Sunday in the Park
April 17, 2023 | BestLifeGlenn
After church, Val and I had brunch and then enjoyed Sunday afternoon at the Gwinnett County Bicentennial Plaza in downtown Lawrenceville on April 16.
The plaza is a beautiful historic park that celebrates the county’s first 200 years of growth. Since we enjoy historic sites, we wanted to see what this plaza was all about and how Gwinnett’s history has been documented.
It’s a nice place to walk and learn about Gwinnett’s history through a series of exhibits that are erected along the park’s paved walkways. In addition to the exhibits, there is a time capsule containing residents’ stories and other artifacts buried at the center of the park. There are also park benches and tables where you can relax.
After touring the exhibits, Val and I sat on one of the benches and enjoyed the serenity and the spring weather. We had a chance to talk about the week ahead. We were thankful that Mother Nature held off on the predicted rain until we were ready to leave.
I have to tell you: Sitting in the park— still dressed for church—reminded me of the scene in the 1960s Walt Disney movie, 101 Dalmations. You know the scene where Roger and his wife-to-be, Anita, meet for the first time at a park and end up marrying and adopting 101 Dalmatians. They were dressed up just to go to the park with their dogs. What a different era back then. Val and I laughed about that. While we were at the park, a man walked up to us and said “Man, I know you from somewhere. What team did you play for?” Now, my crazy wife was laughing hysterically. He wasn’t the only one. Others stopped to tell us how the yellow made them feel happy. They asked to see the white leather patches (elbows) on my jacket and complimented Val on her matching dress. More laughter from the wife. I was amazed at the curiosity of strangers but felt happy that we had made others happy by just sitting in the park. Glad we had a chance to explore here.
This gem is the former site of Gwinnett County’s Fire Station 15, which was demolished to make way for the park. After a little research, I learned that a new fire station was constructed at 199 Scenic Highway in Lawrenceville. The plaza is part of an effort to revive Lawrenceville’s downtown.
Gwinnett Bicentennial Plaza is located at 275 S. Perry St., Lawrenceville. We found free street parking available near the entrance.
Please feel free to share your thoughts about this post and let us know in the Comments section if you have visited the park or thinking of checking it out. Don’t forget to subscribe below to Best Life Glenn for more inspo on places to go, things to do and ways to live your best life today.
