Colinas De Capistrano Park is also a private park on the corner of Paseo de Colinas and Cabot Road
that offers parkland for nearby residents. The area north of Crown Valley Parkway is part of the Gateway Specific Plan, new high density apartment complexes that include recreation opportunities for their residents. The residents in the southeast area of this gap area have access to open space and trails.

This gap area indicates an initial lack of parkland; however, this area includes the private Kite Hill Park and Recreation Center for residents living in the Kite Hill Community
Association.

Country Village Park
Rancho Niguel Recreation Club
Kite Hill Park and Recreation Center
Gap area #5 does not have any City parks in this geographic region; however residents in this area enjoy access to the two County parks, Badlands Park and Seaview Park. This area also includes El Niguel Country Club and golf course as well as many private HOA parks and recreation facilities (as indicated by the green areas on Exhibit 3.1-8). Trail opportunities are also available in the Salt Creek Corridor Regional Park and on the Aliso Summit Trail.

This gap area has a lack of parkland. Gap area #6 includes low density residential with large parcel lots. The developed Colinas Ridge Trail, Bluff Trail, and Long View Park Trail are all located in this gap area and offer trail opportunities for these residents. 49 | City of Laguna Niguel • Citywide Park Needs Assessment Custom Park Standards Calculations (CPSC’s)
Custom Park Standards Calculations & Facility Demand
A key element in any planning strategy is an understanding of the nature of “demand” for parks and recreation facilities. This report assesses the demand for recreation facilities by the participants of organized sports within Laguna Niguel, and participation data from the statistically valid, multi-modal community survey. Without this understanding, a policy can only be based on general standards of supply and demand, such as population ratios (acres per thousand population) or service area (distance to a park).

Such standards are useful guides lacking specific detailed planning and assessment.

The Custom Park Standards Calculations
(CPSC’s) for the City of Laguna Niguel are
based on the 2021 Esri estimated population
level of 65,953 and participation data
gathered in the 2021 Sports Organization
Survey. The Custom Park Standards
Calculations provide an estimate of
the number of facilities or ‘demand’
required to accommodate peak day
demand in the context of the local design
standards. The local facility design is
based on the information received from
the sports organizations identifying the
number of players, team size, and facility
turnover for each facility type. The CPSC
Methodology is illustrated in Exhibit 3.2-1.
“The 2021 NRPA Agency Performance Review does not present park and recreation “standards”; the benchmarks outlined do not promote any sort of standards against which every park and recreation agency should measure itself. The reason for this is simple: there is not a single set of standards for parks and recreation because different agencies serve different communities that have unique needs, desires and challenges.

Agencies also have diverse funding mechanisms.”
- 2021 NRPA Agency Performance Review
C
ustom Park Standards Calculations
CPSC’
s FACILITY TURNOVER

RESIDENT VS NON-RESIDENT POPULATION

FIELD INVENTORY

TEAM SIZE
NO. OF SPORTS LEAGUES

3.2 City of Laguna Niguel • Citywide Park Needs Assessment | 50 To provide an additional comparison of the Laguna Niguel Local Needs, a comparison of the 2021 NRPA Benchmark facility report is provided in Exhibit 3.2-2. The comparison illustrates how each City is unique in its recreation patterns. The City should not rely solely on benchmarking.

Facility Local CPSC Facility
Need Ratio for All
Players
1/1000 pop.

Local
Facility
Need
NRPA National
Standard
(50,000 to 99,999
population)
NRPA
Facility
Need
Baseball (youth) 1/11,639 5.7 1/7,560 8.7
Basketball* 1/124,495 0.5 1/8,790 7.5
Soccer (adult) 1/3,929 16.8 1/12,800 5.1
Soccer (youth) 1/1,884 35.0 1/8,291 7.9
Softball (youth) 1/52,762 1.3 1/11,884 5.5
Volleyball 1/26,381 2.5 1/24,644 2.6
*NRPA does not specify indoor or outdoor.
3 Exhibit 3.2-1 CPSC Methodology
Exhibit 3.2-2 Local Needs vs. NRPA
Needs
51 | City of Laguna Niguel • Citywide Park Needs Assessment Custom Park Standards Calculations (CPSC’s) continued
Baseball (youth) Summary:

Basketball (Outdoor) Summary:

The following illustrations identify the
individual sports evaluated as part of the
local CPSC’s for Laguna Niguel. Existing
facilities are compared to the local
needs and surplus / deficit calculations
are presented for current (2021) as well
as future (2031) demand needs. Surplus
/ deficit calculations are based on peak
game day participation. It is important
to note that the needs in this section
are based on organized sport data and
does not take into account additional
unstructured recreation desires by the
community.

