Veterans urge council to designate city land for memorial park; staff say discussions are ongoing

John Hanneback, speaking for the Villa Rica Military Veterans Association, asked the Villa Rica City Council on Aug. 12 to provide a visible, accessible parcel of city land for a veterans memorial park and to approve moving an existing courthouse monument to that site.

Hanneback told the council the group is ready to start planning and fundraising but needs the city to identify a specific parcel and its size before proceeding. “We need some land from the city,” he said, noting visibility and accessibility as primary requirements.

Kelvin Owens, a retired senior officer and member of the Villa Rica Veterans Organization, also urged council support and offered the council a driveway at his home (9988 Bridgewater Point) as a location where officers could observe traffic issues affecting schoolchildren. “Please support the Veterans Memorial,” Owens said.

Interim City Manager and CFO Jennifer Hallman confirmed during the city manager report that staff have continued discussions with veterans about a proposed Veterans Park. Hallman said she had emailed the mayor and council a summary of possible proposed sites and planned one‑on‑one outreach with council members to gather input.

No formal council action was taken on Aug. 12. Council members and staff said they will continue discussions; Hallman’s remarks indicate staff are compiling site proposals and will consult individual council members before the issue returns for formal consideration.

Hanneback and Owens said the veterans group expects to raise funds for construction; the council did not identify a timetable or funding commitment in open session.