On Saturday, December 3, the City of La Verne celebrated the reopening of the newly renovated Mainiero Square at the City’s annual Holiday Stroll event. Mainiero Square construction began in July 2022 to improve its features and accommodate future community events.

“The City is proud to host this year’s annual Holiday Stroll, but it is especially an honor to celebrate the reopening of Mainiero Square at the event,” said Mayor Pro Tem Rick Crosby. “Mainiero Square is a landmark in La Verne and its upgrades will be available for future generations to enjoy. We would like to thank the Old Town La Verne Business Improvement District for their continued partnership and support.”

At the event, businesses and restaurants throughout Old Town brought the community together to enjoy free refreshments, great shopping deals and a reading of the classic story, “Twas the Night Before Christmas”. Mayor Pro Tem Rick Crosby and Old Town La Verne Business Improvement District Chair Craig Walters opened the ceremony with remarks before the holiday festivities kicked off, which included a highlight of the newly upgraded Mainiero Square.

Mainiero Square is located in the center of Old Town at the corner of 3rd and D Streets. It was built in 1973 and was rededicated to former Vice President of Administration and Finance for the University of La Verne John “Skip” Mainiero in 1995 for his significant contributions to the University of La Verne and the La Verne community. In addition to his active participation in various community groups, Mainiero’s work with the University of La Verne touched the lives of countless students and secured the university’s financial standing.

The City committed $400,000 of the Fiscal Year 2022-2023 Budget to the Mainiero Square Improvement Project as part of the City’s Capital Improvement Program (CIP). Renovations included the construction of a new stage, seating wall, improved landscaping and refurbishment of the Van Dusen Fountain. All improvements will be completed in January 2023.