Gwinnett County Agrees to Purchase E.E. Robinson Park

From Gwinnett County Government

Gwinnett County commissioners agreed Tuesday to purchase E.E. Robinson Park from the city of Sugar Hill for $10 million. The sale of the land and existing facilities is expected to close next month.

The 53-acre park includes youth and adult baseball/softball fields, tennis and volleyball courts, a pavilion and covered playground, amphitheater, restroom/concession building, more than 500 parking spaces, maintenance and storage buildings and an area for future expansion.

Commission Chairman Charlotte Nash said, “Gwinnett County is very happy to partner with the City of Sugar Hill. Adding E.E. Robinson Park to our park system helps meet our mission of providing first-class parks and recreation services countywide.” Gwinnett County’s long-range plans have shown a need for an active community park in the Sugar Hill area. The Lanier Youth Athletic Association will use the park to expand youth sports in the Lanier School Cluster.

Sugar Hill Mayor Steve Edwards said, “The sale of E.E. Robinson to Gwinnett County is good for the taxpayers of Sugar Hill and Gwinnett County. The park will still be in the city, just like the new Level Creek Park a few hundred yards down the road, and has the capacity to accommodate the future growth of this area of the county. Gwinnett County is recognized across the country for its world-class parks and recreation services. All park users will benefit from improvements and maintenance to the park as part of the County’s recreation master plan. Our recreation department will now focus their attention on maintaining and improving Gary Pirkle Park and other opportunities in Sugar Hill.”

City Council Member Brandon Hembree, who lives near the park, said, “Handing over the keys of E.E. Robinson to the County is like leaving your child in the hands of a trusted relative. You have confidence they will care for and nurture it just like you would. This is a win-win for Gwinnett County and Sugar Hill. E.E. Robinson will continue to be an important recreational asset to the Sugar Hill community.”

Sugar Hill will continue to host its annual July 3rd Sparks in the Park Celebration and its traditional Easter Egg Hunt in the park. Gwinnett County also agreed to keep the name of the park and the various named and dedicated playing fields.

District 1 Commissioner Jace Brooks said, “This intergovernmental agreement allows the County to use existing park land and facilities to expand youth recreation.”

Gwinnett County’s system of 46 parks and historic sites received national recognition this year as a finalist for the National Recreation and Park Association’s Gold Medal award. The County won the award in 2010.