HIDDEN GWINNETT: THE ORCHARD AT WHITE STREET PARK

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Nourishment for the Mind, Body and Soul

Deep in the heart of historic Suwanee, tucked away down a side road followed by a turn onto an even more secreted one lane, sits the hidden jewel of Suwanee. Hidden just past the community garden sits the Orchard at White Street Park: a fully functional, open-to-the-public orchard—the first of its kind in the Southeast.

The City of Suwanee and Harvest Farm collaborated to develop the orchard in order to provide families with a fun and engaging space that changes through the seasons, encourages creative and outdoor play, and grows fresh fruit. In addition to fruit-yielding trees, the Orchard at White Street Park also includes lawn areas for relaxation and play, a pavilion, winding pathways and natural children’s play features throughout the one-acre site.

“The orchard was designed to incorporate fruiting plants, winding paths, lawns and natural play features. It is a unique and exceptional space for discovery and exploration and offers hands-on learning opportunities,” said orchard landscape architect Roger Grant. “People of all ages are encouraged to observe and enjoy the fruits of our labor. It is maintained using organic pest control methods, meaning the fruit may not look like what we see at the grocery store, but patrons get an authentic and safe experience.”

The orchard serves as the perfect complement to Harvest Farm, Suwanee’s award-winning community garden, which is also located at White Street Park. Opened in 2010, Harvest Farm was the first community garden in Gwinnett County and remains one of the largest organic community gardens in the southeastern United States. Space for an orchard was programmed on the original 2009 master plan for White Street Park; the city completed construction on the second phase of the park (which includes the orchard) in 2017, and the orchard’s grand opening was celebrated on October 22, 2017. The Georgia Urban Forest Council recognized the Orchard at White Street Park as its 2017 Outstanding New Initiative, and Keep Georgia Beautiful chose the project for its 2017 Community Beautification award.

“We’re so grateful to live in a community that has embraced this project and helped us to fulfill this dream,” said the Grants. “These awards are a reflection of the hard work from volunteers and city staff that made this park a reality.”