Community Corner
Patch Picks: Places to Stay Cool
Norcross Patch has the city's top places to cope with the scorching weather this summer, from pools to icy treats.
No matter how long you live in metro Atlanta, you still feel like you won't ever get used to the summer heat. Luckily, Norcross has a few places to cool down and hydrate so that you don't have to burn up every time you step out of an air-conditioned building.
Splash Pad at Lillian Webb Park
5 College Street
770-448-2122
Why Go: The three-level fountain and waterfall at the entrance of Lillian Webb Park leads to a splash pool at the bottom right next to the a field's greenspace. The interactive splash pad makes for a hydrating haven for kids after a scorching afternoon walking around downtown Norcross.
Find out what's happening in Norcrosswith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Hours: Daily, 10 a.m-8 p.m. (Editor's note: Though there were some repairs going on earlier in the season, the Splash Pad is indeed up and running!)
Price: Free.
Find out what's happening in Norcrosswith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Best Friend Park
6224 Jimmy Carter Boulevard
770-417-2202
Why Go: This park has been around for years, and features two outdoor leisure pools along with water play structures. The pools have zero-depth gravity (where guests just walk straight into the water, sans steps or a ladder) and a tall, curvy water slide. The pool will be open every day this summer and will close August 8 for the season.
Hours: Monday through Saturday, noon-6 p.m., and Sunday, 1 p.m.-6 p.m.
Price: For daily admission, Gwinnett residents pay $2 to $5, depending on age, and non-Gwinnett residents pay $4 to $10 depending on age.
West Gwinnett Park and Aquatic Center
4488 Peachtree Industrial Boulevard
770-417-2281
Why Go: As one of the best kept secrets in Norcross, the new 23-acre park and pool has a full aquatic center to please any family's kids. The center has an outdoor leisure pool complete with zero-depth entry (similar to the Best Friend Park's pool), two giant waterslides, a lively bubble bench, a river channel, spray bar and other water play structures. A 25-yard by 25-meter indoor competition and lap pool is available for guests, too, along with an instructional pool where classes are offered. The outdoor pool will be open all summer and close for session Sept. 4.
Hours: For open swim, all pools are open Monday through Saturday, noon-6 p.m., and Sunday, 1 p.m.-6 p.m. For times on lap swimming, visit the Gwinnett County pools' website.
Price: For daily admission, Gwinnett residents pay $2 to $5, depending on age, and non-Gwinnett residents pay $4 to $10, also depending on age.
SunO at Jimmy Carter
5495 Jimmy Carter Blvd. Suite F-118A
770-559-3522
Why Go: If you're looking for something more along the lines of mouth-watering rather than physical exercise, SunO is the place to go. Consisting of shaved ice cream, fruits, syrups and traditional western toppings such as sprinkles, SunO is an Asian dessert that is sure to get any cold-dessert lover addicted. Choose from a wide selection of already created plates such as the Dirt o’Oreo (filled with Oreo cookies and crumbs, crushed nuts, gummy worms and chocolate syrup) or the Hawaiian (mango, kiwi and strawberry, along with their respected syrups), or customize your own shaved sensation (for a full list of items, visit their menu website). SunO Dessert also carries different types of crepes, teas and wheel pies. Just remember: Biting into that first spoonful of SunO dessert will make anyone believe that ice cream was meant to be shaved.
Hours: Monday through Friday, 1 p.m.-8 p.m.; Saturday through Sunday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
Price: Prices vary for each item, but the average price for a crepe or shaved ice creation is $6.50, and the teas are $2.75.
Jones Bridge Park
4901 East Jones Bridge Road
770-417-2200
Why Go: Being so close to the Chattahoochee River, Jones Bridge Park in Peachtree Corners gives visitors access to swimming, fishing and feeding the ducks. Thirty acres of pavilions, playgrounds, a sand volleyball court, three soccer fields and grills gives families a whole day of entertainment, not boredom.
Hours: The park is open from sunrise to sunset.
Pricing: Free.
Holcomb Bridge Park
4300 Holcomb Bridge Road
770-417-2200
Why Go: Similar to the Jones Bridge Park, Holcomb Bridge Park is also located in Peachtree Corners and has two river overlooks of the Chattahoochee. Its 12 acres of goodness also has grilling, a playground and a large pavilion.
Hours: The park is open from sunrise to sunset.
Pricing: Free.
