Suwanee Residents Rate Community Among Best in Nation in Many Areas Think About It, It’S Difficult to Get Nine out of Ten People to Agree on Any- Thing

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April 2011

Survey says…. Suwanee residents rate community among best in nation in many areas Think about it, it’s difficult to get nine out of ten people to agree on any- thing. But, Suwanee residents agree: 96 percent would recommend living in Suwanee to someone who asked. Indeed, according to recently released National Citizen Survey data, City of Suwanee residents find a lot to like about their community. They like the overall quality of life in Suwanee, the availability of walking trails, and cleanli- ness of the community. They really, really like the preservation of natural areas and the job the Suwanee government does in welcoming citizen involvement. They’re not so crazy about traffic flow on major streets or ease of bus travel, but residents have to In two areas, residents’ responses put like how Suwanee measures up nationally. Suwanee in the number one position The National Citizen Survey (NCS), a statistically valid survey of resident nationally. Suwanee residents were the opinions about community services provided by local governments, was dis- tributed in November to 1,200 randomly selected households in Suwanee. The most satisfied nationally with preservation response rate was 30 percent, with 334 surveys returned. The 2010 results have of natural areas…and with the job the been compared to 2008 Suwanee NCS results as well as national and regional Suwanee government does at welcoming benchmarks. National benchmarks are comprised of resident perspectives gath- citizen involvement…. ered via citizen surveys from approximately 500 jurisdictions. Suwanee was rated above the national benchmark in 63 areas when consid- ering community characteristics and local government services. In two areas, Suwanee was rated as similar to the benchmark; it was rated below the benchmark in two areas as well. The survey used 120 different questions to measure the City’s performance in 31 community characteristic areas and 36 service areas. Residents’ responses to those 120 questions, when compared to the national benchmark, placed Suwanee in the 90th per- centile or above 54 times and gave the City a top-10 ranking nationally on 28 of those questions. In two areas, residents’ responses put Suwanee in the number one position nationally. Suwanee residents were the most INSIDE THIS ISSUE… satisfied nationally with preservation of natural areas, such as open space, (86% of residents rated this as excellent or good Perennial park in Suwanee) and with the job the Suwanee government does perks…p. 4 at welcoming citizen involvement (80% of respondents rated this as excellent or good). Other areas where Suwanee scored a top-10 national rank- Don’t forget th e ing or better include Suwanee as a place to live (98% rated as th popcorn and Reminisce wi excellent or good); overall appearance (93% excellent or r Cracker Jacks…p. 9 the Little Rive good); City parks (95% excellent or good); sense of commu- Band…p. 2 nity (86%); opportunity to participate in social events and Continued on page 6 Page 2 April 2011 www.suwanee.com 2011 event season off to busy start Little River Band to perform April 16 The City of Suwanee’s 2011 community events season begins with a bang – and a glow – with 17 events scheduled for April and May. The City of Suwanee’s 2011 events calendar includes more than 40 events scheduled through the end of the year; these events are either sponsored by the City of Suwanee, often in partnership with other organizations, or organized by private groups. All events on the 2011 calendar are open to the public and almost all are free. The full 2011 sched- ule is available at www.suwanee.com on the What’s New/Events page. Suwanee kicks off the event season with a double-header weekend April 15 and 16. Glow in the Gateway, a hot- air balloon glow, will take place in the grassy area adjacent to the Lowe’s on Lawrenceville-Suwanee Road Friday evening, April 15. Come see eight hot air balloons color the evening sky and get a chance to talk with the pilots. “It’s like candles glowing at night,” says Scott McClinton with SkyCab Balloon Promotions. “but these candles are 80 feet tall and 45 feet wide. It’s the biggest candle you’ll ever see and very beautiful.” All eight tethered balloons will glow simultaneously for about an hour, beginning as soon as it’s dark. Balloonists coming to Suwanee are from Kentucky, Chicago, Tampa, and Tennessee as well as the Atlanta area. Children’s activities and food vendors also will be available. The next day, April 16, a Breakfast & Balloons event will be held again in the Suwanee Gateway in the morning while Atlanta’s Greatest Hits Birthday Bash begins at noon at Town Center with festival food, games, prizes, the Tennessee Pride Kids Zone, and great music. Come celebrate with Randy and Spiff as they welcome first GLOW and then the Little River Band to the Town Center stage. One of the great vocal bands of the ’70s and ’80s, Little River Band was the first group to have Top 10 hits for six consecutive years. The group’s legacy includes the hits Lonesome Loser, Happy Anniversary, Lady, Cool Change, and Reminiscing. Little River Band will perform around 7 p.m. Comprised of seven of the best musicians and vocalists in the Southeast, GLOW is a performance dance/show band whose versatility is demonstrated by songs that include the hottest pop tunes, standards, R&B, swing, disco, classic rock, country rock, funk, and show ballads. GLOW will perform at 4 p.m. Good meals…good deals…good times will be in abundance with the first Toast @ Town Center event of the year on Thursday, April 28. A monthly event to be held the fourth Thursday of each month through October, Toast @ Town Center creates a street festival-type atmosphere with patrons welcomed to purchase and carry beverages from shop to shop and within the park. The theme for April’s Toast is “Paint the Park Purple.” Ten percent of sales at participating businesses will be donated to Relay for Life on behalf of Team Suwanee, a group of about a dozen City employees committed to participating in the May 6 Relay for Life event at the county fairgrounds. Live entertainment will be provided. The theme for the May 26 Toast @ Town Center will be “Schools (Almost) Out for Summer!” The fun moves to Sims Lake Park on Saturday, April 30, for the Great American Campout. Spend quality time with your family camping overnight in the great outdoors. It’s the most fun one can have in a 20 x 20 campsite – and an award-winning 60-acre park! Campsites are $25 each; more information and applications are available at www.suwanee.com. With the coming of May, residents can find Art on a Limb (see story on page 4 for more details) as well as fresh produce and other yummy treats at the Suwanee Farmers Market. This year the market will be open from 4-7 p.m. Tuesdays, May 3-August 2, and 8 am-noon Saturdays, May 7-October 1. They’ll be raising the woof on Saturday, May 7, when Star 94’s Woofstock comes to Town Center Park. In addition to canine competitions, demonstrations, and clinics, a Star 94 artist will peform. Four-legged creatures on leashes – and their two-legged companions – are invited to join in the fun. April 2011 Page 3

