Maricopa Cleanup and Restoration

Maricopa, Arizona is in the Gila River Valley within Pinal County with a population of approximately 73,729. It officially became a city on October 15^th, 2003, and is the 88^th incorporated municipality in the state. It’s had a few names/locations over the years including Maricopa Wells, Maricopaville, and Maricopa Junction. It is one of the oldest and most historic communities in Arizona.

Maricopa started as an oasis around a series of watering holes eight miles north of present-day Maricopa. Many of Arizona’s rivers abundantly supplied the oasis.

Maricopa Wells was a major stagecoach relay station in the 1850s and 1860s. Nearly every resident worked for the stagecoach line or trading center. From 1948 through the 1960s farming and ranching became the heart of the economy. Aside from cotton, there were crops of pecans, alfalfa, peas, citrus, and melons.

Maricopa is located on the Union Pacific Railroad Line. It’s the closest stop to Phoenix. The Maricopa Station opened in 2001 and was originally in a converted passenger train car.

The climate in Maricopa is much like other areas in Pinal County, having hot and dry summers, and mild winters. Let’s not forget about the Monsoon season which can bring about flash flooding and very strong winds. The Ak-Chin Indian Community is within part of the city's boundaries. The tribe is responsible for developing Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino and a multi-entertainment center. Additionally, the Ak-Chin Regional Airport is operated by the tribe.

Some areas of interest are the Maricopa Train Museum, The Duke at Rancho El Dorado golf course, and a variety of restaurants to choose from.

Today, Maricopa has some great parks such as Copper Sky Regional Park (the largest with the most to offer), Pacana Park, and Lake View Park.

Notable People: In the 1950s John “The Duke” Wayne bought 4,00 acres of farmland spanning between Maricopa and Stanfield. He became partners with Louis Johnson, who was managing Wayne’s farm at the time. In Maricopa, they both have roads named after them, John Wayne Parkway and Louis Johnson Drive.