Gwinnett County officials broke ground Monday on the Beaver Ruin Wetland Park in unincorporated Duluth.
A press release from the county said the project is a collaborative effort between Gwinnett Water Resources and Gwinnett Parks and Recreation to promote sustainability.
Phase one of the project aims to be completed in June and has focused on restoring wetlands to preserve local ecosystems.
Over the past two years, the county has implemented efforts to stabilize stream banks, enhance habitats, remove invasive species and introduce native vegetation.
Stormwater from 4.5 square miles collects there and captures 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 Nicole Hendrickson emphasized how the sustainable efforts will enhance the community.
“Projects like this hold immense potential for improving the quality of life for our residents,” Hendrickson said. “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 span 86 acres of land and will also provide recreational and educational opportunities.
The park will include 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. 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,” District 1 Commissioner Kirkland Carden said. “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.”
The park will feature a 12-foot-wide concrete loop tranquil boardwalk that will integrate with the surrounding neighborhood.
The park will also 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,” Tina Fleming, director of the Department of Community Services said. “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.