Total Facilities Available
Current Needs
Current Surplus / Deficit
Future Needs
Future Surplus / Deficit
17 5.7

11.3 5.9

11.1 17

5.1 11.9

5.3 11.7
Total Facilities Available
Current Needs
Current Surplus / Deficit
Future Needs
Future Surplus / Deficit
10 0.5

9.5 0.5

9.5 10

0.3 9.7

0.3 9.7
Softball (youth) Summary:

Soccer (adult) Summary: Volleyball Summary:

Total Facilities Available
Current Needs
Current Surplus / Deficit
Future Needs
Future Surplus / Deficit
8 1.3

6.7 1.3

6.7 8

0.9 7.1

1.0 7.0
Total Facilities Available
Current Needs
Current Surplus / Deficit
Future Needs
Future Surplus / Deficit
5 16.8
-11.8

17.4 -12.4
5 1.9

3.1 1.9

3.1 Total Facilities Available
Current Needs
Current Surplus / Deficit
Future Needs
Future Surplus / Deficit
3 2.5

0.5 2.6
-0.4
3 1.9

1.1 1.9

1.1 Source: pinterest.com
All Players Residents Only
Soccer (youth) Summary:

Total Facilities Available
Current Needs
Current Surplus / Deficit
Future Needs
Future Surplus / Deficit
11 35.0
-24.0

36.2 -25.2
11 17.0
-6.0

17.6 -6.6
All Players Residents Only
All Players Residents Only
All Players Residents Only
All Players Residents Only
All Players Residents Only
Total Facilities Available = City parks, El Lazo basketball courts, and joint use schools. County parks and private facilities not included.

City of Laguna Niguel • Citywide Park Needs Assessment | 52 3 Pickleball Summary:

Skateboarding Summary:

Bocce Ball Summary:

Total Facilities Available*
Current Needs
Current Surplus / Deficit

2.2 3.1

0.9 Total Facilities Available
Current Needs
Current Surplus / Deficit
3 9.2
-6.2
Total Facilities Available
Current Needs
Current Surplus / Deficit
8 25.4
-17.4
Marina Hills Park Bocce Ball Courts
The Custom Park Standards Calculations for
Bocce Ball, Pickleball, and Skateboarding
are based on the 2021 population level
in the City of Laguna Niguel of 65,953.

The per capita participation is based on
the information received from the 2021
statistically valid, multi-modal community
survey identifying the annual participation
for each facility type. The facility need
ratio for each type of facility is calculated
by dividing the total population by the
number of facilities demanded. The City
should continue to evaluate growth or
decline in recreational activities when
prioritizing new development.
*Based on 10,000 SF = 1 skate park
Note: Several pickleball courts are located at the
County park and at private (HOA) facilities.

Source: bocceplayers.wordpress.com
Total Facilities Available = City parks and joint
use schools. County parks and private facilities
not included.
53 | City of Laguna Niguel • Citywide Park Needs Assessment Source: cityoflagunaniguel.org
City of Laguna Niguel • Citywide Park Needs Assessment | 54 SECTION FOUR:

RECOMMENDATIONS

4.1 4
Key Strategy #1: Provide Sustainable Sports
Facility Management
Key Strategy #2: Increase Park Quality to Strengthen
Community Ties and Bring Diverse
Populations Together
Key Strategy #3: Promote Community Connectivity to
Nature through an Extensive Trail
Network and Trail Events
Key Strategy #4: Celebrate Laguna Niguel History
and Local Identity
Considering the many private parks and recreation facilities, large County parks, and school facilities in addition to the City parks, the current inventory meets established standards for providing park and recreation facilities for the Laguna Niguel residents.

However, demand for increasingly diverse and ever-changing recreation programs and facilities should be re-assessed every five to ten years. Demand is strong for parks that feature active recreational facilities and trail connections as well as those that provide unique playground experiences. Laguna Niguel’s population demographics is a mix of seniors, older active adults, and families that require a variety classes, programs, and community events.

The recommendations developed in this section are founded in the desires and needs for recreation opportunities identified by the Laguna Niguel community. Specific recommendations are broken down within four (4) key strategies that will advance the development of parks and recreation for the entire community.

Key Strategies
Each of the following recommended key strategies are designed to balance the equation of where existing recreation resources exist and how they relate to the needs of the community. Through this analysis recreation development can flourish and continue to support a thriving active and healthy community.
55 | City of Laguna Niguel • Citywide Park Needs Assessment Key Strategy #1:Provide Sustainable
Sports Facility Management
Existing Conditions:

Recommendations:
• There is a total of 6 full basketball courts
at the following City parks: Marina Hills
(1), Ocean Breeze (1), Chapparosa (3),
and at the Laguna Niguel Skate and
Soccer Park (1). There is a total of 4 half
basketball courts at the following City
parks: Bear Brand (1), Marina Hills (1),
and Laguna Niguel Skate and Soccer
Park (2). There are (4) basketball courts
at El Lazo Basketball Courts (leased
land from the Federal Government).

