The City of Fountain Valley, California

broccoli, parsley, peas, and squash. The city, itself, incorporated in 1957 and, in the ensuing years, developers began replacing large tracts of farmland with housing projects. The fantastic growth rate which Fountain Valley experienced in the 1960s, which could easily have wreaked havoc with the planning of most cities, took place within the framework of a Master Plan, adopted before any developments had began. Unlike many communities, Fountain Valley’s Master Plan did not have to play “catch up” with existing developments. It is for this reason, Fountain Valley has often been referred to as one of Orange County’s best-planned communities. This penchant for planning ahead is a trait that has continued in Fountain Valley to this day. “It was built as a bedroom community for people commuting,” says Mayor Steve Nagel. “Compared to our neighboring cities, we have a larger component of residential; a lot of single family homes.” Today, this southern California city of 56,000, known both fondly and, sometimes, cheekily as “a nice place to live,” still exudes the charm and collegiality of “a small, Midwestern town,” according to Nagel. “It’s a cool community in the middle of mass suburbia. Neighbors care for one another. It’s probably still in the mid-40s as an average age, but over the last ten years, it’s getting a little younger. The Fountain Valley School District is very desirable, so as the older folks leave, we have younger families choosing Fountain Valley.” In addition to strong, community-based schools, there is Mile Square Park, the town’s gathering place for special events, fairs, festivals, tree lightings, etc. “Everything centers in Mile Square Park,” says Nagel. “It’s a unique feature for an urban center; it’s literally one mile square. “The community kind of considers that as a downtown because we don’t have a true downtown,” explains Maggie Le, Assistant to the City Manager. “So, a lot of the recreation events happen at the Fountain Valley Recreation Center and the Sports Park.” City Manager Rob Houston notes that Fountain Valley residents, themselves, put in the time to make those many events happen: “We have so many volunteers; we have a strong Rotary, a strong Kiwanis, something called the Community Foundation, and these are all just residents who like pitching in. Community members raise money and organize special events, themselves. I’m amazed at the amount of community pride, rolling up sleeves and putting in the hours to make events pictured below City Manager, Rob Houston pictured below Assistant to the City Manager, Maggie Le pictured below Mayor, Steve Nagel