Gwinnett Park Life | Gwinnett County Parks

May is National Water Safety Month, GCPR Holds Lifeguard Orientation and Training May 22-23

Posted by admin on May 11, 2010  |  No Comments

Stone Mountain Park Aquatic Center

May is National Water Safety Month, and there is no better time for the public to get familiar with Gwinnett County Parks & Recreation’s state of the art aquatic centers and leisure pools.  In anticipation of the busy summer season, GCPR is holding lifeguard orientation and training on May 22 – 23 at Mountain Park Aquatic Center in Stone Mountain.  300 selected individuals will go through rigorous training and practice water rescues, CPR, first aid, and various scenarios to ensure readiness for the busy summer season.  This is the same training that has led GCPR lifeguards to win the Georgia Recreation and Park Association’s State Lifeguard Competition Team Championships consecutively in 2006, 2007 and 2008, and place Second Place in 2009!

GCPR aquatic programs continue to grow at a fast pace and currently GCPR operates 17 swimming pools, including two indoor and seven outdoor leisure pools, four indoor competition pools, three indoor instructional pools, and one outdoor pool. Visitors will find a wide-array of amenities for both fun and learning, including private, semi-private, and group swim lessons annually for all ages.

For more information, or to register for swim classes, visit www.gwinnettparks.com.

Triathlon Swimming Clinic May 8th, Bogan Park

Posted by admin on May 1, 2010  |  No Comments

Triathlon Swimming Clinic is a beginner clinic mainly focused on the swimming portion of triathlons. The 4 hour clinic is a great way to prepare for thriathlons and consists of classroom lecture, “in pool” demonstrations and practice. No Prerequisites required, ages 15 and up.

Fee: $50/clinic for residents of Gwinnett County, $70 for non-residents.

Clinics will be held 8am-12pm on the following Saturday May 8th. Call ahead for registration, questions and confirming details. 770-614-2063

“The American President” at the Duluth Museum

Posted by admin on February 26, 2010  |  No Comments

EXHIBIT:”The American President” on view at the museum and City Hall. There are some well known and lesser known to peak your sense of history. Also, the first women to run for President. You will be surprised at the year this happened.

EXHIBIT: An exhibit by DAR on Georgia day and Oglethorpe. Lots of interesting facts.

EXHIBIT: An Olympic memory, along with the current Georgia connection to the Vancouver Winter Games.

MEMBERSHIP: Join the Duluth Historical Society and get a great return for your money. You will help preserve a precious and priceless item, your Duluth history. Memberships start at $10.00 for seniors, $15.00 for individuals, and $25.00 for families. Come by the Museum or call and we will get an application to you. “Put Your Footprints on History”.

NEW WEBSITE: Check out our new look…www.duluthhistorical.org. It has information and pictures, upcoming events with weblinks, and a blog. We are also printed in the newest information from the Gwinnett Convention and Visitors Bureau. We have an ad on the new Duluth city map.

HOURS: For the winter we are open Friday and Saturday from 12-3 pm. We open for special event and tours at other times. Our phone is 770-232-7584. Volunteers are always welcome, as is contributions of items, pictures, and information.

SPRING PLANT SALE: Mark your calendars for April 17, 10am to 4pm. A plant sale on the grounds of the Historic Strickland House. Azaleas, flowering and ornamental shrubs, trees, roses, vegetables, and everyone’s favorite- pass-a-long plants. There will be a master gardener available for your Q&A and soil bags from the cooperative extension service with instructions. There may be more, so stay tuned to the eblast for the latest info.
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Black History Celebration Saturday, February 6

Posted by admin on January 27, 2010  |  No Comments

Saturday, February 6 2:00-5:00pm Black History Celebration
Lawrenceville Female Seminary
Celebrate Gwinnett County’s African-American heritage with speakers, music, storytelling, kids’ crafts, and special museum exhibit! All ages; $5/person, preregistration
recommended, call 770.822.5178. Code FSHM15170

Duluth Parks: Guitar Lessons, Dog Obedience, Yoga, Finance, Etiquette and More

Posted by admin on January 27, 2010  |  1 Comment

Just Once Guitar for Busy People
Have you ever wanted to learn the guitar but simply can’t find the time? In just a few hours, you can learn enough about playing the guitar to give you years of musical enjoyment and you won’t have to take private lessons to do it. This crash course will teach you some basic chords and get you playing along with your favorite songs right away. Bring your acoustic guitar. Class limited to 15 students. For ages 13+. For more information, go to instantguitarnow.com. Required materials fee of $29 will be collected in class by the instructor for workbook and a practice DVD.

