With so many new neighbors, we thought it would be a good time to get to know each other.

More than 200 neighbors toured the facility, getting an up-close look at how Vulcan mines the stone, sand and gravel that goes into the area’s roads, bridges and buildings.

Surrounded by orange groves for more than a decade, Val Vista has operated at its current location since 2001 – years before the first homes were approved or built.

Visitors had the opportunity to learn about: the products produced at the facility; the facilities three primary operations (mining, concrete and hot mix asphalt production); safety, health and environmental initiatives; the people who make up Vulcan; and the improvements Vulcan is making aimed at reducing noise and odors.

Vulcan provided food and a host of activities for kids who dug for gems in a large sandbox, painted rocks and made designs with colored sand at an arts & crafts table and learned how each of the products are produced.

“The open house was a great way to get to know our neighbors, show them the work we do and display our commitment to the community,” said Jeff May, Vulcan’s Vice President and General Manager. “We also answered questions and addressed any concerns they might have.”

“We will continue to listen and keep our neighbors informed,” added May. “This area has changed dramatically since 2001, and we are committed to working with them and implementing more improvements.”