RAMPING UP RECREATION
Laguna ’ s new community center expands sports , arts and other activities offered in town . By TANYA A . YACINA
Above : The new Laguna Beach Community & Recreation Center includes an on-site chapel ( shown ), which may be available for small weddings starting this summer . Below : a Paint , Paste & Pour class
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
COURTESY OF CITY OF LAGUNA BEACH
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