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April and May Events Glow in the Gateway Suwanee Farmers Market April 15 – 7 pm 4-7 pm Tuesdays, May 3–Aug. 2 Suwanee Gateway 8 am-noon Saturdays, May 7–Oct. 1 Town Center Park Breakfast & Balloons April 16 – 7:30 am National Day Suwanee Gateway of Prayer Service* Atlanta’s Greatest Hits May 5 – 6 pm Birthday Bash Town Center Park For more information, call Shadowbrook April 16 – noon Baptist Church at 770/945-1524 Arts in the Park will celebrate art in Town Center Park all its various, wonderful forms on Little River Band Star 94 Woofstock Saturday, May 21, at Town Center to perform about 7 pm May 7 – noon Park. In addition to watching and Town Center Park interacting with artists as they create Blimpie their art form, participants can enjoy a Health & Fitness Expo* High School Night of Jazz* variety of on-stage entertainers as well April 23 – 7:30 am May 13 – 7 pm as street musicians and other perform- Town Center Park Town Center Park ers who will be roaming around the For more information, email For more information, park. Participants also will be invited to [email protected] call 678/512-6096 help create three community art pieces Community Easter to be presented to the festival’s top Get Active* Sunrise Service sponsors. * May 14 – 10 am Through the Chalk Walk April 24 – 6:30 am Town Center Park Competition that is part of Arts in the Town Center Park For more information, email Park, participants may create their own For more information, call [email protected] art using the sidewalk as their canvas. Shadowbrook Baptist Church at More information and sign-up for the 770/945-1524 Suwanee Night chalk art competition are available at Toast @ Town Center at the Gwinnett Braves www.suwaneeartsinthepark.com. May 19 – 7:05 pm April 28 – 6 pm The North Gwinnett Arts Coolray Field Town Center Association organizers promise “some- Theme: Paint the Park Purple thing for everyone from ages 8 to 80.” Arts in the Park Finally, in May, the Gwinnett Daily March for Babies May 21 – 11 am Town Center Park Post will present the annual Memorial Gwinnett County Weekend Concert. Kick-off the holiday * weekend in an appropriate – and April 30 – 9 am Toast @ Town Center enjoyable way – with a performance of Town Center Park May 26 – 6 pm patriotic, military, and popular music. For more information, email Town Center [email protected] The concert will begin at 7 p.m. Gwinnett Daily Post Friday, May 27, with a sky-jump Great American Campout Memorial Weekend Concert demonstration by the Silver Wings, the April 30 – 7 pm May 27 – 7 pm Command Exhibition Parachute Team Sims Lake Park Town Center Park of the U.S. Army Infantry based at Fort Benning. Art on a Limb *Denotes events that are privately More details about all of these events Daily through May sponsored and not associated with the City will be available at www.suwanee.com Suwanee Creek Greenway as well of Suwanee, but use of City facilities has as the event date approaches. as Sims Lake Park and White been approved. All events are free and Street Park trails open to the public. Page 4 April 2011 www.suwanee.com

