George Pierce Park Renovations

wellness health &

Accessible Play for ALL!

GEORGE PIERCE PARK UNVEILS A NEW PLAYGROUND AND OTHER RENOVATIONS THAT ALLOW CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES ACCESS TO ACTIVE PLAY WITH THEIR PEERS.

By Alicia Carter / Photos by Karl Lamb

ACK IN June 2020, Gwinnett County announced it had approved $2.55 million in improvements to Suwanee’s George Pierce Park, including a new playground designed to be accessible for children with disabilities. The playground’s list of accessible features includes a solid rubber tile surface that allows children who use a wheelchair or other mobility device easier access to play, along with ADA-compliant swings, a whirl spinner with straps, and a play tower designed so that a child in a wheelchair, by means of a paved ramp and bridge, can access the highest point of the tower to overlook the playground below.

“It’s important that our parks be accessible to everyone,” said District 1 Commissioner Jace Brooks. “This allows kids with disabilities to play with other kids, have fun, and be included.”

In addition to the new playground, George Pierce Park’s woodland trail system, which is also considered part of the play experience, is entirely accessible to wheelchairs as well as adults with mobility issues. The trail, which ventures deep into the woods then loops back to the playground, has slopes with less than a 5% grade, allowing a wheelchair-user or any person with mobility issues to be able to enjoy the park more comfortably.

In a combined statement, Glenn Boorman, Deputy Division Director of Project Administration, and Rex Schuder, Project Manager, addressed how the changes to George Pierce Park will benefit the community at large, stating, “Children and adults will have an easier time walking or wheeling through the trail. We hope the combination of play activities and trail access will provide parents with children using wheelchairs a good destination for their activity.”

Why is accessible play important?

Accessible playgrounds and other play spaces do not solely benefit children with disabilities — they benefit all kids. All children deserve access to free and active play with their peers. No child should be forced to sit on the sidelines because public spaces are created without them in mind. In fact, access to active play offers many physical, emotional, cognitive, and social benefits for our children. These benefits include motor skills, problem-solving skills, social interaction, emotional regulation, and many more. “Play is a child's way of communicating and expressing themselves to the people

around them,” says Jennifer Wilmoth, Founder of Thrive Forward Therapy in Suwanee. “When play is accessible to children regardless of their abilities it gives children the opportunity to communicate, learn, and develop friendships with all of their peers. It is a way for children to experiment with the positive and negative outcomes of their behavior in a safe context and gives them the opportunity to explore interactions with peers and learn about the world around them.” When children are denied this access to play and socialize with their peers, it can lead to loneliness, feelings of rejection, and a negative self-image. “It can be especially difficult for a child when they know and can see other peers playing and developing friendships together but they are not able to join,” Wilmoth says. Without these accessible public play spaces, not only are children with disabilities missing out on opportunities to socialize with their peers and make friends, but typicallydeveloping children also miss out on the opportunity to play and interact with disabled children. Accessible playgrounds foster understanding and reduce prejudices, which creates inclusive environments where all are invited to play no matter their abilities.

It has been reported that 53% of children with disabilities lack friendships, which is a disheartening statistic. Part of the reason for such a high percentage is that many of our public spaces exclude them from certain activities. Wood chips may seem like a harmless choice for a playground flooring, but to a child who uses a wheelchair, it can be a determining factor as to whether they are able to participate or watch from the sidelines.

WHEN PLAY IS

ACCESSIBLE

TO CHILDREN REGARDLESS OF THEIR ABILITIES “Children benefit from an inclusive community by feeling they belong and IT GIVES are valued,” Willmoth says. “When play areas are

CHILDREN THE accessible, this provides a rich opportunity for OPPORTUNITY TO children to learn and develop friendships with COMMUNICATE, LEARN, AND peers who have similar and different abilities than them. Even beyond offering DEVELOP more diversity in peer relationships, this helps to

FRIENDSHIPS model honor and respect for diversity in the community as

WITH ALL OF a whole.” These accessible spaces

THEIR PEERS. are also invaluable to adults, especially those with children with disabilities, because they allow - Jennifer Wilmoth, Founder a child to experience independence. A parent or caregiver who of Thrive Forward Therapy would normally have to help maneuver their child throughout the playground in order for them to participate, can now watch their child enjoy playing with fewer limitations. When playgrounds and parks like George Pierce Park are designed to be accessible to all, it benefits the entire community.

