TOP ROW : COURTESY OF CITY OF LAGUNA BEACH ; BOTTOM : PARKER GAPP |
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
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Clockwise from bottom left : a Laguna Coast Volleyball Club practice ; a tumbling class for local little ones ; one of the center ’ s portable skateboarding ramps
“ THE REC CENTER OFFERS THE TOWN A VALUABLE RESOURCE BY PROVIDING A SPACE FOR PEOPLE TO GATHER , PARTICIPATE IN ACTIVITIES AND CONNECT WITH OTHERS .”
— LEIF HANSON , FOUNDER AND DIRECTOR OF THE NONPROFIT LAGUNA COAST VOLLEYBALL CLUB
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
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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 dropin 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
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LAGUNA BEACH MAGAZINE 41 |