Gwinnett Commissioners recently awarded a $442,279 contract to low bidder Pacific Studio Inc. to design and build interactive exhibits for Freeman’s Mill Park, on the Alcovy River at 1401 Alcovy Road south of Dacula.
The exhibits will tell the story of how grains have been planted, harvested and milled for centuries. Park visitors will see early milling machinery and a smaller scale mill that will grind bags of cornmeal to take home.
“We’ve already completed significant restoration work,” said District 3 Commissioner Tommy Hunter. “And now we’re getting ready to open this exhibit inside the gristmill by late next summer so park visitors can learn how it worked.”
Gwinnett County bought the 150-year-old mill site in 2002. The restoration is funded by voter-approved SPLOST programs.
Chairman Charlotte Nash said, “We’re delighted to get this work underway during our Bicentennial Celebration to help educate future generations about 19th century agriculture and life in Gwinnett County.”
In addition to the gristmill, the 12-acre park features a playground and a half-mile paved trail.
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