George Pierce Park’s new playground features a solid rubber tile surface, accessible swings, a whirl spinner with straps, and a play tower that can be accessed by a paved path.

The rubber tile surface at George Pierce Park’s new playground allows children who use wheelchairs to join in on the fun.

Welcoming children of all ages and abilities to explore, learn and grow together builds stronger, more inclusive communities where everyone is invited to play. ■

George Pierce Park is located at 55 Buford Hwy. N.E. in Suwanee. For more information, visit GwinnettCounty.com.

NATALIE GARRETT

Contributing Writer

PARTY HACKS

with Nat

Suwanee Magazine's official party queen shares insights on making your next event a smashing success! So, what’s next? Postgraduate plans are set and upcoming summer fun is already brewing. The only item left on the agenda is the celebration! You can’t let this special moment flee by without proper recognition. However, you CAN tailor it to your own budget and style.

ConGRADulations! A Traditional Graduation Party

ONGRATULATIONS, CLASS of 2022! You’ve made it! For approximately 180 days out of each year, your entire childhood and adolescent life has been dedicated to fulfilling your academic duties. You’ve prioritized attendance, completed dreadful homework, set and achieved goals, participated in extracurricular activities and clubs, excelled in sports… Your main focus has been working toward this first major life milestone, and now it’s time to honor these hard-earned and well-deserved accomplishments.

And, congratulations to the parents of these graduates! You’ve also made it. Day in and day out, school year after school year, you’ve played a vital role in your child’s academic career. From the ongoing titles of homework helper, coach, project-doer, taxi driver, tear-wiper, lunch-maker, rule enforcer… You’ve been their biggest cheerleader and fan, encouraging them to always push forward and be the best they can be, all while never leaving their side. Now it’s time for you, too, to commemorate this major parenting milestone!

For the social butterflies of the class, this could very well still be the best option. With a never-ending source of creative party concepts from Pinterest and TikTok, immersing yourself in a themed bash with family and friends remains a sure-fire way to go out with a bang. Take “do it for the ‘gram” to the next level with one of these ideas:

One Smart Cookie:

A subtle nod at academic success meets a dreamy dessert spread.

Farewell Fiesta:

Because who wouldn’t want to say ‘sayonara’ with a bottomless build-your-own taco/nacho bar?

Goodbye School, Hello Pool:

A classic backyard barbecue by the pool handles all the entertaining for you!

Plus, don’t forget: 1. Must-have décor: A balloon arch! This DIY showstopper is easily the most trending photo prop of ANY party right now.

2. Something sentimental: As this festivity is a reflection of the last 18 years afterall. Guests would enjoy a glimpse into the past that led up to this point, perhaps through a photo collage of school photos from each grade that ends with senior portraits.

3. Something that indicates next steps: Whether it’s representative of a specific college, military branch, or trade-school path, show off what adventure is in store!

The Gift of an Experience

For those who thrive on a bit more of a thrill, that graduation party fund might be better invested in creating a more significant memory. Think…

■ Bucket-list road trips ■ Never-been-to-before concerts ■ Ultimate game-day tickets (chop on, Braves fans!) ■ Serene spa days full of pampering ■ Spontaneous weekend getaways ■ Outdoor escapades (insert white water rafting, camping trip, ziplining, etc.) ■ Indoor crusades (rock climbing or skydiving, anyone?) ■ Taking on an escape room ■ Finding somewhere more nostalgic that has some of your favorite pastimes like bowling, arcade games, and laser tag ■ Enjoying the day at one of our area’s many attractions (Six Flags, World of Coca-Cola,

Zoo Atlanta, Georgia Aquarium, Stone

Mountain, Chick-fil-A College Football

Hall of Fame — Atlanta is always buzzing with options!)