Location: Bunten Road Park
Fee: Resident: $20.00. Non-resident: $25.00
Session 1
Jan 30 9:30am-12:30pm Sat Ages 13 & up

Just Once How to Play Guitar By Ear
Learn one of music’s deepest mysteries- how to play songs without relying on music. A very practical presentation of music theory that includes predicting chord progressions, learning from recordings, and transposing-all expressed in everyday language. This is an ideal follow-up to the Instant Guitar class and is open to anyone who has a basic understanding of chords on any instrument. Prior experience with guitar chords recommended. Materials fee of $29.00 for the How to Play Guitar by Ear Book and Practice CD will be collected in class by the instructor.

Location: Bunten Road Park
Fee: Resident: $20.00. Non-resident: $25.00
Session 1
Jan 30 1:00-4:00pm Sat Ages 13 & up

Dog Obedience

Basic Dog Obedience (Dogs 6 months & up)
In this class students will learn the off, sit, down, sit/stay, down/stay and to walk nicely on a leash. People enrolling must be at least 10 years of age and have the dog on leash at all times. No off leash training in these programs.

Location: Rogers Bridge Park Pavilion at Rogers Bridge Park
Fee: Resident: $100.00. Non-resident: $110.00
6 Week Session
Session
Mar 13- Apr 17 10:00-11:00am Sat Ages 10 & up

Yoga
The aim of this Yoga program is to bring a union of the body, mind and soul. This is achieved by various poses involving gentle stretching and synchronized breathing. The program will include meditation and end with several relaxation poses.

Location: Bunten Road Park
Fee: Resident: $60.00. Non-resident: $70.00
6 Week Session
Session
Feb 25-Apr 1
5:30-6:30pm Thu
Ages 13 & up

The Magic of Money
(Money Management for Teens)
This is a great program in which teens will learn about money and how to handle it wisely. There will be hands on activities tailored to each group. We will focus on the value of money, banking, interest, savings, checking accounts, loans, credit cards, sales tax, smart shopping, discounts, sales and tips.

Location: Bunten Road Park
Fee: Resident: $25.00. Non-resident: $35.00
3 Week Session
Session
Feb 11-Feb 25 7:00-9:00pm Thu Ages 13-19

The Etiquette Experience
If you want to improve your child?s manners, improve their social skills and boost their self-esteem enroll them in The Etiquette Experience. This class includes the teaching of basic good manners (table and parties), etiquette (gift giving, sharing), social skills (including dealing with teasing and bullying.) We also cover texting, Internet and phone safety. The class format is fun, practical and interactive which helps engage the children in the process.

Location: Small Community Room at Bunten Road Park
Fee: Resident: $75.00. Non-resident: $85.00
6 Week Session
Session 1
Feb 22-March 29
5:00-6:00pm Mon
Ages 5-8

Feb 22-March 29
6:00-7:00pm Mon
Ages 9-12

Sign up for classes at www.duluthga.net/registration

City of Duluth
Parks & Recreation
Contact: Jason Rogers
jrogers@duluthga.net
Program Coordinator

Location: Bunten Road Park
3180 Bunten Road
Duluth, GA 30096
Phone 770 814 6981
Fax 770 814 6987

Georgia State Parks January Events

Posted by admin on December 19, 2009  |  1 Comment

NORTHERN GEORGIA
Beginning Bee Keeping

Saturday, January 16, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Smithgall Woods Conservation Area and Lodge – Helen

Learn about basic bee keeping and how to start a hive. Berry Wright has been a professional honey producer for 45 years. Berry will discuss assembling equipment and installation of bees. A trip to the apiary will be included, weather permitting. $5 plus $5 parking. (706) 878-3087.

