Smyrna Snapshot

 
The name Smyrna was selected by the city’s Founding Fathers from the Bible – a common practice in 18th century America. It was the name of one of the churches established by the Apostle Paul in present-day Turkey. The ancient Ionian seaport of Smyrna was also the birthplace of the famous Greek poet Homer in the ninth century BC.

The completion of the Village Green project in 1991 heralded the beginning of a new era for Smyrna. The project included a large community center and a 28,000 square foot public library. The buildings were designed in a unique and eye-catching Williamsburg style with a modern touch. The project also included a large public green space with a lake.

The project won national awards and accolades when opened to the public. It also jump-started redevelopment in the adjacent neighborhoods. Other government additions to the Village Green complex that followed within a few years were a new City Hall, Police Headquarters and Fire Department.

The Georgia Municipal Association (GMA) and Georgia Trend Magazine have named the City of Smyrna one of 10 “Cities of Excellence” in the state. Smyrna received this award for excellence in fiscal management, public safety, infrastructure, citizen participation, cultural activities, community partnerships and downtown viability. Smyrna has become widely known as a model for redevelopment and serves as an example to other communities.

The award was announced during the Georgia Municipal Association’s 46th annual Mayor’s Day luncheon at the Omni Hotel in Atlanta on Monday, January 26, 2004.

When residents want to play, they can walk to the Market Village, a newly designed and constructed retail area with small shops and restaurants. Used as the gathering place for the city, fun and exciting events are held there throughout the year. Smyrna also offers parks with lighted tennis courts, jogging trails, public golf courses and much more close by.