Got a few hours to kill alone? While great for loud, boisterous groups, the City of Suwanee’s parks also feature numerous solo spots that would even excite a die-hard extrovert.
Be Inspired
Recent studies suggest solitude spurs creative thinking and problem-solving, and history backs the theory up: Mozart was famous for his solo compositions. Isaac Newton developed his theories on calculus, motion and gravitation while in solitude due to a plague.
No matter which park you choose, creative inspiration abounds. Town Center Park, Town Center on Main and PlayTown Suwanee are home to the 24 pieces that make up the 8th SculpTour public art exhibit. And 11 more permanent pieces can be found at White Street, Sims Lake and Main Street parks.
Bring some paper and watercolors, a sketchbook and pencils or even some sidewalk chalk, and let your inner artist be inspired!
Try Something New
Ever wanted to try something new, only to find yourself surrounded and completely intimidated by people who have already seemingly mastered the skill? No newbie wants to learn how to hit a serve next to Serena Williams. Stepping out of your comfort zone alone offers an opportunity to explore and discover while also building self-confidence.
Teach yourself orienteering or how to play disc golf at Suwanee Creek Park. Work on your jump shot or your shredding skills at Main Street Park.
A Quiet Place
Grab your upcoming TBR with this list of the absolute best places to read in Suwanee. The Suwanee branch of the Gwinnett County library is an obvious choice but did you know that Town Center on Main also features a reading grotto near the library’s front doors? White Street Park amenities include picnic tables at Harvest Farm and the orchard is the perfect place to bring a blanket and stretch out under the fruiting trees. At Sims Lake, across the water, next to the art piece that looks like a big yellow sun (Sunset by Gus & Lina Ocamposilva), sits a little bench near the water and far, far away from the busy playground.
Downtime (literally)
Designate yourself the Official Suwanee Slide Tester. Compare and contrast the slides at Sims Lake, Station Park, PlayTown and – our personal favorite – White Street at the orchard. (Betcha didn’t know about the super secret orchard slide which is The Fastest Slide in Suwanee).
Run Free
Indulge in the ultimate solo sport (running) at Martin Farm Park which provides parking and access to the approximately five-mile Suwanee Creek Greenway. The hard surface trail runs through woods and wetlands, providing plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife and connecting 400 acres of parkland. Martin Farm Park also features critical runner accouterments: bathrooms and a water fountain.
Quiet Reflection
Take a moment to reflect on historical moments and sacrifices. In a quiet area of Town Center Park, there’s a Remembrance piece by artist Marc Moulton that includes a twisted relic from one of the World Trade Center towers as well as a piece of commissioned art featuring a September 11 timeline. An evening visit is especially poignant, as a light-shadow impression projects an aerial view of the Manhattan skyline onto the concrete.
Town Center Park is also home to a piece of the Berlin Wall. The side that faced West Germany is full of bright, colorful art depicting citizens’ love of freedom and hope for their countrymen trapped on the other side.