Margaritaville in Dadeville: Growth or the Great Divide?

October 13, 2025

There’s a new buzz floating across Lake Martin — and it’s not just the sound of boats fading into fall. Talk of a Margaritaville RV Resort coming to Dare Park has become the conversation everywhere from coffee shops to city meetings.

The proposed development reportedly includes a water park, marina, and restaurant — transforming one of Dadeville’s most beloved public recreation spaces into a full-blown resort destination. And while some see this as a golden opportunity for growth, others see it as a flashing red warning sign.

Drive around town, and you’ll notice more and more “Say No to Margaritaville” signs popping up in yards and storefronts. The message is clear: many locals — especially those who’ve lived here for 20, 30, even 40 years — feel like their quiet lake town is being sold off to the highest bidder.

So, is Margaritaville the ticket to progress or the start of losing what makes Dadeville special? Let’s look at both sides of the argument.

 The Pros: Why Some See It as a Win

1. A Tourism Powerhouse

A Margaritaville resort — complete with a water park, restaurant, and marina — would make Dadeville an instant draw for tourists. It’s the kind of all-in-one destination that could bring families, boaters, and travelers year-round, extending Lake Martin’s busy season well beyond summer.

Local hotels, Airbnbs, and small businesses could see a major uptick in revenue. Shops, restaurants, and service providers that typically slow down in winter might finally experience consistency.

2. Jobs, Revenue, and Infrastructure

The development could bring construction jobs, hospitality roles, and ongoing operational employment. It would likely increase sales and lodging tax revenue for the city, which could be reinvested into schools, roads, and public safety.

With a marina and restaurant on site, there’s also potential for new contracts with local suppliers, fishermen, and vendors — if Margaritaville chooses to partner locally.

3. A Destination with Name Recognition

Margaritaville is a powerful brand. It’s instantly recognizable and carries a promise of a certain lifestyle — fun, laid-back, and family-friendly. Having that kind of brand associated with Lake Martin could elevate the area’s profile, attracting visitors who might not otherwise discover Dadeville.

The Cons: Why Many Are Saying “No”

1. The Fear of Losing Public Space

At the heart of this issue is Dare Park itself — a beloved public access area that generations of families have used for swimming, picnics, and boat launching. Locals worry that a private resort will restrict access or even eliminate what’s long been a shared space.

If the park becomes commercialized, residents fear they’ll lose not just a park, but a piece of Dadeville’s identity.

2. Noise, Traffic, and Overcrowding

A water park, restaurant, and marina would transform this once-tranquil corner of the lake into a high-traffic entertainment zone. Imagine peak summer days with hundreds of visitors, boats lining up for slips, and music echoing across the water.
For long-time residents used to peace and quiet, it’s not just change — it’s chaos.

3. Environmental and Infrastructure Concerns

Development of that scale raises serious questions: how will runoff, fuel, and waste be managed? How will increased boat traffic affect the water and shoreline ecosystems? Can existing roads and utilities handle that level of use without major strain?
Lake Martin’s natural beauty is the brand — if it’s compromised, the area risks trading long-term sustainability for short-term gain.

4. Local Displacement

Growth like this often comes with higher land values and rising taxes. That might sound good in theory, but for retirees, small business owners, and working families, it can make it harder to stay in the community they helped build.

5. The Character Question

For many, it’s not about opposing business — it’s about protecting balance. Dadeville has always been a small town with a big heart. The fear is that a Margaritaville-branded complex will overshadow local culture, turning a homegrown lake town into a polished, corporate vacation spot.

Finding Middle Ground: What Responsible Growth Could Look Like

If Dadeville does move forward with Margaritaville, it can’t be business as usual. There are ways to make this project beneficial without selling the soul of the city.

Here’s what should be nonnegotiable:

• Public Access Protection: Keep existing public areas open and free to residents.
• Environmental Safeguards: Require stormwater filtration, eco-friendly marina design, and dark-sky lighting.
• Local Partnerships: Hire local contractors, use local food vendors in the restaurant, and include local businesses in marketing materials.
• Community Revenue Share: Dedicate a percentage of resort tax revenue to public parks, schools, and small-business development grants.
• Scaled, Thoughtful Design: Ensure architecture complements the natural landscape and Dadeville’s small-town charm — not compete with it.
• Year-Round Engagement: Encourage the resort to host community events, farmer’s markets, or concerts that locals can attend affordably.

Final Thoughts: Paradise or Problem?

It’s easy to get caught up in the idea of a “destination resort.” Margaritaville brings money, jobs, and visibility — all things Dadeville deserves. But the people who’ve spent decades here aren’t wrong to be cautious.

Progress shouldn’t mean paving over history. It should mean building on it — with the community’s voice at the table.

If this project moves forward, Dadeville needs to make sure it’s not just a win for tourists, but a win for the people who already call this town home. Because when the music fades and the tourists go home, the locals are the ones still here — keeping the lights on, sweeping the storefronts, and remembering what Lake Martin used to be.

That’s the Dadeville that deserves protecting.

Written by Liv Nay, Founder/Chief Marketing Officer of Lake Martin Marketing Group LLC