In Norcross, a former building for activities has been reimagined into Singleton Park and Greenway, a communal asset sprawling over 2 acres. County officials, in a moment of municipal fanfare, cut the ribbon to the park yesterday, heralding a new chapter for outdoor enthusiasts and families alike. Gwinnett County Chairwoman Nicole Love Hendrickson lauded the completion of the project, emphasizing the park's significance for community integration and leisure.
"This park is a space for connection and community," Hendrickson stated in a release by Gwinnett County. She also addressed the burgeoning needs of Southwestern Gwinnett, acknowledging the public's inclination towards accessible and serene locales to unwind. The park includes fundamental amenities such as a playground, a shaded picnic spot, restrooms, a parking space sufficient for 41 vehicles, and a vast trail that connects Singleton Road with Dickens Road.
The ¾-mile multiuse trail, a 12-foot-wide concrete path, is a piece of the 2018 Gwinnett Trails Master Plan, which aims to stitch Norcross and Lilburn closer through pedestrian pathways. The park's internal loop trail forges direct bonds to nearby neighborhoods, promoting shared community experiences. "We're proud to invest in a project that brings people closer to nature and each other," District 2 Commissioner Ben Ku shared when describing the new amenity and its potential to inspire outdoor activity.
Apart from the trail, Singleton Park plays host to a vibrant, 2,600-square-foot mural born from the collaboration between local youth, community members, and artist Ken Dushane under Art in Motion's guidance, which was funded through the Gwinnett Creativity Fund Placemaking Grant. The project's inclusive patronage didn't cease there, as it also secured resources from the 2017 Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax program, the County’s Recreation Fund, Georgia's grant focused on improving neighborhoods, and a Community Development Block Grant totaling $6.4 million.
The new park is not merely a piece of infrastructure but also a canvas for creativity and a springboard for children's play. With additions including benches, picnic tables, lighting, landscaping, and a playground featuring swings and climbing structures, it's tailored to cater to diverse needs and facilitate moments of joy and well-being for people of all ages.