Finders keepers A journey along the Suwanee Creek Greenway or the trail at Sims Lake and White Street parks doesn’t get much better than in May, folks. The days are longer and generally pleasant. The leaves have shown themselves and along the way flowering shrubs are in bloom as well. And, as if that weren’t enough to get you out there, there’s Art on a Limb to be found and claimed. Art on a Limb is the City’s annual “finders keepers” program designed to promote an appreciation for art as well as Suwanee’s beautiful trails. Each day throughout the month of May, the City places two pieces of original artwork along the trails to be discovered and claimed by those running, strolling, or rolling along. Last year, Sarah West found an Art on a Limb piece at Suwanee Creek Park. “What a great surprise to just finish a run and get such a lovely little piece of artwork,” she wrote to tell the City. “I was thrilled!” Nurse Jess Dietz wrote that she and her police officer-boyfriend found artwork at Sims Lake Park. She said: “[W]e enjoy the beautiful Sims Park to relax and escape from our hectic lives. It was refreshing to find this little discovery at the base of a tree. We felt like kids all over again.” This year’s Art on a Limb piece is a steel, ring-shaped candle lantern with an S-shaped hook created out of two horseshoes welded together. The artist is John Wareham, a relatively new Suwanee resident who moved with his family to the City last August. Wareham, who in previous careers worked as an interactive media manager and landscape designer, now is a part-time fabricator at a local shop. He is working through his company, WarehamWelds, to establish himself as creator of John Wareham high-end furniture and other interior functional pieces made of steel; he also has an interest in creating public art pieces. The two common denominators in Wareham’s art/furniture pieces are steel and some sort of light element. He’s made coffee tables from old computer mother boards and LED lighting, for example. “I like taking raw material that basically looks like a pile of steel and shaping it and designing it into a final product,” Wareham says, “and then starting over again, and the next project is completely different.” The idea for the Art on a Limb pieces, he says, stemmed from game ball hold- ers he had created for his avid Little Leaguer-son out of a bucket of steel rings. While re-fashioning the piece for Art on a Limb, Wareham realized that he’d have to provide a way for the candle-lantern to hang and he wanted to incorporate something that would identify Suwanee, thus the horseshoe-formed S. Wareham’s candle lanterns may be found, two each day, along Suwanee’s trails – specifically the Suwanee Creek Greenway, Sims Lake Park trail, and White Street Park trail – in May. If you’re not lucky enough to find one along the trails, a few additional pieces will be available at City Hall for $20 each beginning June 1. April 2011 Page 5

www.suwanee.com Got It in the Gateway: Winning…duh! Approximately 250 entries were received in last month’s Facebook-fueled Get It in the Gateway promotion, and seven individuals walked away winners! Michelle Partee was the grand prize winner, taking home a pair of Lady Gaga tickets as well as four Gwinnett Braves tickets. The promotion’s 126 participants used clues, provided via Facebook and the City’s website, to decipher featured businesses, where they could then register for daily prizes as well as the grand prize. The campaign, held March 10-13, is designed to be a “shop local” initiative that promotes businesses in the Suwanee Gateway, a 4-square mile commercial area around I-85 that is the focus of the City’s proactive revitalization efforts. Grand prize winner Michelle Partee deciphered all of the clues and visited all of the businesses with Terri Dunlap, a colleague from work. The women figured out the clues together, sometimes Googling parts of the clue for more information. “We had so much fun figuring out the clues,” says Partee. “It was a great adventure. We found businesses that we didn’t even know were located around here.” The women visited each of the participating businesses at least once. Says Dunlap: “We learned a lot when we walked into the businesses. We loved meeting all the people.” The Gwinnett Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Gwinnett Braves donated the grand prize tickets, and Gateway businesses provided daily prizes. Here’s a complete list of daily prizes and winners: • Terri Bealle Fairfield Inn/one-night stay at any Fairfield property and $50 gift certificate Optimum Health and Rehab/one-hour massage • Rick Boron Outback Steakhouse/dinner for two • Terri Dunlap Cartridge World of Suwanee/$50 certificate for cartridge refills Classy Finds Consignment/$50 gift certificate RBC Bank/$50 deposited into new account • W. Dunlap Shroomer’s Pizza/dinner for four • Dedra Murray Kopy Kat Printing/$50 certificate for printing services • Michelle Partee Georgia Gymnastics Academy/$50 toward program of choice Magnolia Lawn/1 free lawn treatment RBC Bank/$50 deposited into new account Gaga for the Gateway Michelle Partee, left, and • Jean Spinell Terri Dunlap are headed to the April 18 Lady Honeybaked Ham/free 9 lb. ham Gaga concert. Partee was the grand prize winner Subway/$25 gift certificate in this year’s Get It in the Gateway promotion.

Get Fresh in Suwanee – Twice a Week! Farmers Market Opens at Town Center May 3 Tuesdays through August 2: 4-7 pm Saturdays through October 1: 8 am-noon Page 6 April 2011

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Survey…continued from page 1

activities (85%); overall reputation/image of Suwanee (93%); and services provided by the City of Suwanee (87%). “No matter how you look at the data – and there are many ways to do so – the news is great for Suwanee,” says Mayor Dave Williams. “Whether we look at how our residents rate our services and characteristics, or how survey results compare to those in 2008, or how Suwanee measures up nationally against some 500 other jurisdictions that have utilized the National Citizen Survey, our results are outstanding.” “We’re pleased that “No matter how you look at the data… our citizens our results are outstanding.” support the – Mayor Dave Williams direction that the City is taking,” says City Manager Marty Allen. “It’s always kind of nerve-wracking to ask the hard questions. I’m proud that our Council is committed to measuring citizen sentiment because it only makes us better.” The approximately 500 communities included in the NCS database range in size from 1,250 in Hutto, Texas to 1,517,550 in Philadelphia. Suwanee, with a population of approximately, 15,500, is among 12 Georgia communities included in the database. Other metro Atlanta communities who have utilized the NCS include Alpharetta, Cartersville, Conyers, Decatur, Milton, Roswell, Smyrna, and Snellville. “The overall message from these results is that citizens support the direction that the City’s heading in and that we’re on track in areas where we largely control our own destiny,” says Allen. “At the same time, we realize that we must be mindful of those areas in which we can improve and work to make an impact regionally where we can.” Suwanee’s 2010 NCS also included five poli- cy questions related specifically to Suwanee. Three of the questions sought to gauge citizen support for public art, a permanent police presence in the Suwanee Gateway/I-85 business dis- trict, and the use of video cameras for safety purposes at public parks. According to 72% of respondents, providing art in public spaces would add “a lot” or “some” value to the quality of life in Suwanee. In regard to a permanent police presence in the Gateway area, 86% of respondents “strongly” or “some- what” support while 85% “strongly” or “some- what” support the use of video cameras for safety purposes in public parks. Another Suwanee-specific question related to the importance of certain factors in residents’ decision to move to Suwanee. Respondents who had moved to Suwanee since 2005 rated the following areas as essential or very important: community appearance (86%), police/public safety (82%), Suwanee’s image/reputation (82%), overall community feel/vibe (81%), and county-run school system (80%). April 2011 Page 7

