April 2026

District 1 Commissioner Kirkland Carden

Greetings!


Happy Spring! The year feels like it's flying fast. If you're looking for a fun weekend event or to learn something new, there are lots of great events to choose from at our award-winning parks and libraries.

 

There are also several opportunities to make your voice heard and make a difference in our community from taking part in the Earth Day recycling event, to sharing your input on County projects.

 

Keep reading below for everything going on this month in District 1 and Gwinnett!

Happening Around Gwinnett
man using laptop

Scheduled downtime for ZIP Portal payment page

The ZIP Portal payment page will be updated soon to provide a cleaner layout and improved user experience when residents pay for their permits. Payment information requirements and security standards will remain the same. To implement this update, online payment services will be temporarily unavailable from Friday, April 3 after 6:00pm until Monday, April 6 by 7:00am.


Customers are encouraged to complete any pending payments before the morning of Friday, April 3 to avoid disruption.

photo of various household hazardous waste products like drain cleaner, bathroom cleaners, hydrogen peroxide, carpet cleaner

Learn how to save water and money at upcoming workshops

Looking for simple ways to lower your water bill and make your home more efficient? Throughout the year, Gwinnett Water Resources hosts free workshops for residents interested in practical landscaping solutions, water conservation, and DIY maintenance.


Join us for the Household Hazardous Waste Management Workshop on Thursday, April 9 from 6:00pm to 7:30pm at Lilburn City Hall in the Preston Room. From cleaning chemicals to automotive fluids, you’ll learn how to recycle and properly dispose of common hazardous materials in your home from industry professionals. Register today and explore upcoming water workshops!

dancers in cultural dress at the AAPI Heritage Month celebration

Apply to be an exhibitor at our Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Celebration

We're looking for artists, performers, and creators of all mediums and levels to showcase their talents at the County's Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Celebration. The event will be Friday, May 15 from 6:30pm to 8:30pm at the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center.


Apply online by Wednesday, April 15 for the opportunity to showcase your talents during the celebration.

What's New in District 1

photo of a paved walking trail going through the woods

Infinite Loop Trail public information open house

Join us Tuesday, April 14 from 6:00pm to 8:00pm at the One Sugarloaf Centre for an informational open house. The Georgia Department of Transportation is seeking feedback on proposed segments of the trail along Satellite Boulevard from Sugarloaf Parkway to Saint Ives Court.


The 3.1-mile project comprises two segments of the overall Infinite Loop Trail Master Plan. Residents can learn more about the project and share feedback to help build a more connected community. Visit the GDOT website for additional information.

a volunteer at an Earth Day recycling event holding a large paint container

Recycle your used items for Earth Day

Have some hard-to-recycle items? Join us — rain or shine — at Gwinnett's annual Earth Day recycling event on Saturday, April 18 from 9:00am to noon at Gwinnett Place Mall in Duluth. Drop off items that are typically more difficult to recycle, such as electronics, latex and oil-based paints, tires without rims, paper, and clothing. Volunteers will remove items from disposable containers in your vehicle's trunk or back seat. For a list of acceptable items and more details, visit GCSolidWaste.com.

aerial photo of an intersection on Sugarloaf Parkway

Share your input on the Sugarloaf Small Area Plan

Sugarloaf is one of Gwinnett's leading destinations for entertainment, business, and education. Anchored by the Gas South District, Sugarloaf Mills, Gwinnett Technical College, and major employers, the area attracts visitors from across the country and serves thousands of residents.


The Sugarloaf Small Area Plan, led in partnership with the Sugarloaf Community Improvement District, will guide future development and infrastructure investments in the area. Learn more about the plan and take the survey to share your thoughts at GwinnettCounty.com/SugarloafPlan.

dancers on stage in cultural dress for the multicultural event

Multicultural Festival returns with a new location

Join us on Saturday, May 2 from noon to 4:00pm for the annual Multicultural Festival and County Government Open House! For the first time, the festival will be held at Sugarloaf Mills. Residents of all ages 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.


Email PDCommunityAffairs@GwinnettCounty.com or call 678.442.6520 for more information. Sugarloaf Mills is located at 5900 Sugarloaf Parkway in Lawrenceville.

