Moorpark: Home sweet home

Have you ever wondered, "Why did I choose to live here?"

Moorpark might be the place where you work, but the area has other advantages, too.

The Metrolink and Surfliner offer great getaway experiences along the coast. For a small price one can take a day trip to San Diego or a weekend jaunt to the Santa Barbara beaches.

A river runs through us. The arroyo brings cool water, beautiful reeds, and connection with the earth. During storms it provides an escape for the rains.

In the summer, the weather is cooler here than in the high desert thanks to the coastal sea breeze. Most days around 2 p.m. a gentle wind brings relief, especially to the field laborers in the Cadillac Desert.

Our community has a great school system with active PTAs that work hard for the children. We also have a rich history, as found on High Street and in Old Towne, with their vintage buildings and stories of ghosts and other mysteries. There's a great batch of "old-timers" to remind us of the town's rich past.

The new city library has educational opportunities for children and recreational reading for adults. The vital active adult program offers programs and services for our longtime residents.

The local parks are exemplary and present dynamic programs for all ages. The joke around town is that Moorpark got its name because it has more parks than any other city its size. But we're not laughing, we're applauding. The Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department offers day care, meeting facilities, a gymnasium, and well-kept playing fields for sports. (Wouldn't a community swimming pool be nice?)

Our agricultural base furnishes beautiful open space for special events. The Underwood Family Farms and the Tierra Rejada Ranch offer rural fun and fresh produce.

Last year the city purchased and launched the High Street Arts Center; an enthusiastic management team was introduced and funds for upgrades were provided. "Bye Bye Birdie," a fun, upbeat musical, opens next Friday at the center.

Want more?

We have active service clubs such as Rotary and Kiwanis that offer social networking opportunities and fundraising support for our Boys & Girls Clubs, schools, and residents who are in need.

This summer, if you're not on vacation elsewhere, take a few days off and enjoy the many things to do in your own back yard.

Moorpark is a great place to live, and visit.