Concurrent with this study, the City has
resurfaced all 3 of the basketball courts
at Chapparosa Park.
• Since there is not a deficit for organized
games, it is assumed that most
basketball play is informal play. The City
should maintain the existing basketball
courts and consider joint use school
opportunities for future recreation needs.

Community Voice:
• The multimodal survey respondents
want to see the City “improve existing
courts”. Stakeholder interviews and
Workshop #2 survey also requested
basketball courts at parks. The sports
organization survey indicated that there
is not a deficit in basketball courts for
organized games
Basketball Courts:

Parks and Recreation plays a critical role
in ensuring every child in every community
has access to team and individual sports.

According to the NRPA, the five most
popular youth sports are basketball,
baseball/softball, soccer, football, and
volleyball. Basketball is a sport that can
be enjoyed either in a competitive team
environment or as a casual individual or
group activity.

Chapparosa Park BEFORE
Chapparosa Park AFTER
City of Laguna Niguel • Citywide Park Needs Assessment | 56 4 Existing Conditions:

Recommendations:
• The City has 11 baseball fields, 11 soccer
fields, 2 softball fields, 6 full basketball
courts, 4 half basketball courts, and 4
volleyball courts in addition to other
numerous active recreation facilities
as identified in the inventory across the
City.
• The City should maintain its current
field allocation considering
recommendations for basketball,
soccer, and pickleball (illustrated in this
report). The existing facilities represent
a significant investment by the City that
is being utilized by local and regional
sports organizations. If a sport facility is
removed, the City may be required to
reinvest in providing facilities to meet a
future demand in generational growth.

Community Voice:
• Various sport requests (soccer,
basketball, and pickleball) were heard
from the community in the stakeholder
interviews, community workshops,
and multimodal survey. The sports
organization survey also indicated that
there was a deficit in available soccer
facilities.

Maintain Existing Sports Facilities:

Based on current demographics there is
an aging senior population and a future
projection of an increase in the under age
19 population. Once sports facilities are
removedtheyaredifficulttorecoup. Based
on a review of current field reservations,
numerous teams are practicing or playing
on the existing facilities.
57 | City of Laguna Niguel • Citywide Park Needs Assessment Key Strategy #1:Provide Sustainable
Sports Facility Management
Existing Conditions:

Recommendations:
• The sports organizations utilizing the City
parks have an average of 70-80% of
resident players on their teams. There
is also a significant number of sports
organizations with residential players
that are below 45% of resident players
on their teams. Currently, the sports
organizations reserve the majority of the
available sports facilities.
• The City currently has a field allocation
policy and fee structure in place,
however the City should continue to
evaluate this policy and fee structure
over time.

Community Voice:
• Various sport requests (soccer,
basketball, and pickleball) were heard
from the community in the stakeholder
interviews, community workshops,
and multimodal survey. The sports
organization survey also indicated that
there was a deficit in available soccer
facilities.

Non-Resident Field AllocationReservations:

Currently Laguna Niguel hosts various
local and regional sports organizations
that utilize the City’s extensive sports
facilities. While the current inventory
supports the local residential leagues it
also supports various nonresidential teams
and organizations.

City of Laguna Niguel • Citywide Park Needs Assessment | 58 4 Existing Conditions:

Recommendations:
• There are currently no pickleball courts
located within City parks. There are (4)
pickleball courts at the Laguna Niguel
Regional Park and (8) pickleball courts
at Crown Valley Elementary School.
• The City should continue to partner
with OC Parks and CUSD to keep and
maintain the existing pickleball courts.

The pickleball courts at Crown Valley
Elementary School are adjacent to
homes and should be sensitive to nearby
residents. It is recommended that
based on the current participation rate
the City should look at sites to add as
opportunity arise at existing City parks,
County parks, or joint use schools.

Community Voice:
• Pickleball courts desired were recorded
in Workshop 2, Online Feedback
Comments, and Multimodal Survey, as
well as various stakeholder interviews.

The Custom Park Standards Calculations
(CPSC’s) indicate there is a deficit of
pickleball courts in the City based on
resident participation rates as derived
from the multimodal survey.

Pickleball Courts:

Pickleball is the fastest growing sport in
America. Pickleball has had a 650 percent
increase in numbers over the last six years
according to USA Pickleball Association
(USAPA). A youth movement is underway,
as more schools add pickleball to physical
education classes. Most core players (play
8+ times per year) are still 65+; however
most casual players are now in the 8–34
age range (axios.com). Laguna Niguel
is not isolated in the growth of residents
desiring to play pickleball. The national
trend is also now prevalent with the
Laguna Niguel residents.

Exhibit 4.1-1: Pickleball Survey Results
Copyright © 1995–2021 Esri.

All rights reserved.

