The city of Moorpark is commemorating its 25th anniversary of incorporation and invites the community to join the City Council for a reception and open house at 6 p.m. Wed., July 2 at the City Hall Community Center, 799 Moorpark Ave.

This event will showcase city achievements over the last 25 years; highlight city services and community programs provided to residents; and update current projects. Refreshments will be served and city departments will have representatives on hand to answer questions.

The regular City Council meeting will follow at 7 p.m., which will be dedicated to the city's 25th anniversary.

Since incorporation, Moorpark has developed a reputation as one of the most desirable communities in which to live in Southern California. Money magazine ranked Moorpark in its nationwide best places to live top 100. Moorpark consistently ranks as the safest city in Ventura County.

Residents have access to 16 parks and a variety of recreation opportunities including the Moorpark Country Club golf facilities and Happy Camp Regional Park.

The unified school district provides students with quality education, as demonstrated by Moorpark High School's 2008 National Champion Academic Decathlon team.

In the past five years, the city has completed a variety of capital improvement projects, including the expansion of Arroyo Vista Recreation Center, the addition of Magnolia Park, establishment of the Moorpark City Library, and purchase of the High Street Arts Center, as well as the construction and opening of the Police Services Center and Moorpark Public Services Facility.

Many new retail establishments have opened with the completion of the Moorpark Marketplace, Village at Moorpark, Moorpark Grove, and Campus Plaza shopping centers.

Major residential communities continue to grow and the city's affordable housing program has provided 396 units.

New programming in the last five years includes the Moorpark Arts Festival, Kids Day in the Park, Arbor Day, and Hometown Holiday.

Active adult center and children's programming has expanded and numerous teen events have been added, including Friday night dances and movie nights.

For further information, visit www.ci.moorpark.ca.us or call (805) 517-6227.