The city’s first Founder’s Day celebration was held there in honor of the first anniversary of incorporation. Maricopa officially became a city on Oct. 15, 2003, and by the time residents assembled at the golf course clubhouse a year later, the pace of change was already visible in every direction. 

Stephens delivered a proclamation from the governor, congratulating Maricopa on its first year as an incorporated city. “Maricopa has a tradition of raising families with respect, honor and pride,” he said, praising residents for transforming agricultural land into neighborhoods while striving to preserve community values. “You are doing development the right way.” 

Among the city’s early accomplishments touted that day: negotiation for a proposed 20-acre park, which would later become Pacana Park, and preparation of the city’s general plan, aimed at guiding explosive growth.