Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/1464332
Farmington has become one of the fastest growing cities in Washington County, and it shows no signs of slowing down. And there are good reasons: the city has actively pursued several renovations and upgrades to local parks and schools, encouraged new housing developments and worked to attract the kind of businesses that cater to growing, active families. "Just as it has all over NWA, the single- family housing segment in the real estate market has become extremely active, with about 1,300 new homes in various stages of completion," Farmington Chamber of Commerce President Josh Frye points out. Add to that a fantastic K-12 schools and countless outdoor opportunities and you've got the makings of a vibrant, family-friendly community. (Read more about Farmington School District on page 30) Design engineering has begun on a connection from Farmington's Creekside Park to the Fayetteville trail system and the regional Greenway, a boon for biking and hiking enthusiasts. Plus there's talk of establishing an annual regional disc golf tournament in Creekside Park. And the city is business-friendly too. ere are over 400 business licenses within the city of Farmington, with more on the way every day. Exciting things are in the works, like a partnership between Farmington, the Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce and other towns to develop a medical manufacturing corridor along Highway 62. Small business owners are finding opportunity and customers here. Local real estate couple, Larry and Diane Bowden, for instance, dreamed of creating a community gathering place with a touch of old-world charm. Farmington Village was born. "We don't have a downtown square, per se, here in Farmington," Josh notes. "Larry and Diane had a vision to do something about that. ey purchased the land and have developed the design around creating a center." Larry and Diane found that Farmington was the perfect place to turn their vision into reality. "We considered many locations," Larry said. "Farmington was by far the most receptive, and it also had that hometown feel." e businesses leasing in Farmington Village include services such as Star Physical erapy, Farmington Eye Center, and Cornerstone Home Lending. In addition, you'll find Sweet Scoops Ice Cream, Damons BBQ and Biergarten (which is run by the Bowden's son, Brett) and perhaps the jewel of Farmington Village—Briar Rose Bakery (owned by Diane and Larry, but operated on a daily basis by Diane and son-in-law Brad.) Briar Rose is a made-from-scratch, real dairy, authentic patisserie. e bakery looks like a fairy tale cottage from the outside, and has become somewhat of a community landmark. "Children have written us poems about how much they like the bakery," Larry said. "We have customers who have been loyal for 10 years, and we've watched kids grow up, coming through the special kids entrance." In addition to specialty businesses, Farmington boasts community anchors like ARcare Healthcare, providing access to board-certified family care providers. And the Farmers Co-op, where customers can find parts, feed, fertilizer, garden plants, fresh produce and more. e Chamber supports many events throughout the year that bring people together and foster a sense of community. Visitors and residents alike enjoy e Farmington Farmer's Market (every Saturday from 8 a.m. -1 p.m. March- November), along with the Farmington Fall Festival and the Christmas Parade Looking to the future, Farmington plans to continue to be a premiere destination for visitors and families. ey'll pave the way for shops, restaurants, venues, and a growing community, to thrive. For more information on living and doing business in Farmington, visit www.farmingtonchamberofcommerce.com Farmington: paving the way for growth SPONSOR CONTENT 2022 West Washington County Directory | 7