Gwinnett Park Life | Gwinnett County Parks

May Events at Georgia State Parks

Posted by admin on May 11, 2010  |  No Comments

MAY CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Summer is almost here, so don’t wait too long to reserve your campsite, cottage or lodge room.  Favorite spots go quickly!  Be sure to check out the many events happening during Memorial Day weekend and the rest of summer. For an online calendar, visit www.GeorgiaStateParks.org/events.  You can also become a fan on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

NORTHERN GEORGIA

Youth Fishing Days at Buck Shoals
Saturday, May 15, 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Smithgall Woods Conservation Park – Helen
Children and their special “big person” can fish in a lake stocked with catfish, bass, and bream. Fish caught can be kept. Bring your own bait and rods. Some rods are available for loan. Call for directions to “Buck Shoals.” $5 parking. (706) 878-3087.

Birding by Ear
Saturday, May 22, 8 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Smithgall Woods Conservation Park – Helen
Learn to identify birds by their songs with Lisa Hurt of the Atlanta Audubon Society. The highlight of the walk will be identifying difficult to see neo-tropical birds that pass through the park during the warm season. Walking shoes and binoculars are recommended. Register in advance. $5 plus $5 parking. (706) 878-3087.

Common Birds of Georgia
Saturday, May 22, 1 p.m. – 2 p.m.
Smithgall Woods Conservation Park – Helen
Sit back and enjoy Lisa Hurt of the Atlanta Audubon Society as she present slides of Georgia’s birds. Participants may be surprised to learn which birds are native to our area. Spring migration and birdcalls will be discussed. Register in advance. $5 plus $5 parking. (706) 878-3087.

Historical Rock Hike
Saturday, May 22, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Tallulah Gorge State Park – Tallulah Falls
Join our guided hike to see rock formations named during the Victorian era, such as Needles Eye, Devils Pulpit and Inspiration Point. The hike is very strenuous and off the beaten trail. Bring good hiking shoes, water and a snack. Register in advance. $10 plus $5 parking. (706) 754-7981.

Full Moon Suspension Bridge Hike
Thursday, May 27 and Friday, May 28, 9 p.m. – 11 p.m.
Tallulah Gorge State Park – Tallulah Falls
Join Tallulah Rangers an a moonlit hike down into the gorge. Register in advance. $5 plus $5 parking. (706) 754-7981.

Memorial Day Blast
Friday, May 28 through Monday, May 31
Unicoi State Park and Lodge – Helen
Spend the weekend participating games, crafts for kids and boat rides along the river.  Make reservations early for lodge rooms, cottages and campsites because the park will fill up quickly. $2 – $4 plus $5 parking. (229) 838-4706.

Dirty Spokes Duathlon
Saturday, May 29, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Fort Yargo State Park – Winder
Participants will run-bike-run the scenic trails of this park between Athens and Atlanta. www.dirtyspokes.com.  Fee plus $5 parking. (770) 867-3489.

Saturday Evening Concert Series
Saturday, May 29, 8 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Unicoi State Park and Lodge – Helen
Some of the best musicians in the area perform a variety of music, from Appalachian Mountain to bluegrass to Southern gospel.  Every Saturday from Memorial Day through mid-November.  ”Pass-the-hat” donations. $5 parking. 800-573-9659 ext. 305.

Junior-Senior Fishing Rodeo

Saturday, May 29, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Victoria Bryant State Park – Royston
Anglers 16 and younger or 62 and older can catch catfish and compete for prizes. Sponsored by the “Friend’s of Victoria Bryant State Park” and the prizes are donated by Bass Pro Shop. $5 parking. (706) 245-6270.

Memorial Day Campfire
Saturday, May 29, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Fort Yargo State Park – Winder
Celebrate summer’s arrival with a campfire. The park will provide marshmallows and hot dogs for roasting. Meet at the campground #1 amphitheater. $5 parking. (770) 867-3489.

