The City of Aliso Viejo held a groundbreaking ceremony this week, marking the beginning of a historic community project at the 7-acre Aliso Viejo Ranch. Mayor Dave Harrington, Mayor Pro Tem Ross Chun and Council Members Mike Munzing and Bill Phillips and City Manager Dave Doyle joined elected officials, residents and people partnering with the City to make this long-awaited project come to fruition. Moulton family members Jared and Wade Mathis and Scott Barnes; Aliso Viejo Community Association Board Members Lisa Naegele, Jim Martin and Mike Avramidi; Capistrano Unified School District Board President Martha McNicholas; and agricultural operators Aaron Flora and Forrest Kline joined the Council in shoveling spades of dirt from the ground.
Nestled at 100 Park Avenue, the Aliso Viejo Ranch project includes the adaptive re-use of the existing barn and bunkhouse, both dating back to the late 1800s, construction of a replica barn that once stood on the nearby property and a working aquaponic farm complete with fish ponds, raised-bed vegetable gardens and a fruit tree orchard. Once complete in about 20 months, the facility will host recreation classes for the community, provide meeting space for youth sports and other groups and be available for weddings and special events. The project preserves historic buildings dating back to the days when this area was grazed by cattle and sheep — and pays homage to the agricultural heritage of the region.
“The City is proud to break ground on the Ranch … this project will provide an agricultural and historical education amenity for the residents of Aliso Viejo and the County,” said Mayor Dave Harrington. “In the near future, we look forward to partnerships with our schools and community organizations like Second Harvest Food Bank.”
To see the groundbreaking ceremony, visit https://www.facebook.com/CityOfAlisoViejo/. For more information, visit cityofalisoviejo.com.
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Kelly Tokarski | Public Information Officer
