);
Connect with us

Community

Get in the Game and Discover Gwinnett’s Parks This July

Published

on

Summer is here, which means it’s time to get out and explore the great things happening at your local parks and recreation centers. This July Gwinnett County Parks and Recreation is celebrating Park and Recreation Month, an initiative of the National Recreation and Park Association, with events and activities for residents of all ages and abilities.

These special events feature activities including movies, arts and crafts, aquatic events and hiking:

·         Stars & Stripes Family Night on July 1 at 7 p.m. at Bethesda Park Aquatic Center and again on July 3 at 7 p.m. at Lenora Park Pool. Bring the family for patriotic celebration with a twist: it’s in the pool. No registration is required; all pool rules and admission apply. Bethesda Park Aquatic Center is located at 225 Bethesda Church Road in Lawrenceville and Lenora Pool is located at 4315 Lenora Church Road in Snellville.

·         Summer Movie Night on July 12 at 6 p.m. at Bogan Park Community Recreation Center. Free admission to watch “Ralph Breaks the Internet.” Popcorn and light refreshments will be provided. All ages, preregistration is recommended online with code BOP31630 or call 678-277-0850. Bogan Park Community Recreation Center is located at 2723 North Bogan Road in Buford.

·         Date Night Drop Off on July 12 at 6 p.m. at Lawrenceville Female Seminary. Children can enjoy the museum while parents enjoy a night out. Pizza, fun monster relay games and crafts will be provided. Ages 5 to 10, $10 per person. Must preregister by July 10 online with code LFS34001 or call 770-822-5178. Lawrenceville Female Seminary is located at 455 South Perry Street in Lawrenceville.

·         Hot Dog Pool Party on July 12 at 6:30 p.m. at Collins Hill Park Aquatic Center. Celebrate National Hot Dog Month with swimming and hot dogs. All ages, $5 per person. Preregistration is recommended online with code CHP35900 or call 770-237-5647. All pool rules apply. Collins Hill Park Aquatic Center is located at 2200 Collins Hill Road in Lawrenceville.

·         Dinner and Cinema on July 12 at 7 p.m. at the Gwinnett Historic Courthouse. Enjoy a catered dinner, popcorn and mock-tails while watching a film in the historic Superior Court Ballroom. Ages 18 and up, $20 per person. Seating is limited. Preregister online with code GHC11601 or call 770-822-5450. The Gwinnett Historic Courthouse is located at 185 Crogan Street in Lawrenceville.

·         Aquatic Think Tank on July 13 at 6:30 p.m. at West Gwinnett Park Aquatic Center. Swimming with a twist: games designed for educational fun in the water to engage math and reading skills. All ages, $3 per person. Preregister online with code WGP31901 or call 678-407-8801. West Gwinnett Park Aquatic Center is located at 4488 Peachtree Industrial Boulevard in Berkeley Lake.

·         Game On, Kids’ Night Out on July 19 at 6 p.m. at Mountain Park Activity Building. Swim and enjoy a night out with pizza, ice cream and lots of action-packed activities. Ages 7 to 13, $12 per person. Preregister by July 16 online with code MPA31403 or call 678-277-0179. Mountain Park Activity Building is located at 1063 Rockbridge Road in Stone Mountain.

·         Kids’ Night Out on July 19 at 6 p.m. at George Pierce Park Community Recreation Center. Have fun playing summertime games, and enjoy a delicious dinner with dessert. Ages 7 to 13, $12 per person. Preregister online with code GPP31602 or call 678-277-0910. George Pierce Park is located at 55 Buford Highway in Suwanee.

·         Scavenge-ART Hunt on July 20 at 11 a.m. at Pinckneyville Park Community Recreation Center. Gather fun items from nature to build a craft. Free for all ages. Preregister online with code PVP31410 or call 678-277-0920. Pinckneyville Park Community Recreation Center is located at 4650 Peachtree Industrial Boulevard in Berkeley Lake.

·         All American Day on July 20 at Noon at Mountain Park Aquatic Center. Bring the family for a fun-filled All American Day at our outdoor leisure pool with crafts, hot dogs and lawn games. All ages, $6 per person. Preregister by July 17 online with code MPA31101 or call 678-277-0870. Mountain Park Aquatic Center is located at 1063 Rockbridge Road in Stone Mountain.

