Laguna council OKs feasibility study for pump track at Moulton Meadows

Laguna Beach city council voted to direct staff to pursue a feasibility study for a proposed pump track at the northwest edge of Moulton Meadows Park and to explore alternative sites and partnerships with Orange County and local biking organizations.

The council action follows a June–July outreach effort and a recreation committee recommendation that prioritized the Moulton Meadows location. Acting Recreation Director Alexis Braun told council the city received more than 300 public responses during the outreach period, with neighborhood opinion roughly 60% in favor and primary concerns focused on environmental impacts, parking and noise. Braun said the city’s preferred parcel sits outside the Natural Community Conservation Plan (NCCP) boundary and that the plan for the site would include native-plant restoration around the track.

Supporters, including the Orange County Mountain Bike Association, told council that pump tracks are compact, low-maintenance, non-motorized facilities used by children and adults to build bike skills and that San Clemente’s new pump track drew sustained community use. Opponents, including representatives of Laguna Canyon Conservancy and some Arch Beach Heights residents, urged the council to avoid wilderness or high-value habitat and proposed alternatives such as sites closer to the Recreation Center or school district property.

After extended public testimony and discussion about topography, grading costs, regulatory review and the county’s role, the council voted to direct staff to: (1) initiate a feasibility study for the Moulton Meadows parcel and evaluate engineering, grading and environmental constraints; (2) concurrently assess alternate sites and potential partnerships (including the El Moro/Water District site) and preliminary cost comparisons; (3) coordinate with Orange County Parks on land-transfer or easement options and with the Orange County Mountain Bike Association on potential fundraising and grant opportunities; and (4) return with a report on likely costs, permitting timeline and recommended next steps.

Council members and staff emphasized the need to balance park and habitat restoration with recreational benefits for youth. Staff and the consultant will also look at a phased design that could minimize grading, and at lockable hours and fencing to reduce potential after-hours use. The motion passed with majority support.

If the feasibility work shows the Moulton Meadows site is too costly or constrained, the study will identify alternate locations and a recommended path forward. The council did not approve final site plans or funding tonight; it approved only the next-step studies and coordination.