Georeferenced Survey - Pickleball
0 0.17 0.35 0.7Miles City of Laguna Niguel, CA
Workshop 2
Feedback
Words
- Pickleball
Georeferenced Survey - Pickleball 0 0.17 0.35 0.7Mil
City of Laguna NiguelCA
Workshop 2
Feedback
Words
- Pickleball
59 | City of Laguna Niguel • Citywide Park Needs Assessment Key Strategy #1:Provide Sustainable
Sports Facility Management
Existing Conditions:

Recommendations:
• City has (6) natural turf soccer fields and
(5) synthetic turf, lighted soccer fields to
host multiple soccer organizations. The
deficit shown below represents a range
of field demand based on all games
being played at one time.
• Continue to maintain and reserve the
informal fields at Beacon Hill, Juaneno,
Marina Hills, and Rancho Niguel Parks
for practice and non-organized play.

Continue to program organized sports
and tournaments at the synthetic turf
soccer fields at Bear Brand Park and
at Community Parks. Continue to give
residents/local teams priority. Utilize
overlay opportunities in baseball
outfields at Chapparosa Park. Consider
partnering with CUSD for use of soccer
fields at school facilities.

Community Voice:
• Soccer field desires were recorded
from the community in Workshop 2,
Online Feedback Comments, and
the Multimodal Survey. The Custom
Park Standards Calculations (CPSC’s)
indicate there is a deficit of soccer fields
in the City based on sports organization
participation.

Soccer Fields:

In the 2021 Sports Organization Survey,
there were six youth soccer organizations
and five adult soccer organizations
reserving soccer fields at City parks for
league games. In addition, there are three
youth and five adult soccer organizations
that reserve fields for informal games.

NOTE: Surplus / deficit calculations are
based on peak game day participation.

Exhibit 4.1-2: Soccer Fields Survey Results
Copyright © 1995–2021 Esri.

All rights reserved.

Georeferenced Survey - Soccer 0 0.17 0.35 0.7Miles City of Laguna Niguel, CA Workshop 2
Feedback
Words
- Soccer
Georeferenced Survey - Soccer
0 0.17 0.35 0.7Miles City of Laguna Niguel, CA
Workshop 2
Feedback
Words
- Soccer
Soccer (youth) Summary:

Total Facilities Available
Current Needs
Current Surplus / Deficit
Future Needs
Future Surplus / Deficit
11 35.0
-24.0

36.2 -25.2
11 17.0
-6.0

17.6 -6.6
All Players Residents Only
City of Laguna Niguel • Citywide Park Needs Assessment | 60 4 Existing Conditions:

Recommendations:
• The City recently renovated and
significantly upgraded the swimming
pool and aquatic center at Crown
Valley Park. The City offers swim lessons
for all age groups.
• Evaluate current aquatic programs and
expand classes and/or hours where
appropriate.

Community Voice:
• Swimming lessons & aquatic program
desires were recorded in Workshop
2, the Multimodal Survey, and various
Stakeholder Interviews. Swimming
lessons for all ages, swim team for kids,
adult master swim classes, aquatic
aerobics, increased hours for lap
swim, and water sports were all ideas
mentioned by the community.

Swimming Lessons and Aquatic
Programming:

Aquatic recreation has been a significant
desire by residents across southern
California due to favorable climate
conditions. Residents in Laguna Niguel
have strongly echoed this desire on a
local level. Municipal swimming facilities
afford residents the access to learn to
swim programs, competitive swim teams,
water safety, and aqua aerobics. These
programs are more often sought in coastal
communities due to the proximity to the
Pacific Ocean.
61 | City of Laguna Niguel • Citywide Park Needs Assessment Key Strategy #2: Increase Park Quality
to Strengthen Community Ties and
Bring Diverse Populations Together
Existing Conditions:

Recommendations:
• The City parks are understood to be
compliant with all regulatory codes,
however ease of accessibility presented
here is discussed in terms of park
features beyond the regulatory codes
and that of overall quality of life.
• The City parks are ADA accessible,
however there is a community desire
for more connectivity via sidewalks or
other improved pathways. Continue
to add benches with shade adjacent
playgrounds and along lengthy walking
trails in parks.

Community Voice:
• Accessible park desires were recorded
from the community in Online Feedback
Comments, the Multimodal Survey, and
various Stakeholder Interviews.

Accessible Parks:

Due to the aging population within the
City as well as the geographic distribution
of residents older than the age 65, the City
has a significant number of people who
require accessible facilities. Accessible
park features such as pathways from
parking, available seating areas with
shade apparatus, and proximity of
playgrounds may fall outside of normal
regulatory requirements but are important
to the aging and disabled community’s
quality of life.

Laguna Niguel Multi Modal - Born before 1956 0 0.17 0.35 0.7Miles City of Laguna Niguel, CA Exhibit 4.1-3: Residents Over 65 from 2021
Multimodal Survey
Copyright © 1995–2021 Esri.

All rights reserved.

