May 2025

Carden_2025

Hello Suleica,


Spring is in the air and the school year is coming to a close. 2025 is flying by but there is a ton of excitement surrounding Gwinnett. There's something out there for all to enjoy in our community.


I would also like to wish all the moms out there a very Happy Mother's Day! I thank you for all that you do every day.


I am excited to announce a new community meetup in District 1. Carden Connects are informal community meetups to give residents a chance to ask questions, share concerns, and connect directly with me in a more relaxed setting. I invite you to join me at the first Carden Connects on Thursday, May 22 from 10:00am to 11:30am at Peachy Corners Cafe located at 6365 Spalding Drive in Peachtree Corners.


Keep reading below for some exciting news and events happening in May.

Happening Around Gwinnett

Apply to serve on the Jimmy Carter Boulevard Master Plan Advisory Committee

Gwinnett County is launching the Jimmy Carter Boulevard Master Plan, a bold and collaborative effort to reimagine one of our community's most important corridors. The master plan will guide future land use and redevelopment efforts, improve multimodal transportation options, and support infrastructure, housing, and placemaking enhancements that align with the 2045 Unified Plan's Daily Community framework.


We are now accepting applications from District 1 residents interested in joining the Community Advisory Committee for this project. This committee will meet three times during the planning process (June 2025, October 2025, and February 2026). Applications are available online and must be submitted by Wednesday, May 7.

  • Under "Send Application to..." select District 1 Commissioner Kirkland Carden
  • Under "Select a Board/Advisory/Committee you wish to apply for" select Jimmy Carter Boulevard Master Plan Advisory Committee


Please contact my office at Kirkland.Carden@GwinnettCounty.com with any questions concerning the committee.

Pay tribute to Gwinnett's fallen heroes

Join us as we pay tribute to our fallen military and public service heroes at Gwinnett's annual Memorial Day ceremony on Monday, May 26 at 1:00pm. The event will take place at the Fallen Heroes Memorial at the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center in Lawrenceville. The ceremony will also be broadcast on the Gwinnett County Facebook page.

Celebrate AAPI Heritage Month

Gwinnett County will commemorate Asian America and Pacific Islander Heritage Month by recognizing the rich variety of cultures and countries that make up our AAPI community.


The County will honor the national theme of "Choosing Humanity" at the annual AAPI Heritage Cultural Night of Friday, May 30 from 6:30pm to 8:00pm at the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center in Lawrenceville. Bring the whole family for a vibrant festival complete with music, food, dance, and community. Residents interested in joining this celebration can register here.

Celebrate Gwinnett's diversity at the Multicultural Festival

Join us on Saturday, May 17 from 10:00am to 2:00pm at Gwinnett Place Mall in Duluth for the annual Gwinnett Multicultural Festival and County Government Open House.


Residents can enjoy a fun-filled day with cultural performances from around the globe, bounce houses, carnival rides, touch-a-truck with public safety vehicles, and more. All ages are welcome at this free event. For more information, please call 678.442.6520 or email PDCommunityAffairs@GwinnnettCounty.com.

What's New in District 1

Book your ride on microtransit

Gwinnett County, the Gateway85 Community Improvement District, and the city of Norcross have teamed up to improve mobility in a zone around Jimmy Carter Boulevard and Interstate 85 in Norcross.


Ride Gwinnett microtransit is a shared ride service you can order on-demand from your phone. Each trip costs $3 and must begin and end within a designated area, providing residents with a convenient, flexible, and affordable way to travel within your neighborhood. For more information, visit GwinnettCounty.com/Microtransit.

Celebrate Older Americans Month

Gwinnett County is highlighting our vibrant senior community with a lineup of events this May to honor Older Americans Month. Residents ages 50 and older are invited to celebrate this year's theme "Flip the Script on Aging" at various activities around the County.


The Senior Game Show Day will take place on Wednesday, May 7 from 1:00pm to 3:00pm at the Shorty Howell Park Activity Building in Duluth. Register for this free event and other events here.

Practice water safety

Whether you're planning a beach vacation or a family outing to the neighborhood pool, National Water Safety Month in May is a great reminder to be vigilant in, on, and around bodies of water.


People of all ages and abilities can take swim lessons or sign up to become a lifeguard (age 15 or older) at one of Gwinnett's aquatic centers, including West Gwinnett Park Aquatic Center in Berkeley Lake and Best Friend Park Pool in Norcross. Visit GwinnettParks.com for more information.

Special Events and Happenings
Visit GwinnettCountyEvents.com or follow the County’s social media channels to learn about more upcoming events.

ShortyCon

Saturday, May 3 from noon to 4:00pm

Celebrate free comic book day! Visit with vendors, food trucks, workshops, and cosplay fun. Vendors wanted! Open to all ages. Register here. Shorty Howell Park Activity Building, 2750 Pleasant Hill Road, Duluth. Event cost: Free!


National Cartoonist Day

Tuesday, May 6 from 4:00pm to 5:00pm

Join us on National Cartoonist Day to learn about famous cartoonists and make your very own comic. Open to ages six to 11. Gwinnett County Public Library Peachtree Corners Branch, 5570 Spalding Drive, Peachtree Corners. Event cost: Free!


Maytime Arts Festival

Saturday, May 10 from noon to 4:00pm

Shop unique arts and crafts while enjoying live entertainment, food trucks, and a kid's zone! Vendors are wanted and can contact Pinckneyville Park Community Recreation Center at PcCenter@GwinnettCounty.com or 678.277.0920 for an application. Open to all ages. Pinckneyville Park, 4758 South Old Peachtree Road, Norcross. Event cost: Free!


Interviewing Tips

Monday, May 12 from 6:00pm to 7:00pm

Ace your next interview! Discuss strategies and tips in preparing for a successful job interview. Participants will gain an understanding of the interview process and be able to identify best practices to enhance their interviewing skills. Open to ages 19 and up. Register here. Gwinnett County Public Library Norcross Branch, 5735 Buford Highway, Norcross. Event cost: Free!


Kids to Parks Day

Saturday, May 17 from 10:00am to 1:00pm

Celebrate Kids to Parks Day with games, crafts, and outdoor activities. Kids will connect with nature while engaging in memorable outdoor experiences. Open to all ages. Register here. 4901 East Jones Bridge Road, Peachtree Corners. Event cost: Free!


Author Talk | Robert Gwaltney

Tuesday, May 20 from 6:00pm to 7:00pm

Join award-winning author Robert Gwaltney in conversation with author Kimberly Brock to discuss Gwaltney's southern fiction novel "The Cicada Tree". Open to ages 19 and up. Register here. Gwinnett County Public Library Duluth Branch, 3180 Main Street, Duluth. Event cost: Free!