Holiday Gorge Floor Hike
Saturday, May 29 through Monday, May 31, 10:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Tallulah Gorge State Park – Tallulah Falls
This guided hike will take you from rim to river while learning about the gorge’s unique environments. Be sure to wear proper footwear (no flip-flops or crocs). This hike is strenuous and will involve rock hopping and getting wet. Bring a lunch and lots of water. For ages 10 and older. Register in advance. $5 plus $5 parking. (706) 754-7981.

COASTAL GEORGIA

Coastal State Park

War of Jenkins’ Ear: Colonial Enactment
Saturday, May 15 and Sunday, May 16, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Wormsloe Historic Site – Savannah
See reenactments of Colonial Georgia’s military operations during the 1739-1748 war between England and Spain. Military demonstrations and activities will include musket firings, cannon firings, cartridge making, and military drills. $3.50 – $5 (912) 353-3023.

Memorial Day Celebration at the Fort
Saturday, May 29, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Fort McAllister Historic Park – Richmond Hill
Civil War troops will gather to present musket and cannon firings at this coastal fort. See how the soldiers’ everyday life compares to ours today. $3.50-$5. (912) 727-2339.

Memorial Day Commemoration
Saturday, May 29, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Fort Morris Historic Site – Midway
This coastal fort will present hourly continental soldier talks and musket and cannon demonstrations. $2.75-$4. (912) 884-5999.

Memorial Day Weekend at Skidaway
Saturday, May 29 and Sunday, May 30
Skidaway Island State Park – Savannah
Spend the day with the family and play a volleyball game, compete in our horseshoe tournament, ride hayrides, enjoy a fun campfire and other games. $5 parking. (912) 598-2300.

SOUTHERN & CENTRAL GEORGIA

Traveling Exhibits in May Remember WWll and the Holocaust
Saturday, May 1 through Sunday, May 30, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Roosevelt’s Little White House Historic Site – Warm Springs

“Parallel Journeys” tells the stories of teenagers who were often victims of this brutal conflict and of the White Rose resistance group. The “WWII Traveling Trunk” contains objects, documents, maps, photographs, and audio-visual materials related to the war and life on home front. $5-$8 plus. (706) 655-5870.

Chattahoochee Trail Horse Association Poker Ride & Scavenger Hunt
Saturday, May 15, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
A.H. Stephens Historic Park – Crawfordville

Ride your horse on 12 miles of beautiful trails. Participate in a drawing, 9:30 a.m. poker ride, 1 p.m. scavenger hunt and earn a chance to win great prizes up to $450 in value. Register from 8 to 9 a.m. Lunch will be served at noon. $10 – $25 $5 parking. (770) 466-4430.

Birds of a Feather – Birding Together
Saturday, May 15, 7 a.m.
Reed Bingham State Park – Adel

Our new program will help maximize your bird count. Join other bird-watching enthusiasts for an extensive birding tour that includes a walk on the Coastal Plain Nature Trails and a pontoon boat ride to watch for waterfowl. Held the 3rd Saturday of each month. Dress for appropriate for weather. $5 plus $5 parking. (229) 896-3551.

Memorial Day Celebration on the Lake
Saturday, May 29 through Monday, May 31, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Florence Marina State Park – Omaha

Spend the weekend participating games, crafts for kids and boat rides along the river. $2 – $4 plus $5 parking. (229) 838-4706.

Swim the Warm Springs – Dip Into The Past
Saturday, May 29 through Monday, May 31, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Roosevelt’s Little White House Historic Site – Warm Springs

Swim in the historic pools built by President F.D. Roosevelt as a place for therapy. Normally kept empty for preservation, the shallow pools will be filled with naturally warm spring water. Tickets to the swim may be purchased over the phone with credit card. Reservations are suggested. $20 adults; $12.50 ages 6 to 17; Family Package-$75. (706) 655-5870.

Grits & Cornmeal
Sunday, May 30, 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Hamburg State Park – Mitchell

Watch how cornmeal and grits were once made at Hamburg’s historic gristmill. $5 parking. (478) 552-2393.

METRO ATLANTA

New Manchester History Hike
Saturdays, May 8, 15, 22 and 29, 10 a.m. – 12 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). $2-$3 plus $5 parking. 770-732-5871.

