Update: September 21, 2023
NOTICE
Update: September 18, 2023
NOTICE
OUR FRIENDS OF THE PACIFIC MARINE MAMMAL CENTER ARE BEGINNING CONSTRUCTION OF THE TEMPORARY FENCING AT THE NORTH END OF THE PARK NEXT WEDNESDAY. THEY NEED TWO FULL DAYS FOR THE INSTALLATION. THE PARK WILL BE CLOSED BOTH WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 20 AND THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 21! PLEASE CHECK OUR WEBSITE OR INSTAGRAM ACCOUNT FOR FURTHER UPDATES!
Update: August 31, 2023
Dear Fellow Dog Lovers of Laguna Beach Dog Park,
We have some news to share regarding the Pacific Marine Mammal Center (PMMC) and its temporary relocation within the park. After a productive meeting with the PMMC’s leadership team, we have gained insight into the upcoming schedule and developments.
Construction for the 12-foot-high sound attenuation fencing, which will encompass the PMMC facility, is set to commence around the second week of September. The estimated duration for this fence construction is one to two days, possibly spanning a Wednesday and Thursday. To facilitate the fence installation, there might be a closure of the park for one day, allowing the crew to finalize the installation process.
During this transitional phase, we are collaborating closely with the PMMC team and the Laguna Beach Public Works department. Together, we are working to relocate certain park amenities. The two green picnic tables with umbrellas, the two teak benches, and the waste bag station will be temporarily moved to different areas within the park. Furthermore, the Porta John will remain near its current location, situated within the park. Access via a gate will be available for service purposes.
In the interest of enhancing security, a series of security cameras will be installed by PMMC on the project site. These cameras may potentially serve a dual purpose in the future. Discussions are underway to explore the feasibility of utilizing the fiber lines connected to these cameras for our own future park security system, following the PMMC’s relocation.
Rest assured; plans are already in place to remove all PMMC structures once the project is completed. Additionally, steps will be taken to re-sod the grass area, ensuring the park is restored to its original condition. We are researching future improvements such as permanent shade structures and tables in the north end of the park as well.
We encourage our park members and patrons to reach out if they have any questions or concerns. Feel free to contact us at Admin@LagunaBeachDogPark.com. If you have specific inquiries for the PMMC, you can directly email them at ggray42@cox.net.
As we receive more updates and information, we promise to keep our valued members and park patrons informed. Your unwavering support for the Friends of Laguna Beach Dog Park and the PMMC is greatly appreciated.
Thank you,
Friends of Laguna Beach Dog Park
Update: July 12, 2023
Dear Friends,
We are writing to provide you with an update regarding the temporary relocation of the PMMC facility to the North End of Laguna Beach Dog
Park.
Yesterday, July 11th, the Laguna Beach City Council unanimously approved a one-year temporary permit (TUP) for the PMMC relocation valid from September 1, 2023, to September 1, 2024, at the North End of LBDP.
Throughout this process, our board has maintained open lines of communication with City Manager Shohreh Dupuis and her staff to ensure that the TUP includes provisions and language. that address our important concerns.
Here are some key items included in the TUP:
- Trees: We want to emphasize the existing trees within the temporary use area will be protected in place.
- Parking: It is important to note that the temporary use facility parking will not take place at the existing metered street parking adjacent to the Laguna Beach Dog Park.
The resolution also highlights the commitment to restoring the park to its previous condition once the PMMC project is completed.
Furthermore, the staff report mentions future park upgrades, including the installation of a permanent shade structure and additional benches.
As we move forward, our dedication remains focused on addressing all the park’s needs during the one-year project duration.
We will continue to work closely with the City and PMMC to address any concerns that may arise throughout this period.
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to us via email at admin@lagunabeachdogpark.com.
We will provide regular updates on the progress of the PMMC project on our website, LagunaBeachDogPark.com.
Thank you for your unwavering support.
FLBDP
City of Laguna Beach and the
Pacific Marine Mammal Center (PMMC)
Are Asking For Our Help!
Dear Friends,
The Friends of Laguna Beach Dog Park board has been approached by the City Manager to discuss a concept for the temporary relocation of our wonderful Pacific Marine Mammal Center while their nearby facilities are being renovated and expanded. After an extensive search and the unique limitations of water provision, drainage, space and proximity, the North End of the Dog Park is being investigated as a temporary site for the mammals and their rehabilitation pools for a period of 10-12 months.
In recent meetings with City Manager Shohreh Dupuis, the board discussed the proposed option, it’s impact on park usage, and of course, our mission as an organization to protect the integrity of the Laguna Beach Dog Park and its current footprint per the terms of the Environmental Mitigation that facilitated our natural gem coming into being.
Attached is a revised proposal that is both considerably smaller in scale with improved fencing heights and sound mitigation that is under consideration.
We have considered the historical sensitivities surrounding land use proposals on the Dog Park site and the inconvenience that may arise for park users. Additionally, we have discussed and considered potential issues related to noise for both parties, even though they will be hidden from one another with sound-mitigation fencing. Considering the temporary nature of PMMC’s usage, the assurances provided by the City Manager and her team, and the compatibility between the needs of the non-profit animal rescuing PMMC and our park, the board recommends supporting this proposal.
As we move forward as a board, we will continue to evaluate options to improve conditions to the Laguna Beach Dog Park upon restoration to its full and original size once the vacation of the temporary PMMC facility is completed. We shall seek further options with the City Council members and their team on bolstering long term protections of this important wilderness space.
As your elected representatives, we value your input and would like to hear your thoughts on this matter. Please feel free to reach out to us via email at admin@lagunabeachdogpark.com. We will keep you updated on the progress of the PMMC project on our website, LagunaBeachDogPark.Com
