Field Equity

About the Program

Category: Parks and Recreation (Best in Category)

Year: 2023

Gwinnett County, Georgia, responded to findings in the 2020 Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan to provide recreation access to more residents throughout the county via self-led play access to synthetic turf multipurpose fields. A key finding in the comprehensive plan was a need to enhance convenience and accessibility; residents would like to travel a maximum of two miles to enjoy facilities and programs. A second key finding was a need to prioritize facility/amenity and program/activity investments, with the highest program need being adult wellness and youth fitness, and wellness being in the 75th percentile or higher for town hall meetings and special event data collection. Providing access to a previously permit-only amenity allowed Gwinnett Parks and Recreation to address these needs by presenting a space for self-led fitness and social opportunities for youth and adults via our multipurpose fields. The program was also in response to increasing demand from the public to have access to an amenity that was previously permit-only with access only through pay-to-play organizations. Providing access during unpermitted times allowed for equitable play regardless of the ability to register for an organized sport.