Skip to main content

Boys & Girls Club of Laguna Beach celebrates grand reopening of their newly revitalized Canyon Enrichment Center Dream Play Yard

Stu News Laguna

Now, switching gears – I love it when a plan comes together. Back in Fiscal Year 2022-23 of the California State Budget, Assemblymember Cottie Petrie-Norris secured $400,000 in funding, which, when added with contributions from local donors, helped with the redevelopment of the Dream Play Yard.

As such, last Friday (June 20), the Boys & Girls Club of Laguna Beach (BGCLB) hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony celebrating the grand reopening of their newly revitalized Canyon Enrichment Center Dream Play Yard, enhancing the club’s ability to promote physical activity, social-emotional growth, and community engagement in a vibrant and inclusive outdoor space.

Courtesy of BGCLB

Assemblymember Cottie Petrie-Norris (right) presents BGCLB CEO Pam Estes with a state of California proclamation

Courtesy of BGCLB

The ribbon cutting celebration was joined by those of all ages

This transformation was made possible thanks to the extraordinary generosity of the community. Special thanks go to Assemblymember Cottie Petrie-Norris, the Laguna Beach Community Foundation, “In Honor of Wayne Peterson,” Jaffe Family Foundation, Pacific Life Foundation, Richard and Elizabeth Steele, Nancy Myers, Ellen and Roger Kempler, Pam and Bill Preston, Robert and Kathleen Brunswick, Ellingson Family Fund, and the greater Laguna Beach community whose leadership and support were instrumental in making the Dream Play Yard a reality.

Community members joining Assemblymember Petrie-Norris were Boys & Girls Club CEO Pamela Estes, Board President Ayessha Mahapatra, BGCLB Canyon Branch Director Kelsi Briggs, Assemblymember Diane Dixon, Laguna Beach Mayor Alex Rounaghi, Laguna Beach Unified School District Board Member Sheri Morgan, along with families and club members.

Courtesy of BGCLB

BGCLB Canyon Branch Director Kelsi Briggs talks about the importance of the project’s completion 

Guests enjoyed tours of the upgraded outdoor space, which now features new play structures, safe artificial turf for soccer and games, improved irrigation for youth gardening and enhanced structures designed specifically for youth members.

The Dream Play Yard project reflects the club’s long-term vision of “supporting the physical and mental well-being of local youth. In the wake of increasing pediatric health concerns and social-emotional challenges, this upgraded space will allow children to play, connect, and thrive in a safe and enriching environment.”