are drawn to the peaceful parks, the vibrant local events, and the welcoming atmosphere. Residents take pride in their surroundings, and there is a collective effort towards building and sustaining the thriving community.“We call it the village. We all play our part in making sure that the city is vibrant, strong and moving forward,” expresses Mayor Marci Fluellyn. Once known for its quiet, rural atmosphere, Lovejoy has undergone a significant transformation over the past decade. Fluellyn, who was a council member for 16 years prior to becoming mayor, knows her community well, and notes that this growth is no accident.“We have this positive, beautiful momentum that’s moving forward, because it’s a team that has strategically been working together for years to improve the quality of life in the community of Lovejoy,” she relays. Today, Lovejoy is one of the fastest-growing cities in Georgia, ranking in the top 10 statewide for residential growth.This population boom is just the beginning. “It was the stepping stone that led us into the economic development that we’re doing in Lovejoy now,” Fluellyn adds. Currently, downtown Lovejoy is undergoing a rejuvenation, hoping to attract more enterprises. “We have plenty of parking,” says the mayor. “What we’re focusing on is making sure that there is a reason for you to park in those parking lots and walk around.”The goal is to attract small businesses, restaurants, and entertainment options, aligning with the intention to create more of a “Main Street,” vibe. “We will be beautifying our section of the Clayton corridor, Tara Boulevard, doing some landscaping and some signage to let people know you’re stepping into a place of excellence, where the municipality and the residents have a strong pride of place,” Mayor Fluellyn touts.“You will see landscape, you will see lighting, benches, trash cans, you will see a clean area. The beautification plan is one that will bring pride, not only to our residents, but those of Clayton County and the surrounding area.” COMMUNITY SPACES The city’s parks and green spaces are central to the quality of life for its residents, and Bobby Cartwright Mayor’s Park is one of the jewels, offering an inviting space in the heart of downtown. With its scenic walking trail, pond and a beloved marquee depicting, “I Love Lovejoy, the park is central to the community. “That is the main gathering place when it comes to our events, our community outreach. That is the 199 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 10 LOVEJOY, GA
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