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 FALL INTO SAFETY WITH NEW SIGNS AT THE PARKS!
Gwinnett County Parks and Recreation is dedicated to providing a safe and enjoyable environment for park patrons and fall is the perfect time to remind citizens to be safe and smart when visiting the many parks throughout the county. With the end of Daylight Savings time on November 7 comes cooler temperatures and shorter days, which means less daylight for your park adventures! In order to continue providing a safe and enjoyable environment, GCPR will be installing new Park Smart signs at various parks. The installation of these signs is in partnership with Gwinnett County Police Department, in an effort to reduce the risk of park patrons becoming victims of crime.
After attending crime prevention training and consultation with other departments around the state, members of the Gwinnett County Police department came up with the concept and design of these signs. The signs were funded with a crime prevention grant made to the police department. Eric Rooks, with the Gwinnett County Police department said: “In Gwinnett County, the majority of entering autos we investigate are the result of vehicles left unlocked. These Park Smart signs will hopefully serve as a reminder to our citizens to lock their cars and to keep valuables out of sight.”
As always, GCPR stresses the importance of planning accordingly and paying attention to basic safety guidelines. All passive community and conservation parks, such as Harbins Park are open from sunrise to sunset. It is important to remember that trails are not lit, however GCPR does offer lighted walking tracks to meet the exercise needs of its citizens at 8 locations across the county. Lighted walking tracks are available at Bay Creek Park, Bethesda Park, Duncan Creek Park, Lenora Park, Peachtree Ridge Park, Shorty Howell Park, West Gwinnett Park and Rock Springs Park. Patrons are encouraged to check the website for up to date information, and pay special attention to park rules/signs.
With the days getting shorter, it is important to avoid being caught by darkness, and exit the park or return from your walk/hike prior to closing. GCPR values its partnership with the patrons and encourages the report of any safety concerns or suspicious activity. Park patrons are asked to call 911 in case of emergency, otherwise they can call the Police non-emergency number, 770.513.5100.
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Nazanin Weck
Resources & Marketing Coordinator
gwinnettcounty parks & recreation
770.822.8866
www.gwinnettparks.com |
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Gwinnett Parks Introduce Therapeutic Recreation
(Lawrenceville, Ga., July 12, 2010) – Gwinnett County Parks & Recreation (GCPR) introduces Therapeutic Recreation programs to Gwinnett County parks in honor of National Therapeutic Recreation Week, July 11-17.
The new programs are designed to enhance the health, independence and well being of those living with physical and/or behavioral challenges. Therapeutic recreation programs are being offered in addition to inclusive programming, which provide special accommodations to assist participants in general recreation activities.
Gwinnett County’s new, specialized recreation programs include Wheelchair Tennis and Square Dancing at Rhodes Jordan Park, Arthritis Water Aerobics at Bethesda Park Aquatic Center and Art and Pottery at Pinckneyville Park Community Recreation Center. Residents can also look out for special events in Therapeutic Recreation this fall including Blaze Daze sports adventures, Play It Safe Halloween and a Halloween Costume Ball.
GCPR partners with experts in Therapeutic Recreation to bring safe, affordable and comprehensive sports to various park locations throughout the county. Among our partners are the Gwinnett Masters Special Olympics, an organization helping sustain sporting events for adults with intellectual disabilities, Gwinnett Sportstherapy & Arthritis Foundation, BlazeSports America as well as Grayson Athletic Association and Peachtree Ridge Youth Athletic Association, which are volunteer groups providing youth sports programs.
These specialized and inclusive programs ensure that everyone can Get up, Get out and Explore Your Parks during National Park and Recreation Month. National Park and Recreation Month reminds citizens of the vital benefits of supporting park systems. These new programs not only provide recreational opportunities so all Gwinnett residents can experience those benefits but also create volunteer opportunities that help connect the community.
For more information on Gwinnett County’s new Therapeutic Recreation programs, visit www.gwinnettparks.com. |
Rhodes Jordan Park Construction Update!
Rhodes Jordan Park is set to undergo extensive renovation starting the first week in June and continuing thru summer of 2011. As a result of the construction activity at the park, certain areas and amenities will be closed to the public until the completion of the project. The playgrounds around the lake, the trail and the pavilions will be closed to the public. As a safety measure, patrons are advised to pay special attention to signage and stay away from areas under construction.
The park will remain open to the public with the exception of the above. The community center, pool and sports fields will be operational during this renovation project.
Rhodes Jordan Park will be getting a one-mile paved multi-purpose trail and boardwalk around the perimeter of the existing lake, a new restroom building and new parking. In addition, the old picnic pavilions will be replaced and new soccer fields, outdoor basketball courts and horseshoe courts. For the latest information regarding hours of operation and any upcoming construction news, please visit www.gwinnettparks.com. |
Gwinnett County Parks & Recreation will opened Settles Bridge Park.
The 268-acre park features a 1.8-mile paved trail and 3.2 miles of natural surface trails, 2.4-acre dog park area, playground, 3,500 sq. ft. pavilion with grill area, two half-court basketball courts, 10,000 sq. ft. skate complex with bowls, and restrooms.
Funding for Settles Bridge Park was made possible through the 2005 Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) and totaled $3.6 million in construction costs. The park was master planned by The Jaeger Company, designed by Pond and Company, construction managed by Moreland Altobelli Associates, and the contractor for the project was JHC Corporation.
A grand opening celebration will take place at the park on Fri., Sept. 18 from 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. with free kids activities, parks safety programs and skateboarding clinics and demos.
Settles Bridge Park is located at 380 Johnson Rd. in Suwanee. For more information, call 770.822.8840
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