LAGUNA NIGUEL

The City Council has approved the $900,000 purchase of about five acres of federal land to build a sports park. Formerly part of the Chet Holifield Federal Building on Alicia Parkway, the land was declared surplus earlier this year and was earmarked by the city for a lighted soccer field, lighted basketball courts and a skateboard park. Legislation as part of the California Desert Protection Act--sponsored by Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) in 1994--allows the city to buy the property for $4.46 per square foot. Local property prices range from $8 to $15 per square foot. Information: (949) 362-4300.