Get ready for National Park and Recreation Month

This July marks the 40^th anniversary of National Park and Recreation Month — a time to appreciate the beauty of our outdoor spaces, recognize the vital role parks play in our communities, and celebrate park and recreation professionals who provide essential services. Whether you're hiking scenic trails, enjoying a picnic with family, or taking part in recreational programs, this month is the perfect opportunity to make memories!

Join us in celebrating this year's theme, Build Together, Play Together, by exploring one of the many parks in District 2, volunteering, or attending events for all ages and abilities. To learn more, visit GwinnettParks.com.

Advance placemaking in the Killian Hill area

Fresh off the completion of the Killian Hill Small Area Plan, community voices are steering the next step forward — enhanced pedestrian connections near the Shiloh cluster of schools.

Now, we’re exploring a small placemaking project at Eli Drive and Whaley Court, and we want your input! Join us at the Neighborhood Placemaking Open House on Wednesday, August 13 from 5:30pm to 7:30pm to share your ideas for creative crosswalk designs. Meet us at the Shiloh High School cafeteria, located at 4210 Shiloh Rd #6147 in Snellville.

Share your input on sustainability

Gwinnett County is developing a new sustainability training program to help small businesses implement best practices. If you work in a small business, we need your input by July 31 to make sure this program reflects your needs, priorities, and challenges. 

Your answers will shape workshops and tools tailored to businesses like yours. Whether you’re just starting to explore sustainability or already have established sustainability goals and initiatives, your voice matters.

Tune in to Conversations with Ku

Check out Conversations with Ku, my monthly podcast, where I dive into County initiatives, Board decisions, upcoming events, and a variety of other topics. You can find the podcast on GwinnettCounty.com and on your favorite streaming platform.

In the latest episode, I talk with Chief Appraiser Stewart Oliver from the Tax Assessors' Office, and I share an important statement regarding the proposed funeral home with a crematory on Centerville Highway.

I'd love to hear from you or answer questions about District 2 or Gwinnett County Government. Feel free to email me at Ben.Ku@GwinnettCounty.com and your question may be read on the podcast. Also, if there is someone you’d like me to interview, or a topic you’d like me to cover, please let me know.

Situational Awareness and Crime Response Center keeps our residents safe

In Gwinnett, we’re fortunate to have a special component of our police department, the Situational Awareness and Crime Response Center. The County was recently honored with a 2025 Georgia County Excellence Award for this groundbreaking center. In 2024 alone, the center supported 246 arrests being made, 76 stolen vehicles being recovered, and 12 missing persons located.

Everyday this team is at work to keep our communities safe. Last month, Gwinnett Police shared this post on Facebook. A vehicle was stolen out of District 2 in the morning and by that same afternoon, SACRC was able to support Gwinnett Police in locating the vehicle leading to the suspects’ arrests. In other jurisdictions, resolution of these types of cases can take weeks or months, but with this type of technology and team, we’re able to speed up the process and get criminals off the streets.

Make Your Mark: Submit a Project for Volunteers!

Does your organization need a helping hand? Gwinnett Great Days of Service 2025 is your chance to mobilize thousands of dedicated volunteers to tackle your crucial project and areas of need this fall.

Submit your project application between July 15 and August 17 and let Gwinnett's largest volunteer initiative help YOU make a lasting impact. Learn more and apply at VolunteerGwinnett.net today!

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

All About Camellias!

Thursday, July 24 from 6:00pm to 7:00pm | Free

Virtual

Step into the enchanting world of camellias! Discover the rich history behind these beautiful blooms, explore their many varieties, and uncover the secrets to growing them successfully at home. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting out, there's something here to inspire every plant lover! This program qualifies for master gardener continuing education credit. Register online.

Cookies & Canvases

Tuesday, July 29 from 1:00pm to 3:30pm | $18 for residents and $35 for non-Gwinnett Residents

Bethesda Park Senior Center

Get artsy in this instructor-led paint party with sweet treats and a masterpiece to take home! This class will be taught by Rosalyn Gatcombe. Please pre-register online.

Hike and Create

Thursday, July 31 from 10:00am to 12:00pm | Free

Lucky Shoals Park, 4651 Britt Road, Norcross

Come take a hike with us and gather nature materials such as rocks, leaves, flowers, pinecones, feathers and more to create your piece of art! All craft materials will be provided.