·         Splash in Movie on July 20 at 6:30 p.m. at Lenora Park Pool. Bring the family to swim and watch “Trolls.” Appropriate for all ages, $4 per person. Preregistration is required online with code LEP35103 or by calling 770-982-5309. Lenora Pool is located at 4315 Lenora Church Road in Snellville.

·         Stargazing on July 20 at 9:30 p.m. at Harbins Park. Join our educators across the parks for an evening under stars. No experience in stargazing is necessary. Telescopes will be available or bring your own. Ages 5 and up, $2 per person. Preregister by July 17 online with code HRP34005 or by calling 770-904-3500. Harbins Park is located at 2299 Luke Edwards Road in Dacula.

·         Cowboy Day on July 27 at 10 a.m. at Collins Hill Park Aquatic Center. Spend national cowboy and cowgirl day at the pool with face painting, entertainment and swimming. Test your skills on the inflatable bull during safety breaks. Ages 4 and up. All pool rules and admission fees will apply. Collins Hill Park Aquatic Center is located at 2200 Collins Hill Road in Lawrenceville.

·         Toddler Treks on July 30 at 10:30 a.m. at Lawrenceville Female Seminary. Finish the month off with a guided outdoor adventure for you and your little one. Spend time in the pollinator garden looking for flowers and learning about the honeybees. Ages 18 months to 3 years, $5 per child with one parent free. Preregister online with code LFS34502 or call 770-822-5178. Lawrenceville Female Seminary is located at 455 South Perry Street in Lawrenceville.

Parks and Recreation Deputy Division Director Chris Minor invites residents and visitors to explore the parks and recreation centers around Gwinnett.

“This year’s theme, Game On, encourages residents to embrace the fun and games provided by their parks and recreation centers,” said Minor. “While you’re enjoying this month’s great events, share your experience with the hashtag #GameOnJuly and invite your family and friends to get in the game with us.”

To learn more about Park and Recreation Month, visit www.gwinnettparks.com and www.nrpa.org/July.  

Continue Reading

Community

Peachtree Corners Councilman’s Journey to Opening a Dog Park Haven

Published

on

Peachtree Corners Dog Park by Louis Svehla

When Peachtree Corners City Councilman Alex Wright last had a dog, he was only a kid.

Young Alex was devastated when he died and did not want to get another dog because he did not want to endure that trauma again. 

As a result, his family has never had a dog, and even though the two youngest of his four children badgered him and his wife endlessly, they always said no. 

Then COVID-19 hit. The Wrights’ youngest son, Michael, was committed to convincing his parents to get a dog. He even did a PowerPoint presentation (with music) explaining why he absolutely needed a dog. 

Michael and Murphy courtesy of Councilman Wright

“I guess it was from being cooped up during Covid that my wife suggested maybe we should give in. Next thing I know we tell the kids we are going to get a dog,” Councilman Wright wrote in an email.

So, in June 2021, they got their first dog, Murphy, an Australian Labradoodle. 

“All of a sudden, we discover this whole dog subculture that we had not really paid attention to before.  All the things dogs liked to do, all the stuff you could buy them, all the people we met through walking the dog,” he explained. 

In February, Wright and his wife were at Avalon returning a purchase when they came upon a modest-sized dog park. Wright’s wife suggested having something like that at Town Green would be great. 

Dog Park Ribbon Cutting photos by George Hunter

“Later that day, I texted the City Manager [Brian Johnson] about the idea, and he really liked it.  At the time, the playground (the one that opened in August 2022) was under construction, and we were already discussing other ideas to create activation at the Town Center, so this fit right into that plan,” said Wright.

The assistant City Manager, Seth Yurman, was tasked with the nuts and bolts and worked with a contractor on location and design. 

“Can’t say enough about what a great job Seth did. We have definitely had some supply chain delays, which resulted in an opening maybe 9 to 12 months later than originally hoped for, but it is finally open,” he added.

Dog Park Ribbon Cutting photos by George Hunter

A couple more things are still left to do for the project, including installing a large sail cover over the stone entrance area. Construction of the Bone Bar is also on the agenda. This small bar will serve adult and non-adult beverages and likely…you guessed it? Treats for dogs. 

The new dog park is situated behind the CineBistro building near the Town Green. The Peachtree Corners Off-Leash Dog Park is approximately 9,000 square feet and is divided into sections for smaller and larger dogs, with natural and artificial turf areas.

