(Lawrenceville, GA., May 26, 2011) On May 13, 14 and 16, more than sixty-five Gwinnett County Parks & Recreation VIP's (Volunteer In Parks) provided 316 hours of volunteer service, sowing 1,400 plants and grooming 2.2 miles of trails in three Gwinnett County parks.

Beginning May 13, volunteers from the Gwinnett Chamber and Gwinnett County Parks & Recreation staff worked to beautify Shorty Howell Park. As volunteers arrived in the morning they were provided with details for the planting they would be completing. After lunch volunteers were taught how to trim bushes, and then preceded cleaning and beautifying the park entrance.

On May 14, volunteers from HOOKED: Teen Volunteer Club and Gwinnett United In Drug Education (GUIDE) arrived at Tribble Mill Park to help with Saturday In The Park, a planned family event. Throughout the day volunteers helped at the registration table and in the kid's area with face painting, crafts and crazy hair styles.  Volunteer also worked to clean-up and remove trash at the conclusion of the event that had over 900 attendees.

At Little Mulberry Park on May 16, volunteers from XL group presented a check to the Gwinnett Parks Foundation's (GPF) in support of their unbeLEAFabled day event. The event will be held at Little Mulberry Park on September 24, and all proceeds will be used to build a playground in honor of Karina Miller, whose love for the preservation of the natural habitat inspired the parks Karina Miller Nature Preserve. Following the check presentation, XL group volunteers set out to clear under-bush and trim 2.2 miles of trails work as well as trimming sections of the meadow. 

            Gwinnett County Parks & Recreations has a long tradition of volunteer service.  Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops, Church groups, school clubs and other groups or individuals give tirelessly of their volunteer efforts.  Last year alone there were more than 100,000 hours of volunteer service from VIP's (Volunteer In Parks).