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The NCS, a joint program of the National Research Center and the International City/County Management Association, measures community characteristics and government services in eight categories: community quality, community design, public safety, environmental sustainability, recreation and wellness, community inclusiveness, civic engagement, and public trust. Full National Citizen Survey results are available on the Documents and Downloads page at www.suwanee.com.

Engaging Suwanee As part of its interest in increasing civic engagement, the City of Suwanee began last year to keep track of data related to citizen involvement. The results? The Suwanee community engaged 1,588,257 total hours last year! The majority of that time was due to attendance at community events. An estimat- ed total of nearly 135,000 people attended the 34 public events held in City parks or facilities in 2010. In all, citizens offered up 5,400 volunteer hours during City-sponsored opportunities, such as planning events, serving on a City board, or working on projects, such as Harvest Farm (in photo below). Page 8 April 2011 www.suwanee.com SuwaneeSuwanee DayDay applicationsapplications nownow beingbeing acceptedaccepted

The Suwanee Day festival, named a Top 20 event for September 2011 by the Southeast Tourism Society, is looking for fine artists, talented craftspeople, and food vendors with a flair for flavor. Exhibitor applications for the annual family festival are now being accepted at www.suwaneeday.com. The 2011 festival will be celebrated on Saturday, September 17. Each year, about 40,000 people come to Town Center Park to enjoy shopping, crafts, children’s activities, and on-stage entertainment. “This is the best organized show that I’ve been to in a long time,” said glass artist Joanne Paller of last year’s festival. “An A+ for organization! All of the volunteers have been wonderful.” Don and Beth Voit of Dandy Cotton Candy added: “Wanted to let you know we had the busiest day we have ever had running our little business. We had so much fun interacting with the crowd and being part of the event.” The deadline for exhibitor applications is June 1.

Parker needs a few pals

WANTED: Warm, outgoing personalities with a (friendly) bark – but no bite – to help bring Parker the Dog, the City of Suwanee’s oversized mascot, to life at community events and other public appearances. Shoe-chewers need not apply. If you’re energetic and enthusiastic, love dressing in costumes, and enjoy high fives and sticky hugs, consider joining Parker’s Pals, a group of community volunteers committed to sharing the warm and fuzzy side of Suwanee via Parker. Parker’s Pals will bring Parker the Dog to life at events and also serve as Parker’s “seeing eye person” and companion. No prior experience as mascots is necessary, but applicants must be at least 16 years old and have a valid driver’s license. Criminal back- ground checks will be run on applicants. If the thought of being Parker makes your tail wag, send an email of interest to Events Coordinator Amy Doherty at [email protected]. Training will be provided. April 2011 Page 9