City of Laguna Niguel • Citywide Park Needs Assessment | 62 4 Existing Conditions:

Recommendations:
• The City has one dog park, Pooch
Park. Concurrent with this study the
City planted new trees, installed new
gates and signs, and constructed an
improved drainage system at Pooch
Park. The City has dog waste stations
at several parks for residents that walk
their leashed dogs at parks.
• City should continue the planned
phased improvements at the
City’s Pooch Park, including:
the water station, adding shade, and
amenity replacements.

Community Voice:
• Dog park desires were recorded from
the community in Workshop 2, Online
Feedback Comments, the Multimodal
Survey, and various Stakeholder
Interviews. Improve existing dog park,
provide dog area, and off leash run at
existing parks were all ideas mentioned
by the community.

Dog Park:

Dog parks are considered regional
facilities that attract dog owners from
surrounding areas. There are currently
18 dog parks in the region. Dog parks
are a socially engaging activity for dog
owners as well as their canine friends.

Lack of dog park facilities can put an
additional strain on local parks to provide
open areas for dog owners to recreate.

Having a dedicated dog park centralizes
off leash dog activities. Regional facilities
such as dog parks attract outside resident
populations and the opportunity to
capture nonresident tax revenue and
sales for local businesses.

Exhibit 4.1-4: Dog Park Survey Results
Copyright © 1995–2021 Esri.

All rights reserved.

Georeferenced Survey - Dog Park
0 0.17 0.35 0.7Miles City of Laguna Niguel, CA
Workshop 2
Feedback
Words
- Dog park (Improve existing)
- Dog Areas
- Off Leash Run at existing parks
Georeferenced Survey - Dog Park 0 0.17 0.35 0.7Miles City of Laguna Niguel, CA Workshop 2
Feedback
Words
- Dog park (Improve existing)
- Dog Areas
- Off Leash Run at existing parks
63 | City of Laguna Niguel • Citywide Park Needs Assessment Existing Conditions:

Recommendations:
• Concurrent with this study, the City’s
Public Works Department has repaired
or replaced most of the items identified
in our park inventory assessment.

These recent improvements include
Crown Valley Elementary School Park
restrooms and snack bar renovation,
Bear Brand Park restroom and snack
stand renovation, Niguel Heights Park
restroom improvements, Rancho Niguel
Park group picnic shelter roof repair,
Rancho Niguel Park baseball field
improvements, and Yosemite Park grass
volleyball park turf improvements.
• The City has a high standard of
maintenance practices and should
keep at current level. Continue to
replace/repair for restrooms, benches,
picnic tables/shelters, walkways,
and landscape. When implementing
landscape improvements, consider
native plants with low water requirements.

As more sports organizations reform after
Covid there will be an increased need
for active sports facility maintenance
compensatory to the level of increased
play.

Community Voice:
• Maintenance and landscape
improvements desires were recorded
in Workshop 1, Workshop 2, Online
Feedback Comments, the Multimodal
Survey, & various Stakeholder Interviews.

Clean, updated, well maintained,
landscape improvements, native
plants, and upgrade equipment were
ideas mentioned by the community.

Maintenance and Landscape
Improvements:

As indicated in the multimodal survey
91% of the respondents indicated a high
satisfaction with the maintenance of parks
within the City. It is important to note this is
the highest percentage ever recorded in
needs assessments conducted for the last
10 years among ten completed studies.

As such, in order to maintain this level
of satisfaction maintenance conditions
should be reviewed for a balancing park
use with cost of maintenance.

Exhibit 4.1-5: Maintenance and Landscape
Improvements Survey Results
Copyright © 1995–2021 Esri.

All rights reserved.

Georeferenced Survey - Maintenance 0 0
17 035 07
City of Laguna NiguelCA
Workshop 1
Workshop 2
Feedback
Words
- Clean, Updated & Well
maintained parks
- Park improvements
- Landscape Improvements
- Upgrade Equipment
Georeferenced Survey - Maintenance
0 0.17 0.35 0.7Miles City of Laguna Niguel, CA
Workshop 1
Workshop 2
Feedback
Words
- Clean, Updated & Well
maintained parks
- Park improvements
- Landscape Improvements
- Upgrade Equipment
Key Strategy #2: Increase Park Quality
to Strengthen Community Ties and
Bring Diverse Populations Together
City of Laguna Niguel • Citywide Park Needs Assessment | 64 4 Existing Conditions:

Recommendations:
• The City currently offers programs that
exhibit the multigenerational design such
as the tech tutor classes. Programming
analysis was not conducted as part of
the facility needs assessment; however
the City does offer numerous classes that
may benefit from this type of program
design.
• The City should continue to evaluate
current programming that could benefit
from multigenerational design in the
City.

Community Voice:
• Several program mentions were
recorded such as gardening classes,
arts and crafts, enrichment and
education classes, family classes and
events, sports programs, technology
classes, as well as health and fitness
classes many of which would benefit
from a multigenerational design.

