Walk There! Decatur

January 27, 2025 Leave a comment

Pedestrian Safety Tips in the City of Decatur

Walking is one of the most enjoyable ways to explore the City of Decatur. With our tree-lined streets, bustling square, and vibrant neighborhoods, Decatur is committed to creating a safe and welcoming environment for pedestrians. Whether you’re walking to school, commuting to work, or simply enjoying a leisurely stroll, safety should always be a top priority. Here are some essential pedestrian safety tips to help keep everyone safe on Decatur’s streets:

1. Use Designated Crosswalks

Always cross streets at marked crosswalks or intersections. These areas are designed for pedestrian visibility, and drivers are more likely to yield to you. Be sure to wait for the “Walk” signal when available.

2. Stay Alert and Avoid Distractions

Keep your eyes up and avoid distractions like texting or using your phone while walking. Staying aware of your surroundings helps you notice approaching vehicles, bicycles, or other potential hazards.

3. Make Eye Contact with Drivers

Before crossing the street, make eye contact with drivers to ensure they see you. Never assume a driver has noticed you or will yield the right-of-way.

4. Walk on Sidewalks

Use sidewalks whenever available. If a sidewalk is not present, walk on the shoulder of the road facing traffic to increase visibility and reduce the risk of accidents.

5. Be Visible, Especially at Night

If you’re walking in low-light conditions, wear bright or reflective clothing to make yourself more visible to drivers. Carrying a flashlight or using reflective accessories can also improve safety.

6. Follow Traffic Signals and Signs

Adhere to all traffic signals and pedestrian signs. Crossing against the light or outside of designated areas increases the risk of accidents and confusion for drivers.

7. Teach Kids Pedestrian Safety Rules

Ensure children understand basic pedestrian safety rules, such as looking both ways before crossing, using crosswalks, and staying close to an adult when near traffic.

8. Advocate for Safe Streets

Decatur residents are encouraged to advocate for pedestrian-friendly policies and infrastructure improvements. Whether it’s attending community meetings or participating in walkability studies, your voice helps shape a safer city for everyone.

How Decatur Supports Pedestrian Safety

The City of Decatur has made significant investments in creating a pedestrian-friendly community. Projects like traffic-calming measures, expanded crosswalks, and pedestrian signals at key intersections make walking safer and more convenient. Additionally, educational campaigns and events like Walk to School Day promote awareness of pedestrian safety.

By working together as a community, we can ensure that the City of Decatur remains a safe, walkable, and enjoyable city for all residents and visitors. Take these tips to heart, stay mindful of your surroundings, and enjoy all that Decatur has to offer—on foot!

Filed under City of Decatur, Decatur Parks & Recreation, Safe Routes to School, Walk Decatur Tagged with , , ,

Virtual Lunch and Learn: East Decatur Greenway – From Gas Station to Greenway

January 9, 2025 Leave a comment

📅 Thursday, January 16
⏰ 12 PM – 1 PM
📍 Virtual (via Zoom)

Join Trees Atlanta for an inspiring virtual session featuring Michele Ritan as she shares the remarkable story of the East Decatur Greenway. Discover how a once-blighted brownfield site was transformed into a thriving community greenspace through the power of local engagement, creative partnerships, and resource collaboration.

Michele will dive into her journey of mobilizing neighbors, university students, non-profits, and federal partners to bring this ambitious vision to life. Additionally, Trees Atlanta’s Forest Restoration Manager Madison Cummiskey and EPA Environmental Engineer Camilla Warren will share insights into why local and federal organizations prioritize collaboration with community leaders. They’ll also provide actionable tips for leveraging resources to bring positive change to your own neighborhood.

This is a unique opportunity to learn from passionate environmental advocates and explore the best practices behind successful community transformation. Don’t miss out!

Filed under Decatur Greenspaces, Decatur Parks & Recreation, Legacy Park Tagged with , ,

Use Monday to Stay on the Right Track

January 6, 2025 Leave a comment

New routines can take some time to get going. If you’ve been trying to make your day more active, use this Monday to check in on your progress and to stay on track. Did you use January to make a new resolution? Consider Mondays instead! You can resolve to keep moving and try new activities every week. You haven’t fallen off the wagon yet! You might just need to make some minor adjustments.

Staying active can become second nature to you no matter what your fitness level is. In the beginning, keep track of how often you get up and move throughout the day and how much time you spend moving.

Experts recommend 150 minutes of moderate physical activity a week, or about 30 minutes per day, five days a week. You can build up to that kind of goal over time. For now, draw up an hourly schedule and note when you get up and what you do. If you find that you’re sitting for a long period of time, find an activity that will help break up that block of time.

You can use every Monday to reset your practice, add to it, or change it up if you want to do something more or less challenging. Changing your lifestyle is not a sprint – it can be done incrementally, over the course of time. You can hit the “reset” button every Monday and reach new goals every week!

Here are a few simple exercises that will keep you moving throughout the day:

Mini workouts: Whenever you can find a few moments, do quick exercises in short bursts that will get your heart beating and muscles moving!

Chair yoga: If you can’t leave your desk, take some time to stretch and prevent yourself from getting stiff. Bonus: A little yoga will help you reduce stress!

Walking: Walking is real exercise. Consider organizing or walking a Monday Mile. But if you can’t find the time to do that, take short walks throughout the day. Park your car further away from your destination instead of finding the closest spot. Take the stairs instead of the elevator. Walk during conversations or meetings at work. Every step counts!

It’s never too late to start being more active on a daily basis. Monday is a great day to start adding a little bit more movement to your day that can continue through the rest of the week!

