Gwinnett County commissioners have approved a $2.55 million plan to upgrade equipment at George Pierce Park and add a new playground that will be accessible to physically disabled children.

The Suwanee area park will get swings that are considered accessible in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and a wheelchair-accessible sidewalk and bridge as part of the project approved last week. There will also be a “house-play area” and merry-go-round at the new playground, according to a county release.

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The accessible aspects aren’t limited to the playground. The plan passed June 23 also includes a wheelchair-accessible trail loop that goes through a “wooded stream valley,” the release says.

“It’s important that our parks be accessible to everyone,” said Jace Brooks, whose district includes the park. “This allows kids with disabilities to play with other kids, have fun, and be included. I’ll be very excited to see these improvements when they’re finished.”

The work will be concentrated on the park’s east side, near the adult softball fields. There will be new bathrooms and a refurbishment of an existing pavillion in addition to the new playground and trail.

The project is expected to begin work this summer and finish in summer 2021.

School districts across the metro area are working to finalize plans for the upcoming school year to protect families as they deal with the coronavirus.

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