The Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners is on board with the first step of a Parks and Recreation master plan that lays out a proposed blueprint for adding parks, greenspace, trails and developing recreational programs over the next decade.

The plan approved last Tuesday used extensive public input and analysis to identify gaps in Parks and Recreation’s programs and locations. Next steps include prioritizing capital improvement projects.

“Gwinnett has a top-tier parks and recreation program, developed over the years with careful thought and planning,” said Chairwoman Nicole Hendrickson. “It makes sense to revisit these plans every 10 years because of changing demographics, priorities and interests. This plan will continue the tradition of the Gwinnett Standard of excellence in recreation and facilities.”

In developing the plan, Gwinnett Parks and Recreation examined existing and projected demographics, current parks inventory, local and national trends as well as what residents and stakeholders really want. For example: creating recreation opportunities within a 10-minute walk. 

Assuming funding is available, the proposal calls for renovations,  park improvements and new parks - including adding more playgrounds, dog parks, interactive water features, outdoor courts and trails.

Meanwhile, armed with more than 29,000 social media responses, results from 1,700 surveys and information from 10 town halls, Gwinnett Parks and Recreation learned it’s exceeding what other agencies are offering across the nation. One of the key findings is that parks and recreation is positioned as an essential service and residents hope it stays that way. To do so, feedback shows communications, convenience, facilities, amenities and protecting the natural areas – should remain priorities.

The parks capital projects have primarily been funded through Special Purpose Local Option Sales tax revenues, which has raised about $259 million since 2009, 2014 and 2017.