Foothill Boulevard
Route 66 in Fontana
The historic highway follows Foothill Boulevard through the city.
●221,223Population estimate · 2025
↗+6.1%Growth from 2020 base
⌖50 milesApprox. east of Los Angeles
△48 parksCity recreation network
◆1913Rosena renamed Fontana
Mayor of Fontana
Acquanetta Warren
First elected 2010 · Four-term mayor
Mayor Warren is the first woman and first African American to serve as mayor in Fontana history. The City’s official profile connects her civic work to education, community health, economic development, infrastructure, workforce opportunity, housing and regional advocacy.
Fontana / FountainWater is more than a logo motif here. It becomes a civic metaphor for connection, stewardship, growth and a city that keeps moving forward.
♀First woman mayor
✦First African American mayor
The official profile lists the Helen Putnam Award of Excellence and California Health Champion Award, and describes current regional and national civic leadership roles.
Official profile ↗Things to do in Fontana, CA
A city index for parks, culture and local history.
These Fontana attractions and landmarks are drawn from official City recreation, culture and history sources. The mix spans nature, arts, civic spaces and historic sites.
Mary Vagle Nature Center
Pond trail, native gardens, wildlife education, exhibits, geology and birding at the foot of the Jurupa Hills.
Art Depot Gallery
Lewis Library
Pacific Electric Trail
Fontana Days Run
North Fontana Fountain
Performing arts
Center Stage
Listed by the City among Fontana arts and culture destinations.
Outdoor life
Fontana Park
Part of the City’s official 48-park recreation network.
Local trails
Hiking options
The City points to Mary Vagle, Jurupa Hills North and Southridge Park trails.
Recreation context
Sierra Lakes Golf
Listed on the official Things to Do page.
Motorsports history
Speedway legacy
City history records construction on the former Kaiser site and racing beginning in 1997.
Fontana history · General Plan narrative
Fontana 1.0 to 5.0
The adopted General Plan describes five identities—not as marketing eras, but as a way to understand how the city moved from rural beginnings to its present opportunity-city vision.
Rural pioneer community
A.B. Miller purchased 17,000 acres in the area then called Rosena in 1905, beginning its agricultural transformation.
Fontana Farms
Rosena became Fontana in 1913. Orchards, poultry and cattle farms shaped the early community.
Steeltown
Henry J. Kaiser opened the steel mill in 1942. It remained a major employer and revenue source until 1984.
Suburban community
The General Plan identifies a later suburban bedroom-community chapter as population and housing expanded.
Opportunity city
The current vision emphasizes welcoming neighborhoods, diverse jobs and housing, parks, learning, health, mobility and high-quality design.
Three city currents
Water, movement and public life.
Three compact chapters connect Fontana landmarks to a larger civic story: how place, culture and movement keep a community flowing forward.
Route 6666
Foothill Boulevard carries the Mother Road through Fontana.
Historic roadside commerce, rail connections and later transportation networks all belong to a city long connected to movement and exchange.
Art + rail historyAD
The Art Depot connects a 1915 freight building to today’s arts community.
Built as a Pacific Electric freight depot, it now serves as headquarters for Fontana Arts beside the Pacific Electric Trail.
Official Art Depot page ↗Nature + learningMV
Mary Vagle brings the Jurupa Hills into the city guide.
The center’s official page highlights a pond trail, native gardens, wildlife education, live and static exhibits, geology, birding and nearby trails.
Official nature center page ↗Fontana by the numbers
Scale, growth and public life.
Population and household figures are dated Census values. Recreation totals come from the City’s official Things to Do inventory.
POP221,223July 2025 estimate
2020208,3932020 Census population
AREA43.07Land square miles · 2020
DENS4,838.4People per sq. mile · 2020
HOME58,362Households · 2020–24
AVG3.66Persons per household
$$102,821Median household income
NET96.3%Broadband households
Official recreation and community inventory
48Parks
59Sports fields
13Community centers
5Aquatic facilities
4Outdoor sports pavilions / fitness centers
3Indoor fitness centers
3Outdoor amphitheaters
2Dog parks
2Skate parks
1Gymnasium
1Outdoor hockey rink
1Library / technology center
Sources: U.S. Census QuickFacts and City of Fontana Things to Do.
Useful answers
Fontana city guide FAQ.
Quick answers covering Fontana attractions, history, Route 66 and recreation.
What is Fontana, California known for?
Fontana is known for its agricultural roots, Kaiser Steel era, Route 66 corridor, extensive parks and recreation network, and its modern role in the Inland Empire.
What are some things to do in Fontana, CA?
Things to do include exploring the Mary Vagle Nature Center, Pacific Electric Trail, Art Depot Gallery, Lewis Library and Technology Center, local parks, hiking trails and cultural destinations.
Does Route 66 go through Fontana?
Yes. Historic Route 66 follows Foothill Boulevard through Fontana and forms part of the city’s transportation and roadside history.
When was Fontana founded and incorporated?
The community was renamed Fontana in 1913, and the City of Fontana incorporated on June 25, 1952.
How many parks and recreation facilities does Fontana have?
The City reports 48 parks, 59 sports fields, 13 community centers, five aquatic facilities and a wider network of cultural and recreation facilities.
