Shauna Conway Key Takeaways:
After 38+ years as the Maintenance Supervisor for the City of Villa Park, Mike Knowles retired, having earned a reputation as the community’s “unofficial mayor” and a tireless behind-the-scenes contributor to local events.
A significant legacy was established in his honor with the renaming of the Wanda Greenbelt to Villa Park Knowles.
The community celebrated his career with a farewell event held on Friday, February 13, 2026.
To say thanks, Villa Park renamed the Wanda Greenbelt to Villa Park Knowles. It’s the city’s very first park, and there isn’t a better person to name it after than the man who maintained it for so long.
Scroll through to see the team in their #BeLikeMikeOrange (shirts provided by Kustom Imprints, these 30+ Years) and the new Mike Knowles Way sign! ➡️
Throughout his nearly four-decade career, he served as the city’s Maintenance Supervisor, earning the affectionate nickname of the “unofficial mayor” for his tireless dedication to the community.
Key Career & Retirement Milestones:
- Park Dedication: In 2022, the city dedicated its first official park, the Villa Park Knowles (formerly the Wanda Greenbelt), in his honor to recognize his 30+ years of service at that time.
- Total Service: At the time of his final retirement celebration in February 2026, he was officially honored for 38+ years of service.
- Community Impact: He was known for being the “nucleus” of city operations, handling everything from major event setups to helping individual residents with small maintenance issues.
Many Villa Park residents and local leaders have shared heartwarming stories that paint a picture of why Mike is so beloved. Here are some of the most enduring “Mike Knowles” memories:
- The El Niño Hero: Former Mayor Greg Mills recalled meeting Mike during a heavy El Niño storm years ago. As the hill behind his house began to slide, Mike—whom he hadn’t even met yet—suddenly appeared in his backyard in the pouring rain to help move sandbags.
- Sleeping at the Yard: There is a legendary “rumor” (widely accepted as fact) that Mike would occasionally sleep in his office at the maintenance yard to ensure he was on-site at the crack of dawn to set up for major city events.
- Above and Beyond for Neighbors: Residents have noted his quiet habit of helping elderly neighbors by wheeling in their trash cans, snipping their hedges, or even fixing city hall sinks and library equipment on his own time.
- The “Nucleus” of City Events: Whether it was setting up the lighting for HalloweenFest, arranging holiday trees for the Women’s League, or putting up the signs for the Santa Tour, Mike was always the first one there and the last to leave.
His reputation for shunning the spotlight while working tirelessly behind the scenes is why City Manager Steve Franks often referred to him as the “unofficial mayor”
Conclusions
Congrats, Mike! 🥂🍊
#MikeKnowlesWay #VillaParkCA #CommunityFirst #RetirementLife #OrangeCounty #HiddenJewel
Frequently Asked Questions
Mike Knowles was the long-time Maintenance Supervisor for the City of Villa Park, often described as a "one-in-a-million gem" for his dedication to the city.
He earned the title because of his selfless service, such as helping elderly residents with trash cans, rescuing local animals, and handling essential city traditions like setting up the Town Center Christmas tree.
His retirement was officially celebrated on February 13, 2026, marking the end of a career spanning more than 38 years.
Beyond maintenance, he was known for his "green thumb," tending to flourishing plants at the maintenance yard, and his hand-built frames for city event signs.
The community gathered at City Hall for a tribute that included custom "classic orange" tees (his signature color) provided by Kustom Imprints to celebrate his legendary status in "The Hidden Jewel".