Multigenerational Programming:

Throughout the study several comments
were recorded on the desire for additional
programming not specific to age levels.

Elements include gardening classes, arts
and crafts, enrichment and education
classes, family classes and events, sports
programs, technology classes, as well
as health and fitness classes were all
recorded in the study. Many classes
can be developed through volunteer /
mentoring of community members with
experience in these various areas. Often
multigenerational components can be
established in these programs to develop
a cross generational training experience.
65 | City of Laguna Niguel • Citywide Park Needs Assessment Existing Conditions:

Recommendations:
• The City recently constructed additional
parking at Crown Valley Park. Off street
parking also exists at many of the local
park facilities and trail heads. The City
started shuttle services for events in
2021.
• Continue and consider enhancement
of the shuttle services during popular
City events. This would allow additional
off site parking facilities to be utilized at
peak times.

Community Voice:
• Parking improvement desires were
recorded from the community in
Workshop 1, Workshop 2, the Multimodal
Survey, and various Stakeholder
Interviews. Increase parking for events,
parking at trailheads and parks were
ideas mentioned by the community.

Parking:

Many California cities have evolved
as automobile centrically designed
landscapes due to the natural evolution
of sprawling urban developments.

Parking was reported by the community
as an issue within the City. When the City
holds events, the there is a premium on
available parking facilities. Naturally as
events become more popular there is
an increased attendance driving up the
need for parking.

Exhibit 4.1-5: Parking Survey Results
Copyright © 1995–2021 Esri.

All rights reserved.

Georeferenced Survey - Parking 0 0
17 035 07
City of Laguna NiguelCA
Workshop 1
Workshop 2
Words
- Parking
Georeferenced Survey - Parking
0 0.17 0.35 0.7Miles City of Laguna Niguel, CA
Workshop 1
Workshop 2
Words
- Parking
Key Strategy #2: Increase Park Quality
to Strengthen Community Ties and
Bring Diverse Populations Together
City of Laguna Niguel • Citywide Park Needs Assessment | 66 4 Existing Conditions:

Recommendations:
• There are (24) playgrounds in City parks.

There is one (1) spray playground at
Crown Valley Park. The City is replacing
three (3) playgrounds at Chapparosa,
La Plata, and Marina Hills Parks that will
be completed by June 2022. The City
also recently completed playground
improvements at Rancho Niguel Park
and Niguel Woods Park.
• As the City renovates park facilities
each facility should be evaluated
and consideration given to universally
accessible “inclusive” playground
amenities. Consideration should be
given to playground support amenities
including shade, seating, and modern
playground design components. -
Community Voice:
• Playground desires were recorded from
the community in Workshop 1, Workshop
2, Online Feedback Comments,
the Multimodal Survey, and various
Stakeholder Interviews. Playground,
play structure, play area, swings,
universally accessible playground were
ideas mentioned by the community.

Playground Renovations:

Pre-covid the City had plans to replace
the playgrounds at Chapparosa, La Plata,
and Marina Hills Parks. The playgrounds
at these parks were removed and not
replaced due to delays caused by the
pandemic. There were a lot of responses
from the community regarding playground
renovations due to the delayed installation
and residents perception of playgrounds
that were removed and not replaced
right away.

Exhibit 4.1-6: Playground Renovations Survey
Results
Copyright © 1995–2021 Esri.

All rights reserved.

Georeferenced Survey - Playground
0 0.17 0.35 0.7Miles City of Laguna Niguel, CA
Workshop 1
Workshop 2
Feedback
Words
- Playground
- Play Structure
- Play Area
- Swings
- Universal Accessible Playground
Georeferenced Survey - Playground 0 0.17 0.35 0.7Mil
City of Laguna NiguelCA
Workshop 1
Workshop 2
Feedback
Words
- Playground
- Play Structure
- Play Area
- Swings
- Universal Accessible Playground
67 | City of Laguna Niguel • Citywide Park Needs Assessment Existing Conditions:

Recommendations:
• The City currently maintains (8) restroom
buildings in City parks and (5) restroom
buildings at joint use school sites.

Concurrent with this study, restroom
facilities were updated at Bear Brand
Park, Crown Valley Elementary School,
and Niguel Heights Park.
• Continue to evaluate restrooms
at parks and upgrade as needed.

Restroom renovations should focus on
implementing water conservation and
energy efficient technologies. Restroom
facilities are not recommended at
Neighborhood Parks.

Community Voice:
• Restroom desires were recorded
from the community in Workshop 2,
the Multimodal Survey, and various
Stakeholder Interviews. Upgrade and
improve existing restrooms were ideas
mentioned by the community. There
were a few mentions to add a restroom
facility at neighborhood parks.