When it comes down to it, the provided opportunity to live and explore can often be much more meaningful than something tangible. This will most likely end up a more intimate celebration compared to a party with an open guest list, but it’s a guaranteed way to ensure it’s a truly unforgettable one!

A Small Group Gathering

The art of celebration is never a one-size-fits-all approach. For many, the grand parties seem daunting and the urge to try something new isn’t very strong. And that’s perfectly okay! Plan something with your circle that’s catered exactly to your preference. This could be:

■ Hosting an epic game night at home with your closest buddies ■ Competing in a round of racing or challenging each other’s golf swing (check out local hot spots like

Andretti or TopGolf) ■ Reserving a private, guided session for your group at a paint studio

Alas, the final tests have been passed, the stage has been walked, and the cap has been tossed with a turn of the tassle. However you and yours choose to celebrate this notable transition of closing one door and soon opening another, be sure to pause and soak it all in. The next 18 years will fly by even more quickly than the last!

Congrats and Best Wishes!

- Natalie

Jennifer Wilmoth, LMFT, Thrive Forward Therapy

3 Benefits of Social Connection and Community

THERE IS nothing like the feeling of laughing with friends at dinner, cheering on your favorite sports team, or joining a community project to help others. Community and social connection have changed throughout the pandemic but still remains one of our core needs. Many people are experiencing the impact of being disconnected from family, friends, or the community and are looking for ways to re-engage with others.

Here are some benefits you may experience from engaging in the community around you:

1. Happiness When we make social connections, our body releases the hormone oxytocin which has become known as the bonding and happy hormone. This helps us bond with loved ones and seek out new connections in our community because it simply feels good. So, if you are looking to increase your happiness try meeting up with a friend, going on a date night with your significant other, or joining a group in your community.

2. Friendship The more we are involved in our community the more opportunities we have to meet new friends and deepen the friendships we already have. Good friendships can help reduce stress, offer emotional support, reduce loneliness, and be a lot of fun. Friends can be there to celebrate our successes and rally around us with support when life is difficult. The emotional support friends offer can even help us to bounce back and be more resilient through difficult life circumstances such as the loss of a loved one, divorce, or family problems.

3. Greater success Teamwork really

can make the dream work. We can accomplish more as a team or community than we can as individuals. The community of people around us can offer new creative ideas from their varying backgrounds, careers, and experiences that we may not have thought of on our own. The more we lean into community organizations and the friends around us the more we can accomplish.

There are many benefits to connecting with those around us. We can feel happier, have more friends, and accomplish more than we would by ourselves. We are better together

than we are apart. ■

JENNIFER WILMOTH, LMFT

Jennifer Wilmoth is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and founder of Thrive Forward Therapy in the Suwanee area with over a decade of experience. She received her Masters of Family Therapy from Mercer University School of Medicine. She works with families and individuals dealing with a variety of concerns. She specializes in working with couples who want to improve their relationship, teens experiencing difficulties at home or school, children experiencing behavioral or relational concerns, anxiety, and depression. Learn more at ThriveForwardTherapy.com.

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WHAT'S BREWING AT STILLFIRE BREWING

local food, craft beer & wine trends fooo

FRONTERA MEXICAN KITCHEN

SUWANEE STAPLE FRONTERA MEXICAN KITCHEN CELEBRATES ITS 35TH ANNIVERSARY OF SERVING METRO ATLANTA’S FAVORITE FAJITAS

BY ALICIA CARTER / PHOTOS BY KARL LAMB

OCAL RESTAURANT group Norsan Restaurants has launched many successful restaurants in metro Atlanta over the years, including Frankie’s the Steakhouse, Pampas Steakhouse, and Luciano’s Ristorante. However, its very first restaurant concept, Frontera Mexican Kitchen, may be its most successful. Frontera Mexican Kitchen has served traditional Mexican favorites to hungry diners across the metro area since 1987, and has made a name for itself with its brand of fast-casual dining combined with exceptional service. This year, Frontera celebrates its 35th anniversary and has seen the type of success that many restaurants only hope to achieve. In fact, there are now 11 Frontera Mexican Kitchen locations, with a 12th planned for Hamilton Mill in the near future. It’s safe to say that the restaurant’s focus on service and its adherence to using only quality ingredients has played a large role in its growth and longevity.

