July marks National Park and Recreation Month – an initiative of the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) to honor the people and places that provide essential services and make their communities better places to live, work and play. Nowhere is that truer than right here in Gwinnett County thanks to the efforts of our award-winning Parks & Recreation Department and its network of more than 40 parks that stretch from Auburn to Snellville.
The theme of National Park and Recreation Month for 2020 is “We Are Parks and Recreation.” To engage kids in this celebration, Gwinnett County invites them to go on a Selfie Safari – then post selfies on social media enjoying all the things to do and see at our parks. They may take a pic with their favorite pup at a local dog park or snag a shot of some local wildlife during their explorations. For teens and adults, Gwinnett County invites them to take part in the Trail Trek – a fun fitness challenge to walk 20 miles of park trails. For both Selfie Safari and Trail Trek, participants are asked to post their selfies on Instagram or Facebook, tag Gwinnett County Parks & Rec at @GwinnettParksAndRec and be sure to use the hashtag #WeAreParksAndRec.
“Our award-winning parks offer something for everyone,” said Department of Community Services Deputy Director Mark Patterson in a recent press release. “Whether you want to enjoy a picturesque picnic, hike a scenic nature trail, try your luck fishing, play disc golf or rent a pavilion for your family reunion, we have it all and more.”
As you’re exploring Gwinnett’s incredible parks, you may want to add the following to your list of stops…
Pinkneyville Park in Berkeley Lake: This 93-acre boasts a dog park, roller hockey rink, free-skate area and more.
Ivy Creek Greenway in Buford: Explore this 3.4-mile multi-use trail in search of scenic beauty.
Little Mulberry Park in Dacula: Depending on which entrance you use, you could discover the park’s 18-hole disc golf course, fishing lake, playgrounds, pavilions and more.
McDaniel Farm Park in Duluth: Set at the site of a former cotton farm, the farmhouse, barn, blacksmith shed, carriage house and tenant house have all been restored and are open for tours. Property also includes 3 miles of paved and non-paved trails.
Freeman’s Mill Park in Lawrenceville: At the heart of this passive park is a restored historic gristmill that dates back to the late 1800’s. There is also a playground and .5-mile paved trail.
JB Williams Park in Lilburn: This 25-acre park features a dog park, skate complex, playground, .75-mile paved trail and more.
Bay Creek Park in Loganville: Spanning 154 acres, Bay Creek features a lighted skating complex, playgrounds, tennis courts, basketball courts, 1-mile paved trail and more.
Lucky Shoals Park in Norcross: This 68-acre park showcases basketball courts, tennis courts, playground, 1+-mile walking trail and more.
Holcomb Bridge Park in Peachtree Corners: A great place to go fishing, this 12-acre passive park along the Chattahoochee River also features a playground and .25-mile trail.
Lenora Park in Snellville: This park boasts an 18-hole disc golf course, fishing lake, dog park, playground, 1.5-mile paved trail and more.
Yellow River Park in Stone Mountain: 691 acres of natural beauty that includes paved and non-paved trails for mountain biking, hiking and horseback riding near the banks of the Yellow River.
EE Robinson Park in Sugar Hill: An interactive fountain really sets this park apart, in addition to the fact that it’s home to the Connie Wiggins Pavilion – named for GC&B’s former Executive Director. There’s also a playground and .95-mile trail with a bridge.
Settles Bridge Park in Suwanee: This 268-acre park showcases a skate complex, outdoor basketball courts, dog park, playground, 1.6-mile paved trail, 2.9-mile non-paved trail and more.
To find a park near you, explore Gwinnett County Parks online.
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO: Current COVID-19 guidelines dictate that park hours be modified from sunrise to sunset with a maximum capacity of 50 at amenities like pavilions, basketball courts, sand volleyball courts, playgrounds, skate parks, and ball fields. The maximum capacity at dog parks will remain 25. Park patrons should comply with the posted guidelines. Learn more about guidelines and openings. Bear in mind that Community Recreation Centers and Activity Buildings are not open to the public at this time but are hosting safe and healthy summer camps. Find more information about summer camp adventures.
As for Gwinnett County Parks aquatic centers, reservations can be made one day in advance at GwinnettParks.com Leisure Play Pool Time or by calling the facility for Lap/Exercise Swim Time. Walk-up reservations are permitted if space is available. Visitors can bring their own pool noodle or Coast Guard approved lifejackets; use of the park’s shared equipment is not allowed at this time.
Because COVID-19 updates are regularly evolving, be sure to bookmark this page for the latest news: https://www.gwinnettcounty.com/web/gwinnett/Alert.
