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Reedley is located in the central
San Joaquin Valley portion of California, lying just
inland between the State's coastal mountain ranges and
the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Within an hours travel
time, Yosemite, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
can be enjoyed. The Monterey Peninsula and Pacific Ocean
are less than three hours away. The valley floor is
the richest intensive agricultural production area in
the world. Reedley's economy continues as predominantly
based upon agricultural production and agriculturally-oriented
industry. Although it has diversified in recent years,
local economy continues to be significantly dependent
upon the underlying agricultural character of the region.
Reedley is situated approximately
twenty five miles southeast of the City of Fresno and
equidistant from the City of Visalia situated southeast
of Reedley. Manning Avenue, a four-lane divided major
arterial street, connects the city with State Highway
99 twelve miles to the west. State Highway 180 is located
eight miles north of the City, and both highways are
heavily used by local, regional, and national residents,
travelers, and motor carriers. In addition to its location
near these major highways, the community lies adjacent
to the Tulare Valley Railroad and the Southern Pacific
Railroad lines.
Civil war hero Thomas Law Reed settled
here to provide wheat for Gold Rush miners in the mid
1800's. His donation of land for a railroad station
site established the town as the center of the Valley's
booming wheat business. Railroad officials commemorated
his vision by naming the fledgling City in his honor.
When mining fever began to fade, wheat demand slackened.
Kings River water was diverted for crop irrigation,
and the region began its over 100-year tradition of
bountiful field, tree, and vine fruit harvests.
With water and railroad services
in place, farming families of European immigrants were
recruited, and the settlement was incorporated in 1913,
with Ordinance No. 1 adopting and prescribing the style
of a Common Seal on February 25, 1913. An important
element in the early town was a colony of German Mennonites,
whose strong traditions and values still shape Reedley's
culture. The population today is diverse and multi-cultural
and Reedley boasts a current population equal to 20,500.
Each of the town's major ethnic groups has shown strong
civic leadership, a desire to retain cultural and religious
traditions, and the ability to work successfully together
for Reedley's betterment. Among the community's 25 churches
are Armenian, Baptist, Buddhist, Catholic, and many
other congregations. The area's forty-one organizations
and twelve civic clubs include Filipino community organizations,
a Finnish organization, and American Lebanese Women's
Club, several Hispanic and Latin American organizations,
and a Japanese organization among the many sports, cultural,
conservation, charitable, and civic associations. In
1988 Reedley celebrated the first one hundred years
of its multi-cultural heritage, and the 75th anniversary
of incorporation.
Education is a vital part of community
life, with seven elementary, three junior, and two high
schools, both public and private. Over 6,000 students
are served by these facilities, part of the Kings Canyon
Unified School District. For seventy years, Reedley
College has capped the local educational structure,
providing area residents with a lively assortment of
classes, programs, activities, and community events.
Part of a 106 campus and 71 district California Community
College system, it has a total on and off-campus enrollment
of over 6,252. Small classes, on-campus housing, an
excellent library, strong career guidance resources,
and a spirited athletic program add to the college's
appeal. Students can select certificate or associate
degree programs in a wide variety of educational majors.
Within a thirty mile radius of the City are California
State University, Fresno City College, College of the
Sequoias (Visalia), two law schools, a Christian college,
and a graduate professional psychology school. Local
television and radio stations, the Reedley Exponent
newspaper which provides local communication and perspective
opportunities, a full range of newspapers from around
the country, a local branch public library, and an active
historical society and local museum complete the community's
education profile.
Reedley contributes a wide variety
of agricultural products to the County's economy. The
area's rich, fertile soil produces the finest fruit,
nut, vegetable, grain and cotton varieties. Since 1946,
Reedley has been known as the Fruit Basket of the World
because we lead the nation in the shipping of fresh
fruit. Thirty fruit and vegetable packing and cold storage
facilities, including the world's largest plant, along
with nearby wineries, supply tree and vine fruit products
of consistently high quality. Related manufacturing
industries in Reedley include boxes and packing machinery,
and automatic packing equipment.
The Council-Manager form of government
administers a general fund operating budget of over
$4,700,000 with a total budget in excess of $15,000,000.
The City has had a Planning Commission since the 1940's
and provides full City services including a municipal
airport, water system, sewer plant, trash collection
and a Redevelopment Agency. Reedley has one of the finest
valley Police Departments, and both contract and volunteer
fire department services are available. A modern, acute-care
hospital with a new birthing center provides comprehensive
medical coverage. The active Chamber of Commerce &
Visitor's Bureau and Reedley Downtown Association are
responsible for significant on-going revitalization
and beautification.
Key to Reedley, however, is its exceptional
recreational amenities. On the banks of the Kings River,
sandy beaches and clear stretches of open water lure
enthusiasts for swimming, fishing, boating and water-skiing.
Parks along the river draw families and friends from
great distances for frequent picnics and festivities.
The City's public parks, swimming pool, and comprehensive
recreational program, along with its annual community-wide
pageants and festivals, compete with three area golf
courses, nearby Pine Flat Reservoir and the redwoods,
lakes, streams, and hiking trails minutes away in the
mountains. Reedley's spectacular setting is enhanced
by the entertainment and shopping radius surrounding
the city center, and its success in combining the best
of its rural heritage and contemporary urban comforts.
Contact us
for more information regarding our wonderful city!
City of Reedley
845 "G" Street
Reedley, CA 93654
(559) 637-4200
Reedley Chamber of
Commerce - (559) 638-3548
Reedley Downtown Association, Inc - (559) 638-5484