Dulcimer-Making Workshop

Saturday, January 23, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Smithgall Woods Conservation Area and Lodge – Helen

Assemble, sand and finish an all-wood Appalachian dulcimer with dulcimer maker and musician Bob Thomason. All tools and supplies are provided. No woodworking experience is required. Bob Thomason has been making and playing fine Appalachian dulcimers since 1981. Register by January 8. $85 plus $5 parking. (706) 878-3087.

Native American Flute-Making Workshop

Saturday, January 30, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Smithgall Woods Conservation Area and Lodge – Helen

Make a traditional southeastern style Native American flute with award winning Cherokee artist and musician, Danny Bigay. Danny’s flutes and art are displayed in museums throughout the country including the Eiteljorg and Five Civilized Tribes Museums. $150 plus $5 parking. (706) 878-3087.

SOUTHERN & CENTRAL GEORGIA

Dulcimer Jam

Saturday, January 16, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Sunday, January 17, 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Monday, January 18, 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Mistletoe State Park – Appling

This beautiful folk instrument is one of the easiest to play. Join in hands-on demonstrations and you will soon be sounding like a pro! If you already have a dulcimer, bring it along for tuning and playing tips. $5 parking. (706) 541-0321.

METRO ATLANTA

New Years Day Mountain Top Hike

Friday, January 1, 2 p.m.

Panola Mountain State Park – Stockbridge

Start the new year at the peak seeing Panola Mountain up close, as a ranger explains why the mountain is protected and what we can do to preserve granite outcrops. Bring sturdy shoes, water, bug spray and your camera. Rain or shine. Register in advance $7 plus $5 parking. (770) 389-7801.

Mountain Top Owl Prowl

Saturday, January 2, 6 p.m.

Panola Mountain State Park – Stockbridge

Listen to whippoorwills and owls as the sun slowly sets and the moon begins to rise. Panola Mountain is one of the best places to see the wildlife of the night and offers one of the best perches for viewing Atlanta’s skyline. Bring flashlights and comfortable clothing. Register in advance. $7 plus $5 parking. (770) 389-7801.
Introduction to Wildlife Painting

Saturday, January 2, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Sweetwater Creek State Park – Lithia Springs

This classroom program will give participants a chance to render paintings of stuffed animals and birds. This is a hands-on workshop, and will give participants the chance to paint from a real 3-D form, with real feathers, fur, and correct proportions needed for accurate wildlife painting. Acrylic paint, paper, and brushes will be supplied. Register in advance. $10 plus $5 parking. (770) 732-5871.

New Manchester History Hike

Saturdays, January 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30, 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.

Sweetwater Creek State Park – Lithia Springs

This mile-long hike (easy to moderate) will lead us to the five story ruins of the Civil War-era New Manchester textile mill and focus on the history of the Sweetwater Creek Valley. This Historian or Ranger-led hike will include going inside the impressive mill ruins and seeing the lovely whitewater rapids (both providing great photo opportunities). $1-$2 plus $5 parking. (770) 732-5871.

Lost Person Prevention

Saturday, January 9, 10 a.m.

Panola Mountain State Park – Stockbridge

Learn simple techniques for not getting lost and keeping track of your family when venturing into the great outdoors of Georgia. Search and Rescue Dog Team will be joining the class. Register in advance. $5 parking. (770) 389-7801.

Basic Fly Fishing Clinic

Saturday, January 9, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Panola Mountain State Park – Stockbridge

The two-hour clinic covers equipment, knot tying, casting, safety issues and other tricks of the trade. If time permits participants may stay to catch the “Fish of Fish.” Instructors C. H. Brown and Michael Reilley suggest wearing long pants/shorts and hiking shoes, and bringing snacks, water and sun lotion. Georgia fishing license required. Register in advance. $15 or $12 with own gear. $5 parking. (770) 389-7801.

Mountain Top Adventure Hike

Saturday, January 10, 2 p.m.