Special Events and Happenings Around District 1

Walk the Talk: Cancer Prevention & Early Detection

Saturday, April 11 from 9:00am to 10:00am

April is National Cancer Prevention and Early Detection Month! Walk and talk with professionals from Northside Hospital to discuss ways to lower your risk, the importance of regular screenings, and the latest advances in early detection and treatment. Meet at the activity building, and please wear comfortable shoes and remember your water bottle. Open to all ages. Register online. Shorty Howell Park, 2750 Pleasant Hill Road, Duluth. Event cost: Free!



Spring Promenade

Saturday, April 18 from 11:00am to 3:00pm

Stroll, dance, shop, and celebrate the season at our Spring Promenade! Enjoy a leisurely walk along our park trails in your finest spring attire, browse the booths of local artisans and plant vendors, join the festive weaving of ribbons around a traditional maypole, and admire a vibrant ceramic showcase featuring works from Pinckneyville potters. Open to all ages. Register online. Pinckneyville Park Community Recreation Center, 4650 Peachtree Industrial Blvd., Berkeley Lake. Event cost: Free!


Sustainability Fair

Saturday, April 18 from Noon to 4:00pm

Join us for the Sustainability Fair, featuring valuable information and vendors dedicated to promoting eco-friendly living. Discover practical ways to support sustainability and make a positive impact on our environment. Register online. Shorty Howell Park, 2750 Pleasant Hill Road, Duluth. Event cost: Free!

Special Events and Happenings Around District 1 Libraries

Author Talk: Tolani Akinola

Tuesday, April 14 from 6:30pm to 7:30pm

Join author Tolani Akinola as she discusses her debut novel, Leave Your Mess at Home, about forgiveness, unconditional love, and becoming who you want to be. Open to ages 19 and up. Registration is requested. Gwinnett County Public Library Duluth Branch, 3180 Main Street, Duluth. Event cost: Free!


Panel & Page: Celebrate Superman Day

Tuesday, April 14 from 5:00pm to 6:00pm

Panel & Page is the Graphic Novel Appreciation Club. We will use "Comics Plus" to explore, discuss, and celebrate the world's first superhero — from his Golden Age roots to his modern-day iterations. Ages 12-18. Gwinnett County Public Library Norcross Branch, 5735 Buford Highway, Norcross. Event cost: Free!


Earth Day: DIY Plant Terrariums

Monday, April 20 from 4:00pm to 5:00pm

To celebrate Earth Day, kids will learn about plants and how they affect our environment. They will also be able to make, decorate, and take home their own terrarium. Open to ages 6-11. Gwinnett County Public Library Peachtree Corners Branch, 5570 Spalding Drive, Peachtree Corners. Event cost: Free!

Commissioner Carden in the Community

Commissioner Carden at State of the County even holding a green sign that says "Rooted in Gwinnett"

I had the pleasure of attending the 2026 State of the County address, and the theme “Rooted in Gwinnett” truly resonated with everyone in the room. The speech was expertly crafted, beautifully connecting Gwinnett’s rich past to the dynamic present and promising future. Having lived in this amazing county since 2004, I firmly believe our best days are still ahead!


A huge shoutout to all the county staff and Gwinnett Chamber employees who made today’s event possible — your hard work and dedication shine bright!

Commissioner Carden at the elections building looking at a voting booth

Last month we honored the pioneers of equity and excellence in our community, including Beauty P. Baldwin, Georgia’s first Black woman superintendent. Her legacy inspires us as we dedicate spaces for Lynn Ledford and the late Stephen Day, whose 70 years of service championed voting rights in Gwinnett County.


A heartfelt thank you to Elections staff for navigating challenges and ensuring every voter is served with grace and precision. The newly-renovated elections building stands as a bridge, empowering you in your vital work! 

Commissioner Carden and Robert Vargas holding the resolution presented

I had the honor of presenting a resolution to Robert Vargas, the founder of La Liga Lawrenceville. For 29 years, Roberto has been a champion for our youth and immigrant community, providing opportunities for them to engage in soccer and build lasting friendships through sport.


It was a privilege to recognize this longtime community leader and highlight the importance of our county parks and athletic fields for Gwinnett residents.