Restrooms:

The size of parks and their locations
can lead to whether they become
destination facilities. Small Mini Parks and
Neighborhood Parks primarily serve their
local neighborhood residents. Larger
Community Parks and Regional Parks are
more automobile centric in that they serve
a larger portion of the community and
therefore a destination facility. Having
restrooms at larger facilities supports the
more of the user groups that visit these
park types.

Exhibit 4.1-8: Restrooms Survey Results
Copyright © 1995–2021 Esri.

All rights reserved.

Georeferenced Survey - Restroom Upgrade 0 0.17 0.35 0.7Miles City of Laguna Niguel, CA Workshop 2
Words
- Restroom
- Bathroom
Key Strategy #2: Increase Park Quality
to Strengthen Community Ties and
Bring Diverse Populations Together
Georeferenced Survey - Restroom Upgrade
0 0.17 0.35 0.7Miles City of Laguna Niguel, CA
Workshop 2
Words
- Restroom
- Bathroom
City of Laguna Niguel • Citywide Park Needs Assessment | 68 4 Existing Conditions:

Recommendations:
• The City does offer multiple areas for
shaded seating and picnic opportunities.

Newer playgrounds have incorporated
shade canopies into the equipment.
• When implementing park improvements
consider adding shade features or trees
at playgrounds, seating, and picnic
areas. Consider developing a shade
study prior to implementation to ensure
that shade is cast over the correct area
during the hottest times of the day.

Community Voice:
• Shade desires were recorded from the
community in Workshop 1, Workshop 2,
Online Feedback Comments, and the
Multimodal Survey.

Shade:

High levels of ultraviolet radiation (UV)
has been connected with an increase
in the rate of developing melanoma.

Southern California’s UV index varies
across the spectrum for any given
season. Many respondents in this
survey have indicated a preference for
additional shade at parks. Incorporating
shade into park design can be achieved
through planting trees or installing shade
canopies in key areas along trails,
seating, picnicking, playgrounds, etc.

Exhibit 4.1-9: Shade Survey Results
Copyright © 1995–2021 Esri.

All rights reserved.

Georeferenced Survey - Shade
0 0.17 0.35 0.7Miles City of Laguna Niguel, CA
Workshop 1
Workshop 2
Feedback
Words
- Shade
Georeferenced Survey - Shade 0 0.17 0.35 0.7Miles City of Laguna Niguel, CA Workshop 1
Workshop 2
Feedback
Words
- Shade
69 | City of Laguna Niguel • Citywide Park Needs Assessment Key Strategy #3: Promote Community
Connectivity to Nature through an
Extensive Trail Network and Trail Events
Existing Conditions:

Recommendations:
• The City has an extensive trail system.

Including the trails in the County parks,
the City has more than 80 miles of trails.

Per City policy, trails are closed past
dusk. The City is currently implementing
a trailhead signage program.
• Complete the trailhead signage
program to install 21 information and
guide signs at trailheads and crossings
including trailhead signage at parks that
have trail access. Continue to maintain
decomposed granite surfacing and
guardrails.

Community Voice:
• Trail improvement desires were recorded
in Workshop 1, Workshop 2, Online
Feedback Comments, the Multimodal
Survey, and in various Stakeholder
Interviews. Bike paths, trails, ebike trails,
trail access, lights on trails, mountain
bike trails, nature connections, trails
connections and walking paths were
ideas mentioned by the community.

Trail Improvements:

The City of Laguna Niguel has more
than 80 miles of existing trails in various
conditions. This extensive trail network
connects communities to park facilities as
well as various open space opportunities.

Several mentions of trail improvements
were recorded from the community
based on their own views of the existing
trail system. Having a sound trail network is
a corner stone to supporting multi-modal
transportation opportunities potentially
alleviating impacted parking conditions.

Exhibit 4.1-10: Trail Improvements Survey
Results
Copyright © 1995–2021 Esri.

All rights reserved.

Georeferenced Survey - Trails 0 0.17 0.35 0.7Miles City of Laguna Niguel, CA Workshop 1
Workshop 2
Feedback
Words
- Bike Paths
- Paths
- Trails
- E-Bike Trails
- Trail Access
- Lights on Trails
- Mountain Bike Trails
- Nature Connections
- Trail Connections
- Walking Paths
Georeferenced Survey - Trails
0 0.17 0.35 0.7Miles City of Laguna Niguel, CA
Workshop 1
Workshop 2
Feedback
Words
- Bike Paths
- Paths
- Trails
- E-Bike Trails
- Trail Access
- Lights on Trails
- Mountain Bike Trails
- Nature Connections
- Trail Connections
- Walking Paths
City of Laguna Niguel • Citywide Park Needs Assessment | 70 4 Existing Conditions:

Recommendations:
• Laguna Niguel is a leader in eBike
eduction and has developed an
eBike Action Plan. The City has been
proactively educating the community
about e-Bike rules of the road and safety
via multiple avenues including through
social media, educational videos, and
school and local business site visits. The
City has partnered with Laguna Niguel
Police Services to operate a voluntary
bicycle registration program for free for
all Laguna Niguel residents.
• Continue to implement the eBike Action
Plan. Continue to offer e-bike safety
courses. Continue to offer and promote
trail events and programs. Develop
partnerships with local business during
community events to promote trail
usage reducing the impact on available
parking.

