News Summary
Fountain Valley is set to honor beloved sportscaster Ed Arnold by renaming the entrance to the Fountain Valley Sports Park as ‘Ed Arnold Way.’ This decision by the City Council reflects Arnold’s significant contributions to the community, including his involvement with local organizations. A public ceremony will be held during the ‘Concert in the Park’ event to celebrate Arnold’s legacy and impact on various charitable efforts. Community members are encouraged to participate and share in the celebration of a true local legend.
Fountain Valley Celebrates the Legacy of Ed Arnold with Street Renaming
Fountain Valley, a vibrant and community-focused city, is gearing up for a heartfelt tribute to one of its own, the beloved sportscaster Ed Arnold. Known for his warm personality and dedication to helping others, Ed sadly passed away from heart failure on April 10 at the age of 85, but his legacy lives on in the hearts of many.
Honoring a Local Legend
In a unanimous decision, the Fountain Valley City Council has voted to rename the entrance to the Fountain Valley Sports Park as “Ed Arnold Way.” This special honor highlights the significant impact that Arnold had on the community during his long residency in Fountain Valley, which began in 1973. The entrance, located off Brookhurst Street, sets the stage for the upcoming changes, marking a pivotal moment for residents who cherished Arnold’s contributions.
During a council meeting on Tuesday, discussions unfolded around various ideas for honoring Arnold. While the idea of renaming Ellis Park was initially proposed, it was put on hold for further examination within the city’s parks master plan. Ultimately, the decision to go with Ed Arnold Way emerged as the top choice for its visibility and connection to Arnold’s community work.
A Legacy of Community Involvement
Ed Arnold was not just a familiar face on television; he was deeply rooted in community service. His involvement with the Boys & Girls Club of Huntington Valley, along with being a founding member of the Fountain Valley Rotary Club, showcases the multi-faceted nature of his dedication. Over the years, Arnold also played an important role in the Special Olympics in Southern California, lending his support and expertise to uplift those around him.
As the council made its decision, Ed’s family was present, embodying the immense pride and gratitude felt by many. His wife, Dixie, expressed her hope that stories honoring Ed’s life would ripple out from the community, showcasing the inspiration he was to countless individuals. Their son, Dean, emphasized his father’s commitment to service and how he leveraged his platform to make a positive difference.
The Importance of Location
Councilman Glenn Grandis was a strong advocate for the street renaming, highlighting how Ed Arnold Way would maximize visibility for honoring such an iconic figure. The entrance’s close proximity to the Boys & Girls Club was seen as a significant aspect, tying Arnold’s legacy directly to an organization he cared about deeply. The city’s policy typically encourages naming neighborhood parks after adjacent schools; however, local sentiment for this honoring initiative has overruled those guidelines in this instance.
Rob Frizzelle, the city’s director of community services, shared insight into the naming policy and noted that there are 21 city-owned parks in Fountain Valley. Out of these, only five are named based on geographical locations, making Ed Arnold Way a unique and meaningful addition.
Exciting Community Celebration Ahead
Mark your calendars! A public recognition ceremony is set to take place on July 31 during the “Concert in the Park” event. Community members are invited to join in the celebration, capture photos with the new street sign, and pay tribute to Ed Arnold’s contributions. At this joyful gathering, a commemorative sign will also be presented to Arnold’s family, allowing everyone to reflect on his remarkable journey.
The entrance to Ed Arnold Way leads to facilities that host Special Olympics events and the Boys & Girls Club, further emphasizing the positive ripple effects of Arnold’s legacy in supporting these organizations. Throughout his broadcasting career, Ed was well-known, gracing the airwaves of various Southern California radio and TV stations such as KTLA and KABC, and further extending his influence into numerous charitable endeavors.
A Lasting Impact
In a community that values its history and the people who shape it, Fountain Valley’s decision to honor Ed Arnold stands as a testament to the enduring impact one individual can have. As stories of his life and contributions emerge, the spirit of Ed Arnold will undoubtedly continue to inspire many for generations to come.
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Additional Resources
- OC Register: Longtime Sportscaster Ed Arnold Dies at 85
- Wikipedia: Ed Arnold
- Hollywood Reporter: Ed Arnold Dead
- Google Search: Ed Arnold broadcaster
- LA Times: Fountain Valley to Honor Ed Arnold
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Ed Arnold
- OC Register: FV Rotary Club to Honor Ed Arnold
- Google News: Ed Arnold
Author: STAFF HERE HUNTINGTON BEACH
The Huntington Beach Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Huntington Beach, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Huntington Beach Surf City USA Marathon, the U.S. Open of Surfing, Fourth of July celebrations at the Huntington Beach Pier, and community festivals at Huntington Beach Central Park. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Huntington Beach Chamber of Commerce and Visit Huntington Beach, plus leading businesses in retail, hospitality, and outdoor recreation that drive the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERESantaAna.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