Dog Park Ribbon Cutting photos by George Hunter

PTC Dog Park Rules

  • The dog park is open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
  • The dog park is CLOSED for maintenance every Wednesday from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m.
  • Use of the dog park is at your own risk.  You are responsible for your dog and any injuries or damage caused by your dog.
  • All children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
  • All dogs must wear a collar with a valid license and have current vaccinations required by law.
  • Please call 911 for all emergencies.
  • The small dog area is for dogs 30 pounds and under.  Dogs over 30 pounds must use the large dog area.
  • Dogs must stay on a leash until they are in the fenced-in areas of the dog park and must be off-leash while in the dog park.
  • Professional dog trainers may not use the dog park to conduct business.
  • No person shall bring more than three dogs at one time.
  • Please dispose of your dog’s waste in the receptacles provided. Remind others to do the same.
  • Dogs must always be under the control and supervision of their handler.
  • If your dog becomes aggressive, please leash the dog and exit the park immediately.
  • Gates must be closed after entrance and exit.
  • Dogs under six months old and female dogs in heat are not permitted.
  • Food (human and dog) and glass containers are not permitted, as are smoking, vaping and drug use.
  • Cats and other animals are not permitted.
  • Bikes, scooters, skateboards and motorized equipment are not permitted.
  • Violation of these rules may result in a ban from the dog park.

Continue Reading

Community

Memorial Park Planned to Honor Memory of Late Peachtree Corners First Lady

Published

on

To honor and remember Debbie Mason, the first and only first lady of Peachtree Corners, who passed away after a long battle with cancer, a memorial park is being built.
Debbie Mason with her Yorkie

To honor and remember Debbie Mason, the first and only first lady of Peachtree Corners, who passed away after a long battle with cancer, a memorial park is being built.

A Peachtree Corners Arts Council subcommittee was formed to plan, develop and execute the park. Debbie Mason Memorial Park committee members include Lynette Howard, Robyn Unger, Bob Ballagh, Dave Huffman, Gay Shook, Sarah Roberts and Pat Bruschini.

“Lynette Howard led us in some brainstorming and creative sessions about what the garden should look like,” said Bruschini. “We had pictures of her backyard. Some of us had been to her backyard. It took a couple of months until we got a handle and feel for what we wanted the garden to be and what we thought [Mason] would want.”

One unique feature will be a Yorkie statue, Mason’s favorite dog, perched on top of a coffee table-like boulder encircled by granite benches. The brochure for the fundraising campaign will feature a photo of Mason and her beloved pet.

After looking at a few possible locations, a tract of land near the city’s botanical garden was chosen.

“The area where the park is going had been semi-developed,” said Buschini. “If you’re standing on the sidewalk with your back to the new dog park or your back to Cinebistro, you’ll see a granite semi-circle wall and steps that come down from Peachtree Corners Circle. We are enhancing that area.”

Debbie Mason Memorial Garden Plan Pikes plan showing Phase 1 and Phase 2

Everyone involved wanted the park to be near Town Center and accessible to everyone. So, an offshoot of the botanical garden, a property owned by the Downtown Development Authority, made the most sense, Bruschini added.

The park will be connected to Town Center with one entrance off Peachtree Corners Circle across from Davini Court.

“We have a complete plot plan designed by a landscape architect from Pike Nursery. Jennifer Freeman, a Duluth mosaic artist, created a mosaic design of the city logo,” said Bruschini.

The Debbie Mason Memorial Garden will be the city’s first park. Although there are other parks within city limits, this is the only one that will be owned and maintained by the city. 

To improve its access, the city is working with the Solis Apartment Complex being built nearby.

The plan is to have an extensive sidewalk connecting to the park. Construction of the park is underway and plant material will go in this fall. There will be a ribbon cutting and dedication shortly after that. 

But for now, the committee wants everyone to know that it’s coming and contributions are welcome. Find the wish list for the Debbie Mason Memorial Garden at the end of this article.

The memorial is fitting because Mason really was Peachtree Corners, said Bruschini.

“She was a volunteer extraordinaire,” she said. I met her on the board of the United Peachtree Corners Civic Association, and she headed up the Peachtree Parkway Improvement Project for six years. That’s where she would contact all the businesses along 141 and ask them to make a contribution so that the median strip could be maintained.”

