Talk of the Town - Wild Timber February 17 2001

Wild Timber is a subdivision that may look similar to many others, but its hiking trails, preservation areas and other unique amenities set it apart.
A community planned to eventually have more than 400 homes, Wild Timber is set in the far reaches of Gwinnett County among the rolling hills nestled between the Chattahoochee River and Suwanee Dam Road.
The first clue that this subdivision has something more greets you at the entryway, where a 25-foot observation tower stands. Along with copies of the printed trail guide, the entrance also is marked with the first of several trailheads that are similarly marked throughout the subdivision. More than 23,000 linear feet of planned trails wind around the neighborhood. The routes have focal points and overlook areas with picnic spots, footbridges and arbors. A hiking trail follows the banks of Lake Wildwood, and another 4,000 linear feet of trail leads hikers along the Chattahoochee River.
Wild Timber's 85 acres of conservation areas, trails and woodlands are dedicated to the memory of Carolyn Boyd Hatcher, a "passionate visionary, tireless advocate and devoted friend of Georgia's natural heritage." She was president of the environmental group Georgia Conservancy from 1989 until her death in 1998.
Other subdivisions have clubhouses and pools, but Wild Timber's country club amenities are better described as a national park building and a water park. An eagle sculpture stands at the entry to the multi-level log clubhouse, centered with a massive stone fireplace. Its decks face the Chattahoochee and overlook three pools — a round baby pool, a lap pool and the third pool with a curving, 75-foot water slide. Sided by a playground with a fort-like design, it's a kid's dream come true. For the ALTA enthusiast, there are two sets of double tennis courts and a separate court with seating.
Wild Timber is a Fairgreen Development of Northside Realty. The custom "Fireside" home design includes stone fireplaces, cypress hardwood floors, exposed beams, working shutters and window boxes. Resident Diane Kozlecar and her family, who moved from Pennsylvania, chose Wild Timber because of the secluded location and because "the scenery is beautiful." Her husband has a short drive to his job in Duluth and Lake Lanier is close by, giving the couple ample opportunity to use their boat. Kozlecar also was attracted to what she calls the "casual lifestyle" of her home's design, especially the full front porch with ceiling fans.