Suwanee schedules two long-awaited groundbreakings

SUWANEE - The City of Suwanee will hold groundbreaking ceremonies for two long-anticipated projects this month.

The groundbreaking for Sims Lake Park will be at 3:30 Friday at the park site, 4600 Suwanee Dam Road. The 62-acre property is considered the jewel of Suwanee's award-winning open space program.

City Council has authorized $2.6 million in remaining open space bond funds for phase one of the park, now set to get underway. Elements to be included in the park's initial development include a one-mile multipurpose trail, public restrooms, paved parking, irrigation, picnic areas, and open play fields. The City anticipates opening Sims Lake Park next summer.

Groundbreaking for the pedestrian underpass that will run beneath railroad tracks and connect City Hall and the Town Center area with the Gwinnett County Public Library branch and historic Old Town district will be at 6:00 Tuesday, October 23, just before the monthly City Council meeting and public hearings. The ceremony will be held behind City Hall, 373 Buford Highway.

The 62-foot tunnel, which is being paid for largely by a Livable Centers Initiative grant from the Atlanta Regional Commission, also is expected to be completed next summer.