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Laguna’s new community center expands sports, arts and other activities offered in town.
By Tanya A. Yacina
What was once a vacant site, formerly home to St. Catherine of Siena Parish School, is now bustling with activity, from kids showing off their skateboarding skills on temporary ramps to drop-in games of pickleball, basketball and volleyball in the gym and creative energy flowing in various art classes.
When the school shuttered during the pandemic and remained empty in the following years, city leaders began to see potential in the property, envisioning a place to expand recreation activities toward the south end of town. Following a lengthy process, that vision started to take shape when the city closed escrow on the $23 million purchase in late 2022.
The City Council quickly followed up in January 2023 with an interim use plan for the 6.5-acre property at 30516 S. Coast Highway, dubbed the Laguna Beach Community & Recreation Center. Now various classes, workshops and sports activities for all ages are being offered there—with plans for more in the future.
In addition to the gym and temporary, portable skate ramps—which create “a safe, designated space for skateboarding in Laguna Beach,” says Alexis Braun, the city’s recreation manager—there’s a grass field, playground, an art room and classrooms that can be used for recreation programs for all ages or rented for meetings and training sessions. The possibilities are seemingly endless.
“This new space gives the city so much flexibility in the kinds of space we have available and the programs we can provide,” Braun says. “For example, the city has never had a full indoor gymnasium until now, and that is the most consistently used space.”
Tapping into Creativity
Braun says community recreation centers like this play a fundamental role in promoting an active lifestyle, enhancing quality of life and building a sense of community, all of which can contribute to a happier, healthier society. Numerous classes, summer camps and enrichment events are scheduled for adults and kids alike.
LOCA Arts Education, a local nonprofit in town, offered a series of art workshops at the center during the winter, but is currently using other locations around Laguna and may or may not offer classes at the center later. For now, only the city is holding art classes there.
Some of the city’s spring art programs at the center include Paint, Paste & Pour—exploring creativity with paint, crayons, glue, dough and more—for ages 1 1/2 to 6; multimedia art—drawing and painting animals with watercolors and oil pastels—for kids ages 5 to 8; ceramics for adults and teens ages 14 and up; and ceramics for adults and teens ages 14 and up.
“The existing facility also includes a kiln in the art room and the city looks forward to … offer[ing] additional art classes for the community,” Braun says.
Athletic Activities
Also this spring, for those seeking classes to help them get moving, the city presents a variety of youth tumbling and gymnastics sessions for ages ranging from 9 months to 12 years; Music & Wiggles for ages 1 1/2 to 4; and futsal, or indoor soccer, with sessions based on age from 4-14.
Some of the other springtime sports offered in the gym are pickleball—choose from private lessons, full court reservations and drop-in play time—as well as adult drop-in basketball and youth volleyball programs. For more information on upcoming classes and activities, call 949-715-8620 or view current offerings through the city’s Recreation Division online at lagunabeachcity.net.
“The indoor gymnasium and grass practice field are also available to rent for sports practices,” Braun says.
For example, Laguna Coast Volleyball Club began utilizing the gym for practices in early September as a way to expand current volleyball programs for local youth. The club uses the center’s gym for programs including Club Lite for girls and boys ages 7-10 and 11-14; all are welcome and no tryouts are required. The U11 and U12 Club Teams also meet at the gym for practice and training.
“With the limited gym space in Laguna, the Rec Center has allowed us to accommodate more Laguna Beach youth into our programs and teach them the fun and amazing game of volleyball,” says Leif Hanson, founder and director of the nonprofit Laguna Coast Volleyball Club. “Our youth volleyball programs are structured to be both educational and competitive. Younger age groups prioritize learning the fundamentals and building a solid foundation in the sport, while older age groups can participate in local and out-of-state tournaments and competitions.”
Hanson says the volleyball programs focus on teaching proper volleyball fundamentals and helping boys and girls and young teens develop a love for the sport in a positive and fun environment. In addition to programs at the center, the club offers after-school sessions at both elementary schools in town as well as a U15 team; some of the programs operate at Thurston Middle School. To join a program or for more information, visit lagunacoastvolleyballclub.org.
Looking Ahead
According to Braun, a firm has been hired to begin working on the Facilities Master Plan for the city and all its facilities, which will include the recreation center. An interim plan allows the center to operate until the Master Plan moves forward and renovations can be made.
“The city is looking forward to hosting youth theater, beginning golf, art, science, gardening and youth literacy support camps this summer,” Braun says.
The recreation center property also has a small chapel and the city is in the process of developing a use permit to host small wedding ceremonies on the site; it’s expected to be available beginning this summer—adding one more use to the already bustling location.
“The Rec Center offers the town a valuable resource by providing a space for people to gather, participate in activities and connect with others,” Hanson says. “It fosters a sense of community spirit and can contribute to Laguna Beach residents’ overall health and well-being.”
