GPCID AUGUST 2026 NEWSLETTER

The Gwinnett Place Community Improvement District Board of Directors will meet virtually on Thursday, August 20, at 8 a.m. The meeting will be held exclusively on ZOOM and will provide an opportunity to hear updates on the CID’s current priorities, projects and ongoing efforts to support the Gwinnett Place district. Members of the public are invited to attend online.

For Gwinnett Place CID Board Chair Trey Ragsdale, the district is more than a center for business and economic activity. It’s a community he genuinely believes in. “I remember as a kid going shopping at Gwinnett Place Mall for Christmas, Easter and all the major holidays,” explained Ragsdale. In our latest Board Member Spotlight, he shares what makes Gwinnett Place such a special place to live, work and invest.

The CID board chairman also highlights the collaboration taking place among local businesses, property owners, government leaders and community partners to build on the district’s strengths and create an even more connected and welcoming area.

The work happening across the Gwinnett Place CID adds up in a big way. From January to July, CID-funded landscape crews and Community Ambassador Patrols have continued working behind the scenes to keep the district cleaner, safer and more welcoming for businesses, employees, residents and visitors.

From removing tons of litter and hundreds of illegally placed signs to returning abandoned shopping carts, identifying damaged street signs and helping get street and parking lot lights repaired, these teams are addressing the everyday issues that make a noticeable difference in how the district looks and feels. Their efforts also provide real value to local businesses.

This year alone, GPCID’s Director of Operations Glenn Wisdom has returned 250 abandoned shopping carts to area retailers, representing an estimated $62,500 in avoided replacement costs. The latest statistics show just how much can be accomplished through consistent attention, proactive maintenance and a continued investment in the Gwinnett Place.

Whether you are perfecting your swing or setting sail on a miniature golf adventure, there are plenty of ways to play in Gwinnett Place. At Golf VX in Duluth, golfers of all experience levels can step onto some of the world’s most recognizable courses through an immersive indoor golf experience. With advanced simulator technology, comfortable gathering spaces and options for both casual outings and competitive play, it is an ideal destination for friends, families and group events.

For a different kind of course, Pirate’s Cove Adventure Golf invites visitors to navigate waterfalls, caves and pirate-themed obstacles during a round of family-friendly miniature golf. The long-time Gwinnett Place attraction offers an entertaining escape for visitors of all ages.

The 2026 Korean Festival in Atlanta is bringing two full days of culture, food and entertainment to Gwinnett Place Mall on September 19 and 20, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Guests can experience Korean traditions new and old, live K-pop performances, authentic cuisine and family-friendly activities while celebrating the vibrant Korean community that helps make Gwinnett Place such a dynamic and diverse district.

Early bird tickets are available online for 25% off. Admission is free for children under 10, adults over 70, police officers, firefighters, military personnel and guests wearing a hanbok, the traditional Korean dress. Make plans to join the celebration and experience one of the district’s most anticipated cultural events of the year.

The Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners recently approved the creation of a Homelessness Task Force that will bring community members together to develop a coordinated, streamlined and actionable response to homelessness in Gwinnett. The 10-member task force will be jointly managed by the Gwinnett County Planning and Development and Community Services departments. Some members will be appointed by the Board of Commissioners, the Gwinnett County Police Chief or designee, Gwinnett County Public Schools, Gwinnett’s Community Improvement Districts and local healthcare and nonprofit providers.

Gwinnett Place CID Executive Director Joe Allen will represent Gwinnett’s CIDs on the task force. The task force will meet monthly and serve as community representatives to identify service gaps, gather public input, review data, assess models from other jurisdictions and evaluate best practices and strategies.

Gwinnett County recently earned a record-breaking 46 National Association of Counties Achievement Awards, recognizing innovative programs that strengthen services and improve engagement across the community. Among the programs honored was Volunteer Gwinnett, highlighting the important role volunteers play in supporting County initiatives and making a meaningful difference for residents and businesses.

Tickets are now available for the Gwinnett County Police Foundation’s inaugural Evening in Blue Gala on Thursday, September 24. As a sponsor of this black-tie event, GPCID is proud to support an evening that brings the community together to recognize the dedicated officers and employees of the Gwinnett County Police Department while supporting the Foundation’s work to provide assistance, fund scholarships, and address critical needs.

Be part of this special evening and show your support for those who serve Gwinnett County every day.

Gwinnett Place is excited to welcome Merge Caribbean Restaurant to the district! The new restaurant recently celebrated its grand opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, bringing together local leaders, community members and supporters to mark the occasion. Gwinnett Place CID Executive Director Joe Allen joined the celebration and spoke during the event, welcoming Merge Caribbean Restaurant to the area and highlighting the importance of new businesses investing in the district.

We encourage the community to stop by from 4 – 11 p.m. Tuesday – Sunday. Support this new local business and experience a taste of the Caribbean right here in Gwinnett Place.

Hanmi Bank has named Chiyon Kim manager of its Duluth branch, located on Pleasant Hill Road in the Gwinnett Place area. Kim brings more than 27 years of banking experience, including leadership roles with several financial institutions across Georgia. She will lead Hanmi Bank’s only Georgia branch as the bank continues building relationships and serving customers throughout the community.

Founded in 1982 as the first Korean American bank in the United States, Hanmi Bank now operates across nine states, with Duluth serving as its only location in the Southeast.

The Gwinnett County Police Department is inviting residents, business owners, visitors and community stakeholders to complete a brief, anonymous survey about department performance, community safety concerns and opportunities to improve police services. The survey takes approximately five minutes to complete, and responses will help the department evaluate its services, strengthen community relationships and identify areas for improvement.