Bicentennial, water programs lead county’s haul of recognitions
By Curt Yeomans
Gwinnett County’s efforts to promote and celebrate its bicentennial netted nearly one third of the national achievement awards that the county recently received from the National Association of Counties.
In all, the county received 11 awards with a broad of departments, from parks and recreation and libraries to water resources and health and human services, taking home recognitions. The bicentennial-related efforts and water resources tied for the largest numbers of awards with three apiece.
“These awards recognize our long-standing tradition of innovation and excellence and confirm Gwinnett as a leader among more than 3,000 county governments in the United States,” county commission Chairwoman Charlotte Nash said in a statement.
“Our Bicentennial is an important underlying theme this year, but it didn’t stop county organizations from continuing to work on other projects that are important to the community and for which folks are receiving much-deserved recognition.”
The county’s bicentennial website, www.gwinnett200.com, won the award for best website while a 20-panel traveling Gwinnett history exhibit and the interactive online map that lets residents track the bicentennial torch run also received awards.
The Department of Water Resources received awards for its Ostara nutrient recovery facility at the F. Wayne Hill Water Resources Center as well as its watershed cleanups and septic tank education program.
The Gwinnett County Public Library System won a best in category award for the Homegrown Gwinnett program. It also picked up an additional award for a project it does in partnership with Gwinnett County Parks and Recreation to hold literary nights at the county’s aquatic centers.
The Parks and Recreation division and the Information Technology Services division shared an award for the Lucity computer system it uses to handle maintenance scheduling and predicting when maintenance will be needed at parks facilities.
The Health and Human Services division received an award for its program to begin adding pet food deliveries along with home-delivered meals to homebound seniors who have pets.
Meanwhile, the Gwinnett Environmental and Heritage Center won an award for innovative use of technology for its Hydro Adventure Experience.
“Counties seize opportunities to deliver services more efficiently and build stronger communities every day,” National Association of Counties President Roy Charles Brooks said in a statement. “Achievement Award-winning programs are examples for counties that are determined to enhance services for our residents.”