www.suwanee.com Suwanee heads out to the ballgame Give us 5 cans, with the Gwinnett Braves we’ll give you Baseball season is in full swing, and once again this year the City of Suwanee is partnering with the home team Gwinnett Braves to provide dis- 1 cool counted tickets for Suwanee residents to a designated game. reusable bag Thursday, May 19, is Suwanee Once again this year, the City Night at the Gwinnett Braves’ Coolray Field. So, gather your of Suwanee is participating in the family and friends and head out Gwinnett Municipal Association’s for an evening of community “Can” Do program. This year, in camaraderie as the Gwinnett exchange for your donation of at Braves take on the Rochester Red Wings. Game starts at 7:05 p.m. least five Advance tickets are available via the Gwinnett Braves website at canned www.gwinnettbraves.com/suwanee with the promo code, you guessed it, goods or SUWANEE. Discounted tickets also may be purchased at the gate with food staples proof of residency. at select The seats being offered to Suwanee residents are: community Baseline box seats: $6 each (normally $8) events, the City will hand out Field box seats: $8 each (normally $12) reusable nylon bags, which also Infield box seats: $12 each (normally $15) commemorate the 10th anniver- May 19 also happens to be Taste of Gwinnett Night at Coolray Field. sary of the 2001 greenspace bond Attendees will have an opportunity to sample tasty treats from an array of referendum vote. Gwinnett restaurants. For more information about Taste of Gwinnett or for The “Can” Do project is part information about advertising your Suwanee business at the May 19 game, of the Gwinnett Municipal call the Gwinnett Braves at 678/277-0340. And, since May 19, is a “$3 Association’s ongoing effort to Thursday,” attendees also can take advantage of food and beverage discounts fight hunger in local communi- at select food vendors. ties. Throughout the year, cities City of Suwanee Councilmember Dan Foster has had Gwinnett Braves in Gwinnett County will team season tickets the past two seasons and is together to support local food co- enjoying them again this year. Games at ops and pantries by collecting Coolray Field, he says, “have a much dif- food items at municipal events. ferent feel than the Atlanta Braves games The bags, imprinted with the in that you are so much closer to the Suwanee S and this year’s celebra- action. You feel more a part of the field, tion of parks slogan, will be avail- more a part of the team itself. able, while supplies last, in “It’s a great value for your entertain- exchange for donated food items ment dollar,” he adds. “I don’t know of another activity that you can take your at the following events: family to for that price range, for that • April 16 – Atlanta’s Greatest period of time, and for that much fun.” Hits Birthday Bash featuring The games are a great value for sports Little River Band enthusiasts, too. “There’s some new talent • May 27 – Gwinnett Daily Post being tried out at the Triple A level that Memorial Weekend Concert we’re quickly going to see at Turner Field,” says Foster. “If you’re a Braves fan, • August 13 – 790 the Zone you must catch the Gwinnett Braves to Rock & Jock Festival see the seeds that are being sown with • September 17 – Suwanee Day new talent.” Page 10 April 2011 www.suwanee.com Generous sponsors bring SculpTour to Suwanee The approximately one dozen sculptures that are part of the inaugural Suwanee SculpTour, a public art exhibit of outdoor sculptures represent- ing varying styles and mediums, are scheduled to be unveiled at Town Center late next month, thanks to some very generous community sponsors. Three corporate sponsors, in particular, have stepped up to help the Suwanee community make a bold public art statement: Atlanta Gas Light, Peoples Bank & Trust, and Ssam’s Grill and Café. Attorney Richard Yoon is the owner of the CCOEX Forum (formerly Schwan’s headquarters), which houses several businesses, including the soon-to-be-opened new restaurant Ssam’s Grill and Café. Yoon says that two loves – for art and for Suwanee – compelled him to step up and support the SculpTour. Yoon, who took art classes throughout his childhood, changed his college decision at the last minute, giving up art school for a liberal arts college and, eventually, a business law career instead. Yoon opened his practice in Suwanee three years ago and lives just outside the City limits. “I’m very proud of it,” he says. “I love the City.” And Yoon believes that initiatives like the SculpTour will serve to further enhance the quality of life in Suwanee. “You cannot think of distinctive cities around the world without equating them with their artistic side. Art has to be an integral part of Suwanee’s upgrading itself.” Julia Hall, assistant vice president of business relations at Peoples Bank & Trust, also is excited about the impact that SculpTour will have on the community. “I believe that the Suwanee SculpTour is going to be beneficial to the area because it’s going to bring people here. It offers another way to show everyone all the wonderful things that Suwanee has to offer. We’re really excited to help contribute to the beauty and success of our community.” Peoples Bank & Trust, a 27-year-old hometown bank with headquarters in Buford and branches at 255 Peachtree Industrial Boulevard and on Highway 20 just east of the Mall of Georgia, has long supported cultural endeavors, including artists in Buford and the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra’s 2007 performance at Town Center Park. Of the SculpTour, Hall adds: “What a wonderful way to bring people to the community. It will add enjoyment and a little culture to the area.” The artwork that is part of the Suwanee SculpTour will be on exhibit at Town Center from May through March of next year. Thanks to the generous support of the corporate and other sponsors, the City plans to purchase one of the sculptures for permanent display, furthering, through public art, the City’s aspiration to be a world-class, economically viable community. “I know we’re in tough economic times,” says Yoon, “and I’m not immune, but to the extent that they can, I invite others to join us.” Crime Prevention Tips Reduce your risk of burglary More often than not, home burglaries are crimes of opportunity, according to the Suwanee Police Department. Burglars target unoccupied homes with easy access, the greatest amount of cover, and the best escape routes. Be proactive and work to reduce your risk of home burglary by following the tips below provided by the police department: • If you don’t have them already, install deadbolt locks on all doors that lead outside. • Close your garage door, even when you’re home. • When the whole family is out of town, be sure to put a hold on mail and newspaper delivery or have a neighbor pick them up each day. • Don’t leave a spare key outside for friends, family, or emergencies. Under the mat and beneath flower pots is the first place burglars look, too. • Always leave a light on at the rear of your home. This helps officers on patrol see around your home and is a deterrent to thieves who don’t want to be in a spotlight. • Be aware of your neighbors’ habits. For example, if you know that your neighbor cuts their own grass, be suspicious if another person shows up to do it. Call your neighbor or the Suwanee Police Department at 770/945-8995. April 2011 Page 11

