Villa Rica has a rich history literally, dating back to 1826 when prospectors flocked to the area to tap one of the richest gold veins in Georgia. The name Villa Rica translates to “city of gold” in Spanish. This city of close to 10,000 is strategically located off Interstate 20 on the Carroll and Douglas County line, only 35 minutes from downtown Atlanta. As the second largest city in Carroll County, Villa Rica has a distinctive mix of quality living with planned residential communities, such as Mirror Lake, excellent recreational opportunities, and a substantial industrial base providing lucrative employment to local and area residents.
The able leadership of a mayor and five council members and a professional city manager deliver quality service to their residents while protecting the quality lifestyle they have come to enjoy. The city’s Community Development Department continues to encourage “smart growth” initiatives that actively support protection of resources while managing the significant growth trends of 30% per year. In order to protect the growing number of residents, as well as the many visitors and travelers along I-20, the City of Villa Rica Police Department includes 35 skilled officers and support personnel who are working diligently to meet the many challenges that come with this growth. Information on city services may be found at www.villarica.org.
The City of Villa Rica maintains a diverse manufacturing and distribution base including Printpack, Reinhardt Food Service, Sugarfoods Corp., McNeilus and Southwire. With two growing interstate connectors, retail and service business is also prominent in the city. Well-known restaurant and motel chains, along with Home Depot, Walgreen’s and several community banks are finding Villa Rica a great location.
The city continues to promote their rich heritage annually with the popular “Gold Rush Days” festival held each September, one of the best attended festivals in northwest Georgia. Other events during the year include Springfest in April, the Annual Turkey Shoot in November and the Gold City Cruisers Car Show held monthly highlight both antique and hot-rod models lining the downtown streets.
Villa Rica can also boast being the birthplace of Coca-Cola Company founder, Asa Candler, and the “Father of Gospel Music”, Thomas A. Dorsey, who wrote many traditional favorites such as “Peace in the Valley.” The Villa Rica Tourism Bureau and Downtown Development Authority work hard to promote the many facets of Villa Rica including a bustling downtown where visitors can feel the history as they stroll along raised sidewalks lined with crepe myrtle’s, and explore specialty shops and eateries or Wick’s Tavern, the oldest commercial structure in West Georgia.
Both active and passive recreational opportunities for all ages are readily available in Villa Rica. Gold Dust Park, home to the City Parks and Recreation Department on Tiny Cole Drive, offers a full range of team sports including gymnastics, karate, golf instruction, aerobics, tennis, and a children's playground and a walking trail. Gold Dust Park provides programming such as summer day camps, teen dances and concerts. It is also home to a very active senior citizens program providing a full range of activities, congregate meals and a variety of special events for those over age 60. Other active recreation programs are offered at Fullerville Soccer Complex with four soccer fields designed for youth and adults.
The newly opened Villa Rica Civic Center and Sports Complex, a 48-acre park located on GA 61 south of downtown, includes ten athletic fields providing youth and adult baseball and softball, and a regulation-size football field. In addition, the City is currently developing a 16,000 square foot civic center and restaurant facility on site.
Powell Park Arts Center is the home of Villa Rica’s Cultural Arts program offering programs from Pre-School "Intro to the Arts" sessions to “Senior Theatre.” Here residents can find instruction in art, dance, theatre and music, as well as summer camps and staged performances. The Lamar Moody Recreation Area, located on Lake Paradise Road, offers fishing in a large eight-acre lake and a smaller pond that are regularly stocked by the City of Villa Rica. The 130 acre park is open from daylight until dark every day; admission is free. Boats are permitted with electric motors only and a fishing license is required, according to State regulations.
For more information about Villa Rica recreation programs, visit www.villaricaparks.com.
