(Lawrenceville, Ga., April 22, 2024) – County officials broke ground on the new Beaver Ruin Wetland Park in unincorporated Duluth on Monday. The project promotes sustainability and is a collaborative effort between Gwinnett Water Resources and Gwinnett Parks and Recreation.

Approaching an anticipated June completion, the first phase of this project has focused on restoring wetlands to preserve our local ecosystems. Over the last two years, efforts included stabilizing stream banks, enhancing habitats, removing invasive species and introducing native vegetation. As one of the largest wetland areas of its kind in Gwinnett, stormwater from 4.5 square miles collects here, capturing runoff from Peachtree Industrial Blvd., Beaver Ruin Road, Buford Highway, and Old Norcross Road. The wetlands then naturally clean and filter the water before it returns to Sweetwater Creek and the Yellow River.

Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners Chairwoman Hendrickson emphasized how these sustainable efforts will enhance the community.

“Projects like this hold immense potential for improving the quality of life for our residents,” said Hendrickson. “The Beaver Ruin Wetland Park will serve as a catalyst for positive change, fostering sustainability and supporting our environment and communities today and for future generations.”

Beaver Ruin Wetland Park will provide recreational and educational opportunities. Spanning 86 acres of land, the park will include a variety of community spaces, including a state-of-the-art wildlife observation tower, an open play lawn, a covered picnic area, a restroom building, a 41-space parking lot and a playground equipped with swings, nature-inspired play elements and climbers. The playground's design repurposes an existing detention basin, enhancing opportunities for unstructured adventure play for children.

“Residents in District 1 will soon enjoy expanded access to leisure activities at Beaver Ruin Wetland Park to enhance their physical and mental well-being,” said District 1 Commissioner Kirkland Carden. “I’m proud that our county’s leadership continues to prioritize people with an ongoing commitment to providing quality services such as parks and the protection of wetlands.”

A 12-foot-wide concrete loop trail boardwalk will seamlessly integrate with the surrounding neighborhood. Additionally, the park will serve as a hub for environmental awareness with interactive exhibits and interpretive panels.

“Our goal is to achieve platinum-level certification from the Sustainable Sites Initiative, putting Beaver Ruin Wetland Park on course to set a new standard in environmental stewardship,” said Tina Fleming, director of the Department of Community Services. “If successful, it would be the first of its kind in Gwinnett County and among a select few nationwide to attain this prestigious certification post-construction.”

Gwinnett County is using $5 million from the 2017 SPLOST program to support the development of the park, $1.3 million from the Recreation Fund for the playground, $4 million for the boardwalk and $4.5 million from the Watershed Improvement Program for the wetland restoration. Officials expect the new park to open in late 2025.