www.suwanee.com Parks perfect the place: Sims Lake Park Imagine…a nice neighborhood of brick executive homes surrounding Sims Lake, several of them standing half completed because of the great recession. It could have happened…had the 2001 open space bond referendum not been approved. In celebration of the 10-year anniversary of that historic vote, CrossRoads will highlight throughout this year each of the parks that were built as a result of the voter-approved, award-winning, quality of life-enhancing $17.7 million open space initiative. This issue features Sims Lake Park, site of the April 30 Great American Campout. Located at 4600 Suwanee Dam Road, Sims Lake Park also is the site of too-many-to-count daily walks and jogs, fall family photo shoots, youthful play dates, picnics, and birthday parties. The only City park on the heavily residential west side of Peachtree Industrial Boulevard, the park sits on a 61-acre idyllic piece of property long con- sidered the “jewel” of Suwanee’s open space program. The City of Suwanee purchased the property for $3.35 million from the late Rae Hewell in January 2003. Hewell was granted a life estate to the property, but he passed away just five months later. In 2005, the City completed improvements to the earthen dam on the property in order to bring it up to state standards. The following year, the park’s master plan was approved, but construction was put off while the City worked to complete other projects previously planned and Sims Lake Park funded. Sims Lake Park opened in fall 2008, with the official by the Numbers grand opening ceremony on November 8. Suwanee resident Randy Crutchfield sent this comment to the City shortly Suwanee Dam Road after the park’s opening: “The Sims Lake Park is wonderful! 4600 Thank you so much for creating a well-designed park which preserves so much of the natural setting.” Opened Fall 2008 More recently on the City’s Facebook page, Amber Wickham commented: “We love taking the baby and the 61 acres with 7-acre lake, dog to Sims Lake Park! We start with a stroll around the 2,900 feet of shoreline, lake, then spend some time on the playground. Sometimes we top it all off with a picnic lunch. It's great!” 39 forested acres 1.2-mile looping trail; well-fed streamscape, playground area; picnic pavilion; two 2-acre play meadows; parking for approximately 90 cars

5th park to be constructed through open space initiative

Sell price of property in 2003: $3.35 million

Construction cost: approximately $2.6 million Page 12 April 2011 www.suwanee.com City events more than a good time; they’re also award-winning The City of Suwanee’s signature family festival and another event were named Kaleidoscope Award winners during the Southeast Festivals and Events Association conference held at the end of February at Stone Mountain. The annual Suwanee Day festival received recognition in three categories, winning silver awards for Best Festival (with a budget under $75,000) and Best Volunteer and taking home a bronze for Best Green Component. The Best Volunteer award recognizes Doug Schwendy, who has served as transportation chair on the Suwanee Day planning committee for the past six years. In addition to assisting with pre-planning festival parking and shuttle transportation routes, Schwendy puts in a nearly endless day at the festival ensuring that transportation and off-site parking run smoothly. Suwanee won a fourth Kaleidoscope award in the Best Event Within an Event category for the Chalk Walk Art competition that is a component of the Arts in the Park festival. “We’re proud to provide several fun, quality events for our citizens each year,” says Events Coordinator Amy Doherty. “Our events not only entertain, but, we believe, they also enhance the sense of community and quality of life here in Suwanee.” The City of Suwanee also received an Honor Award for Engineering Excellence in February for the pedestrian HAWK beacon at Town Center Avenue. Stantec Engineering Inc. (formerly Street Smarts) also was recognized by the Georgia Engineering Alliance for management, design, and implementation last year of the High-Intensity Activated Crosswalk, which was the first in the state. April 2011 Page 13

www.suwanee.com New ‘residents’ taking root Newly planted trees are taking root throughout Suwanee. Over the past couple of months, nearly 60 new trees have been planted. As part of the City’s efforts to more proactively man- age its urban forest, 40 trees were planted in February, replacing those that had died. Seventeen of those trees were planted along Main Street, seven at Sims Lake Park, and four in the median along Suwanee Dam/Lawrenceville-Suwanee Road; the remainder are scattered throughout the community. The dead trees were replaced with the same specimen of tree, except for along Main Street, where elms replaced Bradford Pear trees. All of the new trees are a minimum Camera system automatically of 3 inches in diameter and 6 feet in height, though most are at least 10 feet tall. scans license plates On March 26, in celebration of Arbor Day, nearly a The Suwanee Police Department has joined several dozen community volunteers helped plant 10 fruit trees at White Street Park. The trees, which included apple, other state and local jurisdictions in implementing an peach, and pear, are part of the City’s efforts to develop Automatic License Plate Recognition (ALPR) camera an orchard at the new park. system that scans license plates and checks them In addition, the City was working last month to against a database of “hot” plates. replace nine crepe myrtle trees along the median on Utilizing optical recognition technology and com- Lawrenceville-Suwanee near Peachtree Industrial prised of six cameras (three digital and three infrared) Boulevard; the trees were victims of an automobile mounted on the trunk of a patrol car, the ALPR is accident. used to read up to approximately 5,000 license plates This year marks the 21st consecutive year that in Suwanee each day. In the system’s first week of use Suwanee has been recognized as a Tree City USA by the in March, says Capt. Cass Mooney, it resulted in four Arbor Day Foundation. warrant arrests, two of which had originated in “Trees are beneficial in so many ways,” says City Suwanee. Planner Daniel Robinson. “They add to property values; The system, which also employs a laptop, beeps provide for safer streets, slowing traffic and creating a inside the patrol car each time a license plate is read; if buffer between sidewalks and streets; and they offer there’s a “hit,” the system emits an audible signal that a shade. The fact that Suwanee has been a Tree City USA plate has been matched against a hot list, which for more than 20 years demonstrates our commitment to includes stolen vehicles in the U.S. and Canada, want- healthy trees.” ed persons from surrounding agencies, vehicles/people of interest in criminal investigations, and the Georgia Sex Offender Registry. The database, updated daily, contains approximately 230,000 files. The system is employed during all Suwanee Police Department shifts, Mooney says. It reads plates of parked vehicles as well as those traveling in all direc- tions. Images of the license plates are archived for six months, and no additional information about the vehi- cle or registered driver is provided to officers using the system unless there’s a hit. The initial installation and set-up of the system cost nearly $22,000, which was covered with drug forfeiture funds. Other local police departments that use the ALPR system include Alpharetta, Atlanta, Duluth, Georgia State Patrol, Gwinnett, Lawrenceville, Lilburn, A ‘hole’ lot of help Volunteers help plant trees at White Street Park March 26 in commemoration of Arbor Day. Norcross, and Sandy Springs. Page 14 April 2011 www.suwanee.com