“We have really established ourselves as a staple here in metro Atlanta,” says Gabriella Copello-Hall of Norsan Restaurants. “We’re family-friendly but still serve high-quality food, and I think that's one of our unique selling points. We have a fast-casual vibe and we’re a place that’s friendly for people to bring their kids, but at the same time, we're serving amazing Mexican favorites. We source all our meats from our sister company, Prime Meats, so we're ensuring really good quality.” The high quality of the food is seen in menu standouts such as the burrito al carbon, which is served with either marinated skirt steak or grilled chicken breast strips and smothered in delicious cheese dip. The vampiro tacos

are also a popular choice, and are described as a tasty combination of a quesadilla and a taco. They come served with Oaxaca cheese, a spread of guacamole topped with marinated New York strip steak, fresh pico de gallo, and fresco cheese alongside black refried beans. “We’re so much more than just a regular American Mexican restaurant because we offer some really cool stuff,” Copello-Hall says. “The vampiro tacos are filled with steak, Burrito al Carbon specialty cheese, double tortillas and are flash fried, which makes them unique. Our chicken fajitas are also a big hit. As part of our big 35th anniversary push, we’ve been coming up with some taglines and one of my favorites is ‘Serving Atlanta's favorite fajitas since 1987.’”

Frontera Mexican Grill’s Suwanee location is home to Paquito, the restaurant’s new robot server who will bring you your food and even sing Happy Birthday.

Margarita Frontera’s friendly staff, comfortable seating, and warm lighting gives the restaurant a homey feel.

While the food will always remain the main event, Copello-Hall says that one thing that truly sets Frontera apart, as well as Norsan’s other restaurant concepts, is their focus on service and creating an inviting atmosphere. “We want people to feel at home,” she says. “Just like you feel at home at your local grocery store or your local coffee shop that you always go to. It’s a place that’s always there for you, always has your favorite food, and you know you're going to get exactly what you want. We work hard to connect all the different pieces of a cozy dining experience — friendly staff, comfortable seating, warm lighting, and even our decor, we want it to feel inviting.”

Clockwise from top left: Frontera’s homestyle guacamole and chicken fajitas are popular menu items. The restaurant's bar boasts Corona-ritas, sangrias, multiple margarita options, and beer from local breweries.

The team behind Frontera has worked hard to build an atmosphere that is both family-friendly as well as a fun place to grab a few drinks after work. Copello-Hall praises Frontera’s bar program, noting “you don’t have to go down I-85 to Atlanta to get delicious, well-crafted margaritas.” Frontera’s drink menu includes Corona-ritas, sangrias, and a Skinny Margarita, as well as beer from local breweries such as StillFire Brewing.

In addition to the inviting atmosphere, high-quality menu, and stand-out service, Frontera is also firmly securing its place in the future of dining with the introduction of Paquito, the restaurant’s new robot server. “Paquito is friendly and he talks; he'll bring you your food,” Copello-Hall says. “It’s just a really cool and unique dining experience right here locally.” A favorite among diners, Paquito has even been known to lead a cheerful rendition of “Happy Birthday” to guests celebrating at the restaurant.

The future sure looks bright for Frontera Mexican Kitchen. With the addition of Paquito as well as a brand-new location opening soon, the restaurant isn’t planning to slow down any time soon. And as long as they continue to focus on serving the high-quality food we’ve come to know and love, locals will continue to visit again and again. ■

Frontera Mexican Kitchen is located at 2137 Lawrenceville-Suwanee Road in Suwanee. For more information call 770-963-3872 or visit MyFrontera.com.