Community Voice:
• Bike and trail event desires were
recorded from the community in
Workshop 2, Online Feedback
Comments, the Multimodal Survey, and
various Stakeholder Interviews. Bike
events, bike safety classes, and trail
day events were ideas mentioned by
the community.

Bike and Trail Events:

With such an extensive trail network the City
of Laguna Niguel has a strong trail usage
rate. This strong participation coupled with
the dramatic growth of E-bike ridership in
the region has created a renewed sense
of awareness in safe riding.

CONTACT US
Laguna Niguel Police Services
30111 Crown Valley Parkway
Laguna Niguel, CA 92677
(949) 362-4346
E l e c tri c
Bi c y c l e s :

Wh a t y o u
Ne e d t o
Kn ow
Rules of the Road
Always ride in the same direction as
traffic.

People under the age of 18 must wear a
helmet.

All class 3 electric bicycles require riders
to wear a helmet.

It is illegal to carry passengers on your
electric bicycle unless your bike has an
extra permanent seat or when using a
child safety seat.

Weaving in and out of traffic is
prohibited.

Always watch out for pedestrians.

Always slowdown when approaching
pedestrians or slower cyclists.

Always yield the right-of-way to
pedestrians on City trails.

All cyclists are subject to all the same rules of
the road as motorists. Cyclists who don’t
follow the rules are subject to ticketing and
fines as defined by the California Vehicle
Code or Municipal Code.

Electric Bicycle Feedback
The City has created a Bicycle feedback
form to allow residents to conveniently
inform the City of issues and/or concerns
regarding electric bicycles. Scan the QR
code below with your phone to complete the
form, or visit our website at
https://bit.ly/LNelectricbikefeedback.

To learn more about Electric Bicycles visit
our website at https://bit.ly/LNelectricbikes.
71 | City of Laguna Niguel • Citywide Park Needs Assessment Key Strategy #4: Celebrate Laguna
Niguel History and Local Identity
Community Voice:
• Arts and Crafts Classes: Arts and crafts class desires were recorded from the community in the Online Feedback Comments, the Multimodal Survey, and various Stakeholder Interviews.
• Increase Community Events: Community event desires were recorded from the community in Workshop 1, Workshop 2, the Multimodal Survey, and various Stakeholder Interviews. Movies, carnivals, concerts, and community forums were ideas mentioned by the community.
• Performing Art Classes: Performing arts class desires were recorded from the community in Workshop 2, the Multimodal Survey, and various Stakeholder Interviews. Ballet, ballroom dance, and drama were ideas mentioned by the community. • Senior and Teen Programming: Senior and Teen programming desires were recorded from the community in Workshop 2, Online Feedback Comments, the Multimodal Survey, and various Stakeholder Interviews. Senior health and fitness classes, senior activities, teen sports, youth volunteer opportunities were ideas mentioned by the community. • Public-Private Partnerships: The City of Laguna Niguel is mostly a developed residential community with retail businesses and institutional facilities such as local schools. In addition to the community identified programming, the City would benefit from developing events that were sponsored by or supported local businesses. As community events develop back to pre-COVID levels, the City should foster public private partnerships. These partnerships should take place where the intersection of the community program desires meet their recreation habits. An example of this would bolster the relationship between the City and OC Parks as the most often used facility within the City is Laguna Niguel Regional Park. Developing joint programming opportunities would increase the community’s awareness of the distinction between County and City facilities. Additional relationships could be further developed with the Capistrano Unified School District and the local schools to explore further facility usage and or access to open space.

During the development of the Citywide Park Needs Assessment, several program desires were recorded in addition to the facility desires. It is important to note that the community of Laguna Niguel is very satisfied with the recreation facilities that are offered through the community. With a high satisfaction of the facilities also comes a desire from the community for the City to continue to offer high quality programming that is in line with the desires of the residents. The City may have some of the following classes already available to the residents, and should look to build or improve upon the class offering, timing and availability, as well as the marketing the existing programs to residents.

Marketing efforts should follow best practices that are in line with “where” the community gets most of its recreation information from the City. Based on the results of the multimodal survey, the majority of respondents (75%) found information for City programming through the City website or online Google searches. There was also significant participation in the online surveys through direct poster notifications that had QR codes offering more information on the needs assessment.

The following are program mentions that were recorded most often and would have a high impact in the community should they be developed.

Key Strategy #6:

Celebrate the City’s History
and Local Identity
Key Strategy #4: Celebrate Laguna
Niguel History and Local Identity
City of Laguna Niguel • Citywide Park Needs Assessment | 72 4 Source: istock .com