Roller Hockey Rink Edges Closer to Reality

Building a new roller hockey complex for the city’s youngsters is a top priority in the new year.

“If you look at the demographics of Laguna Niguel . . . we have a high number of young families,” Councilman Mark Goodman said. “Go to the soccer and Little League games. That’s where the real Laguna Niguel is.”

The site proposed off La Paz Road near Aliso Creek for the roller hockey rink might also include facilities for skateboarding and indoor soccer.

Though residents of some other Orange County cities have spoken out against new sports facilities, the opposite has been true in Laguna Niguel, Goodman said.

“We’ve had a large demand from people coming to our parks and recreation commission,” he said. “Even kids on our street put up nets at the end of our cul-de-sac.”

The two-acre La Paz site was rejected as a potential ball field because of its irregular shape, officials said, but seems suitable for hockey and skating.

The city has already invited private companies to submit bids to build the facility and expects to begin receiving responses as early as February, officials said.