Garden Site Construction

In 2008, there was a tour of homes in Peachtree Corners, and the funds raised went to solar lights to light up the sign going into Peachtree Corners. Mason was front and center with that.  But she always had time for family, Bruschini said.

“Her son Nick was in drama at Norcross High School, and she was very involved in that. And she worked with the taste of Norcross High School going back, I’ll say, 20 years maybe,” she said.

“She and Mike started the Fox Hill Homeowners Association and she worked with the Peachtree Corners Yes campaign and served on the board of Gwinnett Clean and Beautiful as well as the City Arts Council and also the first City Green committee. This is fitting because she always wanted to make memories in Peachtree Corners,” she explained.

Garden Sponsorship Items

  • Mosaic Logo – $10,000
  • Mosaic River – (3) $5,000 each
  • Bronze Plaque – $3,000
  • Arbor – (3) $1,000 each
  • Japanese Maple – $800
  • Flowerpots full of color – (3) $500 each
  • Dogwoods (3) $500 each
  • Tea Olives – (6) $400 each
  • Yorkie Dog Statue – $300
  • Azalea/Hydrangeas (40) – $60 each

Garden Sponsorship Levels

  • $1000: Platinum
  • $500: Gold
  • $250: Silver
  • $100: Bronze
  • $50: Friends of the Garden

Ways to Donate
Checks are preferred and are payable to:
Peachtree Corners Arts, Inc. Attn: DMMC
PO Box 922469
Peachtree Corners, GA 30092
PTCArts.org/donate

Continue Reading

Community

Non-Profit Protecting Kids from Predators Hosting Beloved St. Paddy’s Event

Published

on

Revved Up Kids' training group courtesy of Alli and David Neal

Alli and David Neal and their non-profit, Revved Up Kids, have been working diligently for the past 14 years to address an issue that most would prefer to avoid altogether.

During that time, Revved Up Kids has equipped more than 45,000 Atlanta-area children and teens to be safer from sexual predators and traffickers.

“We recognize the challenge that this issue presents on so many levels,” said Alli Neal. “It’s scary, it’s horrible, it’s unsavory and it’s challenging for parents to talk about it with their kids.”

“That’s why we founded Revved Up Kids. We believe wholeheartedly that the easiest target for a predator is a child who doesn’t know predators exist. We want to help families with this difficult dialogue and equip kids with a response if they’re ever approached,” she added.

Revved Up Kids is uniquely positioned in the Atlanta metro area. It is the only Atlanta-based non-profit focused solely on sexual abuse prevention training.

Based in Peachtree Corners, they partner with youth-serving organizations, municipalities and private groups across the metro area to provide exceptional prevention training programs for children, teens, parents and other organizations.

Revved Up Kids charges tuition when groups can afford to pay, but one of the top priorities for its Board of Directors is ensuring that all children have access to this critical training. Whenever a group pays tuition for training, Revved Up Kids trains at least one other group at no charge.

Revved Up Kids relies on community donations, corporate sponsors and grants to provide free training programs for low-income and high-risk groups. Hosting special events is vital to their ability to reach more children.

“That’s where the community comes in,” said Neal. “Our signature fundraising event, Shamrock ‘n’ Roll, will take place at the Crowne Plaza in Norcross on Saturday, March 9, and we want to sell out this year.”

Shamrock ‘n’ Roll is an adults-only event that features casino-style gaming, dancing, an exciting raffle, auction items and exquisite food and drinks. Tickets are on sale now, and sponsorships are also available for the event. Visit revvedupkids.org/shamrock for details.

“The support of our community, including our amazing sponsors, has a huge impact on our ability to reach more children with our life-saving training. This event is a fun way for everyone to join Revved Up Kids in protecting children,” said Neal.

Scan the QR code to learn more.

Continue Reading

Read the Digital Edition

Subscribe

Peachtree Corners Life

Topics and Categories

Trending

Copyright © 2024 Mighty Rockets LLC, powered by WordPress.

Get Weekly Updates!

Get Weekly Updates!

Don't miss out on the latest news, updates, and stories about Peachtree Corners.

Check out our podcasts: Peachtree Corners Life, Capitalist Sage and the Ed Hour

You have Successfully Subscribed!