County to revisit park strategy

County officials said they have a strategy to update the strategic plan for harbors, beaches and parks in their jurisdiction.

Scott Thomas, design manager for the county’s recreational areas, described the reason and process for the update at the Laguna Canyon Conservancy Dinner Monday night at Tivoli Terrace.

“We have a lot of land,” Thomas said. “We acquired it. It’s out there. There is an incredible demand on it. We are challenged to balance stewardship with recreational use.”

The presentation by Thomas and Harbor, Beaches and Park’s Harry Huggins drew a crowd of about 150, well above the average of 120, President Carolyn Wood said.

Thomas said the strategic planning project will involve a vision, determining values and redefining the mission statement. These will be the first changes since the master plan of parks was amended in 1980, as a result of the passage of Proposition 13 budget cuts.

County supervisors are scheduled to take the first step on March 14 by awarding a consultant’s contract, expected to cost $340,000. Fifth District Supervisor Tom Wilson wants the project under way before he terms out of office this year, Thomas said.

A Stakeholders Advisory Board will be created. Members will include representatives of park-user groups, park-support groups, Friends of Harbors, Beaches and Parks, and the Laguna Canyon Conservancy.

“Everyone will be invited into the process,” said Thomas, an active member of the conservancy.

Monthly meetings will start in April. Each of the five county supervisorial districts will have workshops.

“It is really exciting to be involved in defining the vision of Harbors, Beaches and Parks for the next 10 or 20 years,” Thomas said. “I encourage you all to get involved.”

For more information, call the Laguna Canyon Foundation at (949) 497-8324.

Thomas also passed out cards with dates for Aliso and Woods Canyon Wilderness Park Resource Management events.

An all-day field trip by bus and on foot will be held March 25. Management alternatives will be discussed at a workshop May 24 at Soka University Founders Hall Art Gallery. The management plan will be presented at a workshop on July 26 in the gallery.