Laguna Niguel Regional Park

This 236-acre parksite was acquired by the county in June of 1970; the Laguna Niguel corporation donated 109 acres, while the lake and dam have been purchased by the county for flood control.

Approximately 65 acres of turf are combined with plantings of eucalyptus, acacia, white alder and California sycamore.

The lake, which is on a watercourse known as Sulphur Creek, has a surface area of about 44 acres. Lake Side Cafe and Laguna Niguel Lake Concession will open fall of 1993.

History

Laguna Niguel Park was originally a part of the Mexican grant Rancho Niguel granted to Juan Avila in 1842 by Governor Alvarado. The ranch was so named for a local Indian village called "Niguil." Juan Avila, referred to as El Rico (The Rich), was considered one of California's finest rancheros because of his conservative way of life. In 1878, the rancho was rented from C. B. Rawson by L. F. Moulton, the latter buying out Rawson in 1881. Moulton acquired adjoining property so that eventually the ranch consisted of 21,000 acres. One-third of the ranch was later acquired by a man named Daguerre. In 1960 portions of the ranch were purchased by the Laguna Niguel Corporation; the Moulton family still retains over 9,000 acres.

Park Facilities

Picnic shade shelters are available for group and family use. Four tennis courts completely fenced and lighted at night during summer schedule are located at the west end of the park. Equestrian and bicycle trails run throughout.

Regulations:

• Fires are permitted only in approved park stoves.

• A speed limit of 10 mph is enforced at all times.
• Swimming or wading is not permitted in the lake or stream.
• Vehicle operation is limited to paved roadways and parking in designated spaces only.
• Private rafts and boats are not permitted.
• Only rubber-soled shoes may be worn on tennis courts. No street shoes or wheeled vehicles such as bicycles are permitted on the courts.
• Please put all garbage and litter in trash receptacles.

Entrance Information

Operating Hours:

• November 1 to March 31, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• April 1 to October 31, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• Lake Concession---hours posted

Parking Fees:

*Pro-rated to $9.00 and $2.25 repectively, effective September 1 to December 31.
Reservations available for assigned picnic shelters (except on holidays).

Groups:

• All groups must obtain a group permit at least 15 days in advance.
• Forms are available from the park office.