Saturday Mountain Hike
Saturday, May 15, 10 a.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, May 15, 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.

Road Bike Race
Saturday, May 22, 9 a.m.
Panola Mountain State Park – Stockbridge

Join us for a 41-mile ride with a 23-mile option. We will be highlighting the Arabia Mountain Path and gently traveled country roads of Rockdale, Dekalb and Henry counties. Meet at the Alexander Lake Parking Area. We recommend arriving 30 minutes before each program. Register in advance. $5 parking. (404) 375-6789.

“Ruins to Rapids” Full Moon Hike
Friday, May 28, 8 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Sweetwater Creek State Park – Lithia Springs

This 1.5 mile ranger-guided night hike is moderately difficult and goes inside the Civil War-era textile mill ruins of New Manchester and follows the lovely rapids (up to class IV) of Sweetwater Creek. The hike will continue if it is overcast but will be postponed until the following night if raining. Bring a flashlight and sturdy shoes. No children under 6 or dogs. Limited to 50 people; phone registration in advance required. $5 plus $5 parking. (770) 732-5871.

Kids Fishing Festival
Saturday, May 29, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Panola Mountain State Park – Stockbridge

Kids 15 and younger are invited to our lake to hook a catfish or bluegill while learning about aquatic habitats, fish identification and fishing skills. Also, an archery range, fly-fishing, tree climbing, Georgia Wildlife Encounters, and other activities will be available. Bring your own bait and rods. Meeting at the Alexander Lake Parking Area. We recommend arriving 30 minutes before each program. Register in advance. $5 parking. (770) 389-7801.

Gwinnett County Parks Spring Break and Summer Camps

Posted by admin on February 23, 2010  |  2 Comments

Circus Camp

Gwinnett County summer camps include a wide variety of themes. I’m only listing just a few here: tennis camps, Civil War on the Farm, basketball camps, Under the Big Top, skateboarding, video gamemaking, Ballet, Percussion, Art camp, Clown, Circus, Drama and Robotic camps. Check out the spring break camps as well. Have a great time.

The Summer Camp Guide for 2010 of Gwinnett County Parks is here.

To sign up for classes, please use the Class Sign-Up Form for all class locations.

Norcross Soccer Registration is Still On, First Games Begin March 6th

Posted by admin on February 4, 2010  |  No Comments

Norcross Soccer Girls U12

Spring 2010 Season – RECREATION

Online Registration is not available for the Shooting Stars Program for 3 and 4 year olds. Please see here for the Shooting Stars page and application form. For Rec registrations made after midnight on February 1st, a $30 late fee will apply and placement on a team is not guaranteed.

FYI: Practice for the Spring Recreational season will start towards the end of February. You will be contacted by your child’s coach by February 22nd. The first game is the weekend of March 6th & 7th. The season will end in middle May.

For more information visit Norcross Soccer Association

TABLE TENNIS IN GWINNETT at Rhodes Jordan and Lucky Shoals Parks

Posted by admin on October 1, 2009  |  No Comments

David Petro at Lucky Shoals Park

People are often surprised to find that there is a thriving table tennis program in Gwinnett County. Between the Gwinnett program at Rhodes Jordan Park and the Atlanta Georgia Table Tennis Association at Lucky Shoals over one hundred people a week participate, utilizing thirty tables.  These programs offer recreational open play and league matches to every age group and players of every level of experience. In addition, coaching is available from USATT certified coaches. For more information check out the website at www.gwinnetttabletennis.org

Lucky Shoals Park
Gwinnett Table Tennis Club
4651 Britt Road Norcross, Georgia 30071 (map)
18 Tables

• Mondays (Tuesdays, starting Oct. 6)
• AGTTA League -  Warm-up at 7:00 league matches begin at 8:00
• Sunday open play, 1 – 5 pm

Rhodes Jordan Park
Gwinnett Table Tennis Club
100 E. Crogan Street Lawrenceville, Georgia 30045-4950 (map)
7 Butterfly Tables

• Wednesday open play, 6 -10 pm
  (Under 1500 USATT league begins at 7:30)
• Saturday open play, 2 – 6 pm

Want to know more about Table Tennis around Atlanta visit www.atlantatabletennis.com

City of Duluth Park’s Fall Guide Now Online

Posted by admin on August 5, 2009  |  No Comments

The City of Duluth just uploaded their Fall Activity Guide to scribd.com. We’ve embeded it below. It includes tennis programs, senior activities, youth sports, recreational programs and classes.