Panola Mountain State Park – Stockbridge

These guided hikes depart from Panola’s nature center and are for people in good physical condition. This hike allows visitors to see Panola Mountain up close, as a ranger explains why the mountain is protected and what we can do to preserve granite outcrops. Bring sturdy shoes, water, bug spray and your camera. Rain or shine. Register in advance. $7 plus $5 parking. (770) 389-7801.

Saturday Mountain Hike

Saturday, January 16, 10 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Panola Mountain State Park – Stockbridge

These guided hikes depart from Panola’s nature center and are for people in good physical condition. This hike allows park visitors to see Panola Mountain up close, as the Ranger explains the reasons Panola Mountain is protected, and what we can all do to preserve the natural beauty of granite outcrops.  Bring sturdy shoes, water, bug spray, and your camera!  The Panola Mountain hike starts at 10am and generally lasts 3-4 hours.  Rain or shine. Call to register in advance. $7 plus $5 parking. (770) 389-7801.

Tree Top Excursions: Introduction Climb

Saturday, January 16, 1 p.m. –  4 p.m.

Panola Mountain State Park – Stockbridge

Join us “on rope” for an adventure exploring the canopy above. This is an introductory climb to Canopy-Adventure-Research-Educational Technical Tree Climbing (CARE TTC). Participants will use rope and harness for this moderately strenuous activity. Register in advance. $15 plus $5 parking. (770) 389-7801.

# # #

More information on your state parks and historic sites, including accommodations like cottages, hotel-style lodges, campsites and yurts, can be found at www.GeorgiaStateParks.org or 1-800-864-PARK (7275).Ge

Meteor Madness at Little Mulberry Park on October 21st

Posted by admin on October 19, 2009  |  No Comments

October 21, 5:00am – Meteor Madness

See the Orionids meteor shower before you start your day. Continental breakfast will be served. All ages; $5/person; pre-registration required, call 770-614-2060. Code:BPCC14320. Little Mulberry Park, 3855 Fence Rd, Auburn.

Earning the Boy Scout Cycling Merit Badge

Posted by admin on September 20, 2009  |  No Comments

If your son is involved in Boy Scouts, you know how important merit badges are to their growth and advancement.  Of the more than 100 merit badges a scout can earn, the Cycling Merit Badge is both challenging and prestigious.

The Boy Scout Cycling Merit Badge is an elite award. It is one of three badges (cycling, swimming, and hiking) that a Scout can earn to rise to the rank of Eagle Scout.  An Eagle Scout is the highest rank attainable by a Scout in the Boy Scouts of America (BSA).

The badge requirements are physically challenging as the Scout must complete two 10-mile rides, two 15-mile rides, two 25-mile rides, and one 50-mile ride that must be completed in under eight hours.  Most scout troops in the Atlanta area use the Alpharetta Greenway or the Silver Comet Trail for training and preparation.  In addition to building up to a 50-mile bike ride over several months, scouts must learn an array of skills from basic bike safety to bike maintenance and first aid.

Maintenance Clinics at The Bicycle Wheel

The Bicycle Wheel can assist with customized maintenance clinics that cover the requirements for this badge.  They have been actively involved with local boy scout troops and have helped many young men make progress towards their cycling merit badge.  The shop is available to your son’s troop to assist them in earning this achievement.

The Bicycle Wheel provides this assistance at no charge and you can schedule directly with them (see contact information below.)

Typically, they arrange basic safety and maintenance clinics after hours at the store.  These take about an hour to complete and can be structured in many ways to suit the needs of the troop.  For example, a troop leader may have covered basic bicycle safety, and needs our assistance covering bicycle maintenance.

Or, a troop may be in the early stages for this achievement and is looking to the Bicycle Wheel to cover many more of the requirements.  Since they use the same cycling merit badge pamphlet used by the BSA, troop leaders can instruct us as to exactly which topics they want covered before a clinic.

For more information on how the Bicycle Wheel can help you with free pre-ride checkups and Cub Scout Bicycling Belt Loops call them at 770 622-6000 or send an e-mail at info@thebicyclewheel.net if your troop or den is interested scheduling any of the above services offered by the store.