Carroll County officially opened Moss Ferry Park today, celebrating the completion of a project that preserves a beautiful piece of green space and creates a new outdoor destination for residents and visitors.
Located at 660 Moss Ferry Road, Villa Rica, the park was made possible through the generosity of Jeff and Brenda Matthews and their family, who donated the property to Carroll County with the hope that it would become a place the community could enjoy for generations. Early plans for the property focused on developing nature trails to serve residents in the Sandhill and Fairfield communities.
For Chairman Michelle Morgan, an avid runner and hiker, the project has been especially meaningful. Morgan worked alongside Carroll County staff and Georgia and West, Inc. throughout the planning and development of the trail system and said seeing the park finally open was a rewarding moment.
“This is one of those projects that I have been excited about from the very beginning,” Morgan said. “As someone who loves to run and hike, I know how valuable spaces like this are to a community. The generosity of the Matthews family gave us an incredible opportunity, and so many people have worked to turn that opportunity into what you see here today.”
Morgan recognized current Parks Director Kent Johnston for his leadership and dedication in helping bring the project across the finish line, along with Public Works and Parks employees whose attention to detail helped bring the park and trail system to life.
“Kent and our team have done a tremendous job,” Morgan said. “There are countless details that go into a project like this, and I’m incredibly proud of the care they put into creating a space our citizens can enjoy for years to come.”
The park features an extensive network of trails winding throughout the property, giving walkers, runners, and hikers several routes and distances to choose from. The trail system includes routes ranging from approximately one-half mile to more than three miles.
District 2 Commissioner Clint Chance reflected on the many people who played a role in the project over the years. “This park is the result of a vision that has been carried forward by several boards and many people,” Chance said. “I’m thankful for former board members like Vickie Anderson and former Chairman Marty Smith, who supported parks, former Parks Director Ben Skipper who got this project off the ground, and for the current Parks Director Kent Johnston and his staff who worked hard to see it through. I’m also thankful for our current Board for continuing to recognize the importance of spaces like this for our citizens.”
Chance noted that the property had previously been zoned for a Planned Unit Development that could have resulted in approximately 300 residential homes.
“Instead, today we have this beautiful property preserved as a park for the entire community, specifically on the north end of the county,” Chance said. “I’m especially excited that it backs up to many of my constituents in Fairfield Plantation. I hope families throughout Carroll County will walk these trails, spend time outdoors and enjoy this space for many years to come.”
District 5 Commissioner Ben Hicks, who also represents residents in the park area, shared Chance’s excitement in seeing the project come to fruition.
“It’s great to see this project completed and open for people to enjoy,” Hicks said. “This is a wonderful addition to this part of Carroll County, and I’m glad to see a long-term vision become a reality for the residents we serve.”
County leaders also recognized Alison Kennedy, General Manager of the Fairfield Plantation Property Owners Association, and expressed appreciation for the relationship and partnership between Carroll County and the Fairfield Plantation community.
County officials said the cooperation and communication throughout the project have been greatly appreciated and look forward to continuing that relationship as residents begin enjoying the park.
While Moss Ferry Park took longer to complete than originally anticipated, the focus remained on creating a park and trail system that would be an asset to the community for generations.
“Today, we finally get to open the park and share it with the community,” Morgan said. “That makes all the work that went into getting us here worth it.
Author: Ashley Hulsey