YIELD Oops, we goofed The number of participants in police-sponsored programs during 2010 was SIGNS reported incorrectly in the “By the Numbers” section of the City’s 2010 Annual Report. The number of residents who participated in community programs, such as Citizens Police Academy, PACT, PRIDE, and Cyber Safety for Children, from December 1, 2009-November 30, 2010 was actually 6,294.

Scout builds outdoor classroom at Sims Lake Suwanee resident and Eagle Scout candidate Stephen Conway has organized construction of an outdoor classroom at Sims Lake Park. Located at the north end of the lake overlooking one of the open meadow areas, the outdoor classroom includes eight benches and a podium. About a dozen volunteers spent more than 200 cumulative hours helping build the new classroom.

New DAR chapter forms in Suwanee A new chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution is currently forming in Suwanee. A nonprofit, nonpolitical women’s service organization, the NSDAR is dedicated to promoting patriotism, education, and American history. The new Suwanee Creek chapter is seeking women at least 18 years old who can prove lineal descent from a patriot of the American Revolution. For more information, contact Beth DeLorme at 770/925-3638 or [email protected]. Land donation At its February 22 meeting, City Council accepted donation of a 4.6-acre tract near the intersection of Peachtree Industrial Boulevard and McGinnis Ferry Road from Dallas S. Hudgens Properties. The tract is located behind the QT and is part of the Chattahoochee River Protection corridor, which limits the kinds of development permitted at the site. The City of Suwanee has no immediate plans for the property. North Gwinnett grad publishes book Carlton Harvey, a 2000 North Gwinnett High School graduate, has published his first book, Echoes of a Whisper, the first in a planned seven-book series. A spiritual, philosophical book, Echoes is a collection of various writings (short story, poems, narratives). Carl Harvey says that his 28-year-old son has always been a deep thinker. “Carlton thinks and cares about people and doesn’t let a lot of life affect him in a negative way.” Harvey’s book is available via www.amazon.com and www.cbhproducts.com. Welcome to City Hall The City of Suwanee welcomed three new employees in March. Lula resident Matt Reeves is a new police officer. With more than 10 years of law enforcement experience, Reeves previously worked for Hall County and the Dawson County Sheriff’s Office. Lawrenceville resident Mike Smith joined the City as a part-time building inspector. He worked for more than 30 years with Gwinnett County; his positions included development inspector and supervising captain of fire code inspectors. In the public works department, Robert “Eric” Thomas came onboard as an equipment operator. A Commerce resident, Thomas previously worked for six years at Old Suwanee Baptist Church in Buford. April 2011 Page 15

www.suwanee.com Phila. firm to help coordinate strategic plan initiative Interface Studio of Philadelphia, a full-service planning and urban design practice founded in 2004, has been selected to coordinate the City of Suwanee’s 20/20 Vision strategic planning initiative. 20/20 Vision is a community-intensive effort to create a long-term, big-picture strategic plan for Suwanee for the next 10 years. The City will soon launch community conversations and other community-engagement strategies with the assistance of Interface Studio and its two Atlanta-based partner firms for this project, Market + Main, Inc. and Pond|Ecos. “We selected a highly qualified team of local and out-of-town talent,” says City Manager Marty Allen. “Interface brings an astounding amount of energy and creativity to public involvement. They proposed an approach that is consistent with our culture and goals.” Allen notes that Interface has a proven track record in employing nontraditional, varied, and graphic-intensive strategies to engage the community. In its proposal, Interface describes its style as approachable, artistic, and playful. The company has relied on several key principles, including being rigorous about data and presentation and listening carefully, in its work on planning initiatives with a variety of cities, including Philadelphia, Chicago, Macon, and Detroit. “This strategic plan may be the most important thing we’ve undertaken in the past few years,” says Allen. “It will impact the way of life in Suwanee.”

for business

The following businesses received their licenses from the City of Suwanee in January and February:

AAIMS Montessori School Flooring Depot by Amro Perimeter Staffing Placements 3665 Swiftwater Park Drive 305 Shawnee North Drive 3429 Lawrenceville-Suwanee Road ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– –––––––––––––––––––––––––––– –––––––––––––––––––––––––––– ABJ Advisors Gwinnett Auto Import Plashette’s Catering* 4045 Smithtown Road 3973 Lawrenceville-Suwanee Road 3635 Burnette Park Drive ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– –––––––––––––––––––––––––––– –––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Agape International Institute Holy & Pure Gemstone Poe’s Heating & Air Conditioning 3892 Cherokee Trail 1300 Peachtree Industrial Boulevard Service ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– –––––––––––––––––––––––––––– 305 Shawnee North Drive Amelia Rose Consignment Boutique Hudgins Legal –––––––––––––––––––––––––––– 333 Main Street 970 Peachtree Industrial Boulevard Rand-Dean ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– –––––––––––––––––––––––––––– 3435 Martin Farm Road The Bountiful Basket* Image Makers Salon Suites –––––––––––––––––––––––––––– 3635 Burnette Park Drive 3725 Lawrenceville-Suwanee Road Suwanee Auto Brokers ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– –––––––––––––––––––––––––––– 910 Peachtree Industrial Boulevard Brown Bag Catering Company* Linc Facility Services –––––––––––––––––––––––––––– 3635 Burnette Park Drive 120 Satellite Boulevard Tires & More Complete Care ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– –––––––––––––––––––––––––––– 3237 Lawrenceville-Suwanee Road Commercial Pest Control London Sky Salon –––––––––––––––––––––––––––– 970 Peachtree Industrial Boulevard 3725 Lawrenceville-Suwanee Road Two Gold TaeKownDo ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– –––––––––––––––––––––––––––– 45 Old Peachtree Road Corralejo Mexican Flair & Tequila Bar N Glantz & Son –––––––––––––––––––––––––––– 3890 Lawrenceville-Suwanee Road 430 Satellite Boulevard Vanderbilt Homes ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– –––––––––––––––––––––––––––– 3355 Annandale Lane Crossroads Animal Clinic Ohana Bio-Mat –––––––––––––––––––––––––––– 1145 Peachtree Industrial Boulevard 530 Highland Station VZWire ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– –––––––––––––––––––––––––––– 1039 Peachtree Industrial Boulevard Eapps Hosting Paris Nails –––––––––––––––––––––––––––– 300 Satellite Boulevard 3131 Lawrenceville-Suwanee Road *Businesses rent kitchen facility by the ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– –––––––––––––––––––––––––––– hour. First Atlanta Flooring Pattycakes Cupcakery* 470 Satellite Boulevard 3635 Burnette Park Drive ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– –––––––––––––––––––––––––––– PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID SUWANEE, GA PERMIT NO. 242

330 TOWN CENTER AVENUE SUWANEE, GA 30024

CrossRoads – Your Official City of Suwanee Newsletter

April June 12 Planning & Zoning Commission 6:30 pm 2 Public Arts Commission 7 pm 13 Suwanee Business Alliance 6 pm 7 Planning & Zoning Commission 6:30 pm 14 City Council Workshop 5:30 pm 8 Suwanee Business Alliance 6 pm 15 Glow in the Gateway 7 pm 9 City Council Workshop 5:30 pm 16 Balloons & Breakfast (Gateway) 7:30 am 21 Downtown Development Authority 7:30 am 16 Atlanta’s Greatest Hits Birthday Bash (TCP) 5 pm 21 Zoning Board of Appeals 6:30 pm 19 Downtown Development Authority 7:30 am 21 City Council Meeting* 7 pm 19 Zoning Board of Appeals 6:30 pm 23 Toast @ Town Center 6 pm 26 City Council Meeting* 7 pm 25 Game on the Green: 8:35 pm 28 Toast @ Town Center 6 pm Atlanta Braves @ SD Padres 30 Great American Campout 7 pm (Sims Lake Park) Meetings and events subject to change; check www.suwanee.com for updated information. Unless otherwise noted, City of Suwanee public meetings are at City Hall, May 330 Town Center Avenue. Location for Suwanee Business Alliance meetings varies monthly. 3 Farmers Market Opens 4-7 pm * Public hearing begins 6:30 p.m. 3 Planning & Zoning Commission 6:30 pm 5 Public Arts Commission 7 pm 7 Woofstock (TCP) noon City of Suwanee, Georgia 11 Suwanee Business Alliance 6 pm MAYOR: DAVE WILLIAMS ...... 678/923-7898 12 City Council Workshop 5:30 pm COUNCIL: JACE BROOKS ...... 770/831-0499 17 Downtown Development Authority 7:30 am JIMMY BURNETTE ...... 770/945-3492 17 Zoning Board of Appeals 6:30 pm DAN FOSTER ...... 770/945-8996 19 Suwanee Night @ Gwinnett Braves 7:05 pm DICK GOODMAN ...... 678/446-7520 (Coolray Field) KEVIN MCOMBER ...... 770/271-5427 21 Arts in the Park 11 am-6 pm CITY MANAGER: MARTY ALLEN ...... 770/945-8996 24 City Council Meeting* 7 pm POLICE CHIEF: MIKE JONES ...... 770/945-8995 26 Toast @ Town Center 6 pm NEWSLETTER EDITOR: LYNNE BOHLMAN DeWILDE ...... 770/945-8996 27 Memorial Weekend Concert 7 pm