Pooch Park
Laguna Niguel ’ s Pooch Park is a fully fenced , off leash dog park constructed in 1997 . The one-acre dog park is conveniently located at 31575 Golden Lantern , next door to Orange County Fire Authority Station # 49 . Upon arrival , you will find a paved parking lot with a path that leads to the dog park .
Pooch Park has a simple layout consisting of two dog areas with a main , large run for big dog breeds and a smaller enclosure for small dog breeds . Wood chips cover the ground , helping keep the dust down and preventing mud on rainy days .
In the past year , the Laguna Niguel Public Works Department has completed a multitude of Pooch Park improvements , many of which were requested by the community . The improvements included new gates and fencing , wood chips , a dog watering station , drinking fountains , wayfinding signage , rules signage , trees , a decorative fire hydrant , drainage system , and expanded small dog park .
Laguna Niguel
2021 Citizen of the Year James McGinley
James has actively served with the Laguna Niguel Chamber of Commerce for the past seven years . He has served as a Board Member and Ambassador and currently serves as Vice Chair of the Chamber Board . As Membership Chair , the Chamber increased membership by 56 additional members during 2021 and 15 members to date during 2022 , while other area Chambers declined as much as 18 % during the pandemic related years . James was honored with a major award by the Laguna Niguel Chamber of Commerce at their annual awards dinner in 2021 for his considerable energy and commitment to the business community .
James initiated the successful Laguna Niguel Strong Chamber of Commerce marketing campaign during the pandemic period , promoting activities and fundraisers for the benefit of the community and has served the St . Timothy ’ s Catholic Church community , working closely with the congregation ’ s youth as Confirmation Leader and the Youth Ministry . He showed leadership that impacted well over 150 young people . James is a member of the Knights of Columbus , serving as Grand Knight , Deputy Grand Knight , Trustee , and Board Member from 2016 through 2022 and partnering with several organizations , including the Special Olympics , Habitat for Humanity , South County Outreach , Family Assistance Ministries , Feed the Homeless , and the Mayor ’ s Leadership Forum .
Community News
Pooch Park enables dog owners to enjoy a safe environment with their four-legged friend for off-leash playtime , exercise , and socialization . Please only bring fully vaccinated and socialized dogs that are friendly with other dogs and people . In case you are a long-time patron or never visited Pooch Park , consider a trip to Laguna Niguel ’ s Pooch Park !
James has served on multiple City of Laguna Niguel Committees and Commissions , including as the Sports Advisory Committee Chair , Parks and Recreation Commission Vice Chair , and the Parks and Recreation Commission Chair . James was also the founder and originator of the Laguna Niguel Senior Games , resulting in 250 senior participants competing in several events ranging from Swimming to Bocce Ball .
James has served in leadership positions with The Laguna Niguel Rotary Club , including service as President during the 2018-2019 term . James has collaborated with Rotary to serve the community through the Children ’ s Free Dental Clinic , Arbor Day Project , Adopt a Family in Need program , the Covid Face Shields project , and helped distribute dictionaries to 700 local 3rd graders during the 2017-2018 school year . James also participated in a global Rotary project to support burn victims in Chile .
James has supported the Honor Flight Network program by accompanying World War II Veterans on their travel to Washington DC . This trip , during their later years in life , honors these distinguished veterans with the opportunity to view the Tomb of Unknown Soldier , the World War II Memorial , and other war memorials located in the nation ’ s capital .
James routinely serves the Laguna Niguel community without regard to reward as an AYSO soccer coach , Cub Scout leader Scout Master , and many other organizations with unselfish commitment and focus . He is always available to make a project a success .
Therefore , Jim McGinley was selected for this prestigious award . This award is made by the Laguna Niguel Citizens of the Year Committee , which is comprised of past Laguna Niguel Citizens of the Year . We commend James McGinley for his years of dedicated service and congratulate him on the honor of being selected as the 2021 Laguna Niguel Citizen of the Year .
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