For the past year, Moraga's Parks and Recreation Department has held several community engagement pop-ups to determine what direction residents would like to see its parks take with regards to recreation facilities, programs, trails, open space resources, and long-term community priorities. The process is entitled Parks, Recreation, and Open Space (PROS) Master Plan and has received a variety of responses and concerns through outreach surveys.

    On June 25, 2025, the Town Council approved the selection of Wallace Roberts & Todd (WRT), a planning and design firm, to work with staff to identify future development and funding opportunities.  Besides targeting town-wide events such as the Pear and Wine Festival, Moraga Library Book Sale, and Moraga Farmers Market, a link to the survey has appeared in the Winter/Spring 2026 Activity Guide, and 3,000 randomly selected Moraga households were mailed survey packets to complete either by mail or online. About 320 participants provided more than 2,800 question responses online.

    Additionally, on May 1, “Moraga Plays: Park Social,” a community workshop, was held at Moraga Commons Park that included stations where opinions were expressed. WRT noted that approximately 328 people participated and more than 1,000 comments and responses were collected. 

    During the June 10 Town Council meeting, dozens of residents showed up specifically to voice their concerns about potential changes to Rancho Laguna Park as a result of comments collected through the various surveys.  

    On June 24 Parks and Recreation Director Mackenzie Brady presented a staff report to the Council, stating, “Town staff decided to conduct additional targeted outreach to the park’s nearby residents” which were mailed to “households located within approximately 500 feet of Rancho Laguna Park to provide an additional opportunity for direct neighborhood input regarding the park and future planning considerations. These households include properties that are located within both the incorporated Town of Moraga and within the unincorporated area of Contra Costa County.”  Those responses were not available in time for the meeting.

    WRT’s Associate/Landscape Planner Madison Merrill updated the Town Council summarizing the community’s responses from the various pop-ups through, and including, the May 1 workshop. Key themes identified through the workshop and survey process include:  trails, paths, and connectivity; sports and recreation opportunities; community and senior activities; nature and ecology; arts and culture; accessibility and infrastructure; water features; and youth and family activities. The feedback incorporated all of the Town’s parks, those being Moraga Commons Park, West Commons Park, Rancho Laguna Park, and the Lafayette-Moraga Regional Trail.  

    From a series of scenarios, residents were asked which potential opportunities they would support the Town exploring further. Top vote-getters for Moraga Commons Park were to add more shade over the all-access playground; improve walking loops; and host more community events. West Commons Park votes were to add seating and shade throughout the park; create a central lawn for picnic and play; and build a small pavilion to accommodate smaller events.  Lafayette-Moraga Regional Trail's top votes wanted more seating and shade; and to replace fitness stations.  Rancho Laguna Park votes favored replacement of an aged restroom; flexible use of the central lawn; and add pickleball courts (mitigating any potential sound impacts to neighbors). 

    Brady’s staff report made it clear that “the topics presented at this meeting are intended to summarize community input received to date and do not constitute recommendations, approved projects, or Town Council direction.”

    Public comment during the meeting was overwhelmingly directed towards objections with regards to perceived changes in Rancho Laguna Park.  Approximately 10 residents who live in the vicinity of the park spoke in opposition of a pickleball court or any type of sports field, additionally noting that it would change the park’s dynamic.

    The topic of a community/recreation center, with the pear orchard at the intersection of Canyon Road and Camino Pablo as a potential location, was discussed. The Palos Colorados land was also a possible site that council members considered. Even the Hacienda de las Flores was mentioned as a future joint community/event center. The local schools and Saint Mary's College expressed a desire to offer shared resources in order to help the Town provide its residents with more recreational amenities.

    Survey-takers were asked to name programs of participation interest. The lengthy list included: fitness/yoga classes; programs for young children; organized senior walks; hiking groups; adult sports leagues; paint/craft nights; farmers market; art shows; environmental education; pickleball lessons; and programs for teens.

    The basic purpose of the presentation/update to the Town Council was for staff to take direction and go forward. Mayor Kerry Hillis suggested a thumbs up/thumbs down vote with regards to key objections for Rancho Laguna Park’s future. Council gave a thumbs down for pickleball courts, any type of stadium, or stadium lighting.  Shared-use agreements with local schools or some type of athletic field amenities received a thumbs up.  The idea of putting a community center on the pear orchard grounds was tabled in that more information was needed.

    Staff will take July and August to work on the Draft Recommendation development. On Sept. 9, there will be a joint Town Council/Parks and Recreation Commission meeting where the Draft Recommendation will be presented and staff will, once again, take more feedback from council members, commissioners and the public.