Fall Activity Guide 2009

2009 SPORTSMANSHIP TEAM HONORED. TOP YOUTH AND ADULT SPORTSMAN IN GWINNETT NAMED

Posted by admin on March 12, 2009  |  No Comments

Former Falcon Wide Receiver Michael Haynes provided words of inspiration and wisdom to coaches and athletes on Tuesday, March 3, as the Top Youth and Adult Sportsman, along with the Youth and Adult Sportsmanship Teams, in Gwinnett for 2009 were announced and honored at the 5th Annual Sportsmanship in Gwinnett banquet held at Winfield Hall in Duluth.

FOX5’s Buck Lanford served as Master of Ceremonies to an audience of Gwinnett’s youth athletic association (YAA) players, coaches, family and friends. A partnership between Gwinnett County Parks & Recreation (GCPR), Gwinnett Convention & Visitor’s Bureau and the Gwinnett Sports Commission, this program honors youth athletic players and individuals involved in coaching and mentoring more than 50,000 children involved in sports throughout Gwinnett County.

Joseph Blankenship of the Grayson Youth Athletic Association was named as this year’s Top Youth Sportsman in Gwinnett.  His coach says, “Joseph’s personality and his interaction with others sets a standard for players of all ages.”

Gregg Peters of Mustang Athletics was named as the Top Adult Sportsman in Gwinnett.  Those close to Gregg describe him as being “truly out there for the kids.”

The Gwinnett Youth Sportsmanship Team for 2009 includes:
Jenna Cain, Collins Hill Athletic Association
Jacques Casimir, Dacula Soccer Club
Joseph Blankenship, Grayson Athletic Association
Johnny Jones, Greater Lilburn Athletic Association
Michael Serrian, Lawrenceville Youth Athletic Association
Peyton Wilson, Mill Creek Athletic Association
Randall Johnstone, Mountain Park Athletic Association
Marcus Page,  Mustang Athletics
Rafael Oquendo, Norcross Baseball Association
Laura Diaz,  Norcross Soccer Association
Tyler Avery, North Gwinnett Baseball/Softball Association
Thomas Massey, Shiloh Athletic Association
Harrison Stewart, South Gwinnett Athletic Association

The Gwinnett Adult Sportsmanship Team for 2009 includes:
Tim Steimer, Dacula Soccer Club
Randy Neil, Grayson Athletic Association
John Monroe, Lawrenceville Youth Athletic Association
Larry Barnes, Greater Lilburn Athletic Association
Jim Calvert, Mill Creek Athletic Association
Sam Chambers,  Mountain Park Athletic Association
Gregg Peters, Mustang Athletics
Cindy Underwood,  Norcross Soccer Association
Dan Kerr, North Gwinnett Football Association
Andrew Collins, Peachtree Boosters Club
Larry Massey, Shiloh Athletic Association
Ronnie Williams, South Gwinnett Athletic Association

A silent auction was also held during this event that raised $1,586 that will go towards scholarship opportunities for youth sports.

Organized youth sports programs in Gwinnett include football, cheerleading, baseball/softball, basketball, soccer, roller hockey and lacrosse. GCPR partners with the 23 YAAs to provide Gwinnett’s youth an opportunity to play organized sports. The department and the nonprofit associations (which are comprised of more than 14,000 volunteers) work hand-in-hand. GCPR contracts with YAAs to use sports fields, gyms, and concession buildings on a seasonal basis. YAAs, in turn, essentially organize their own programs and provide financial resources to enhance or add new amenities to the parks, such as batting cages or ball fields with associated parking.