LAGUNA NIGUEL : Commissioners Approve Plans to Build Recreation Area for Dogs

After hearing from vocal dog lovers who support a dog park, the city’s Parks and Recreation Commission has given preliminary approval for a recreation area for pets.

The commissioners on Monday suggested cutting some amenities, such as drinking fountains, a wrought-iron fence, trees and some benches, to reduce the original $90,000 cost estimate by more than $20,000.

The commissioners also said they hope the park on Street of the Golden Lantern can be built with donations from local animal rights groups or dog owners who would no longer have to trek to Laguna Beach’s “Bark Park” to let their dogs run loose.

“You’re not just talking about dogs, you’re talking about people,” said Parks and Recreation Commissioner Mark DuPont.

He said that by building a dog park, the city will move beyond just developing sports fields for local youth.

“This is just another angle we need to complete for the people of Laguna Niguel,” he said.

The park is planned for two-thirds of an acre of vacant land next to Fire Station No. 49.

Dog owners had inundated the commission with stories of friendships created among people who take their pets to Laguna Beach’s dog park.

“There’s a whole ambience that isn’t at any other park,” said Liz Lafferty, who takes her puppy to the Laguna Beach park about three times a week. Visitors “have something in common, while at other parks people go off in their own family clusters. The feeling is almost always one of ease. It’s quiet, pleasant and upbeat.”

The commissioners plan to notify animal rights groups such as the Dana Point-based Animal Rescue Foundation, or ARF, when the final cost estimate is completed.

They want to see how much money the groups could raise for the installation and upkeep of the park.

ARF has already pledged to support fund-raising efforts.