Laguna Beach, CA — June 23, 2025 — The Boys & Girls Club of Laguna Beach (the Club) proudly hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the grand reopening of its newly revitalized Canyon Enrichment Center Dream Play Yard. This exciting renovation enhances the Club’s ability to promote physical activity, social-emotional growth, and community engagement in a vibrant and inclusive outdoor space.
Held on Friday, June 20, 2025, the celebration welcomed families, Club members, local leaders, and generous donors. 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 elementary-aged children. The event also featured refreshments and family-friendly activities, creating a festive and joyful atmosphere.
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.
This transformation was made possible thanks to the extraordinary generosity of the community. Special thanks go to the State of California – Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie-Norris, Laguna Beach Community Foundation, “In Honor of Wayne Peterson,” Jaffe Family Foundation, Pacific Life Foundation, Richard & Elizabeth Steele, Nancy Myers, Ellen & Roger Kempler, Pam & Bill Preston, Robert & Kathleen Brunswick, and the Ellingson Family Fund, whose leadership and support were instrumental in making the Dream Play Yard a reality.
“Play has always been an important part of a child’s development, just as it’s always been an important part of our Boys & Girls Club” said Pam Estes, the chief executive of the Boys & Girls Club of Laguna Beach. “If we want resilient and well-adjusted kids, we must let them play. Play is the natural way that kids learn. They develop empathy, creativity, communication and collaboration through it.
“Playing outdoors in the fresh air, it can have a special and powerful impact on their health and wellbeing. In today’s world, free play has an even more important role in helping children understand themselves, the real world, and how to navigate, negotiate and contribute to it. We should all remember that play relieves stress and creates happiness.”