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Moraga parks master‑plan workshop draws hundreds, triggers strong opposition to changes at Rancho Laguna Park
Summary
A well‑attended public workshop and survey reaffirmed community support for trails, passive open space and improvements to existing parks but divided residents over proposals for fields and pickleball at Rancho Laguna Park. Council asked staff to prioritize shared‑use options with schools and to preserve the record of public input as recommendations are drafted.
More than 300 people attended a May 1 public workshop and hundreds of residents responded to a town survey that together informed the Moraga Parks, Recreation and Open Space Master Plan presented to council on June 24. WRT consultant Madison Merrill and Parks Director Mackenzie Brady summarized outreach findings showing strong support for trails, connectivity, shaded seating and improvements to existing parks; the workshop also surfaced disagreement about potential active‑recreation options at Rancho Laguna Park.
"We heard from residents that trails and connectivity, plus more comfortable settings for events, are top priorities," consultant Madison Merrill told the council, summarizing the May workshop and a statistically valid survey of roughly 415 households. Staff also reported that Moraga Commons users wanted shade over playgrounds and improved walking loops; the West Commons concept drew interest in a central lawn and pavilion.
Rancho Laguna generated the most public comment. Staff presented two potential uses for the park’s "back 40": a small multi‑use field and a dog park; both drew interest but the dog‑park option received more favorable responses in the outreach. Roughly 100 attendees indicated interest in exploring a multi‑use field or pickleball there, while more than 100 written comments specifically opposed changes that would affect the park's existing dog‑park and quiet character.
Several speakers at the council meeting urged the town to preserve Rancho Laguna’s natural character and to pursue alternatives. "It would be a shame to see the character of this park change dramatically when there might be better alternatives available," said Laura Coob, who asked the council to prioritize partnerships with school districts to improve existing school fields rather than altering Rancho Laguna. A number of other residents warned about noise from pickleball courts, trail access impacts for equestrians, and potential runoff to the local watershed.
Council members responded by asking staff to emphasize shared‑use opportunities with the Moraga‑Area school districts and St. Mary's College as a near‑term priority, and several council members described pickleball courts, stadium seating and permanent stadium lighting at Rancho Laguna as likely "non‑starters" for that site. Council did not adopt a binding prohibition; members instead asked staff to carry forward community feedback, preserve the raw engagement materials, and to include environmental and feasibility analysis in the draft recommendations.
Next steps: staff will develop draft recommendations this summer, present them in a joint session (parks & rec commission and council) on Sept. 9 for further input, and target council review and adoption of the master plan in October–November 2026.