Filed under Exercise, Healthy Monday, Monday Campaigns, Yoga Tagged with ,

Biking Safety Tips for Youth: Riding Smart Starts Early!

December 23, 2024 Leave a comment

Biking is an exciting way for kids and teens to stay active, explore their neighborhoods, and have fun with friends. But riding safely is just as important as knowing how to pedal. Check out these top tips to help youth ride smart and stay safe!

Gear Up for Safety

  • Helmet First! A helmet isn’t just cool—it’s essential. Make sure it fits snugly and is worn level on the head.
  • Bright Clothing Rocks. Neon, bright colors, or reflective gear helps others see you, especially during dawn or dusk.

Know the Rules of the Road

  • Ride in the Right Direction. Always bike with the flow of traffic, not against it.
  • Follow Traffic Signs and Signals. Just like cars, bikes need to obey stop signs, red lights, and other road signals.
  • Use Hand Signals. Show drivers and others where you’re going with clear hand signals for turning or stopping.

Be Aware of Your Surroundings

  • Keep Your Head Up! Watch for cars, pedestrians, potholes, and even animals.
  • No Distractions. Save the headphones and phone scrolling for after your ride.

Stay Visible

  • Use a white front light and a red rear light if riding when it’s dark or getting dark. Reflectors on bikes and backpacks are a great addition too!

Ride Where It’s Safe

  • Stick to bike lanes, quiet streets, or trails when possible.
  • For younger riders, sidewalks can be safer, but always be mindful of pedestrians.

Check Your Bike Before You Go

  • Tires. Are they pumped up and ready to roll?
  • Brakes. Make sure they stop smoothly.
  • Chain. It should be clean and securely in place.

Buddy Up

  • Riding with a friend or group is not only more fun but safer too. You’re more visible when biking with others.

Respect Others on the Road

  • Be courteous to drivers, pedestrians, and other cyclists. Sharing the road makes it safer for everyone.

Teaching youth these biking safety habits early helps them build confidence and independence. Whether biking to school, the park, or a friend’s house, a safe ride is always the best ride!

Let’s empower young riders to explore their world safely on two wheels. 🚴‍♂️✨

Filed under Bike Decatur, City of Decatur, Decatur Parks & Recreation Tagged with , , ,

Bike Safety Tips for a Safe Ride

December 19, 2024 Leave a comment

Biking is not only a great way to stay active and reduce your carbon footprint, but it’s also an enjoyable way to explore your community. Whether you’re commuting, riding to school, or simply enjoying a leisurely ride, safety should always be your top priority.

Here are some essential tips to ensure a safe biking experience:

1. Wear a Helmet

A properly fitted helmet is your best defense against head injuries. It should fit snugly, sit level on your head, and cover your forehead without obstructing your vision. A helmet can make a significant difference in the event of an accident.

2. Be Visible

Make sure drivers, pedestrians, and other cyclists can see you. Wear bright or reflective clothing, and equip your bike with front and rear lights, especially if you’re riding in low-light conditions or at night. Being visible helps prevent accidents.

3. Follow the Rules of the Road

Bicycles are considered vehicles, and riders are required to obey traffic laws. Ride in the same direction as traffic, stop at red lights and stop signs, and use hand signals to communicate your turns. Staying predictable and adhering to road rules helps keep everyone safe.

4. Stay Alert

Always be aware of your surroundings. Watch out for cars, pedestrians, potholes, and other potential hazards. Avoid distractions like using your phone or listening to music through headphones while riding. Staying focused allows you to react quickly to any situation.

5. Check Your Bike Before You Ride

Before hitting the road, do a quick inspection of your bike. Check the brakes to ensure they’re working properly, examine the tires for any signs of wear or low pressure, and make sure the chain is clean and in good condition.

6. Ride Predictably

Avoid sudden swerves or stops that might confuse drivers or other cyclists. Signal your intentions clearly, and ride in a straight line whenever possible. Riding predictably helps others on the road anticipate your movements.

Safety is a Shared Responsibility

By following these tips, you’re doing your part to create a safer environment for all road users. Whether you’re an experienced cyclist or just getting started, a little preparation and awareness can go a long way toward ensuring a safe and enjoyable ride.

Let’s work together to make our streets bike-friendly and safe for everyone. Happy riding!

For more bike safety tips or to learn about cycling programs in the City of Decatur, visit decaturga.com/biking

Filed under City of Decatur, Decatur Parks & Recreation, Exercise Tagged with , ,

This Monday Recommit to Your Routine to Reduce Your Stress Level

December 9, 2024 1 Comment

Recommit to Your Routine This Monday to Reduce Stress

Stress might feel like a part of life, but it’s often called a “silent killer” due to its negative effects on physical and mental health. This Monday, take charge by reconnecting with activities that help you stay active, balanced, and in control of your stress.

A full, busy life is a blessing, but it can also be overwhelming. You’re not alone—two-thirds of Americans report feeling stressed, with money and work being top triggers, according to the American Psychological Society. Even small disruptions, like a late night or missed workout, can throw us off balance. But there’s good news: research shows that intentional movement and mindfulness practices can significantly reduce stress.

Move Your Body to Calm Your Mind

Exercise:
Exercise is a proven stress-buster. Staying sedentary can increase stress levels, while movement can boost your mood, promote relaxation, and release feel-good endorphins. The Mayo Clinic highlights the mental health benefits of regular exercise, from improved sleep to a greater sense of calm. Even short bursts of movement—like a quick walk or stretch—can make a big difference.

Qigong and Tai Chi:
Looking for something low-impact yet powerful? Try Qigong on Fridays at 10:30 a.m. for a gentle movement practice that connects your mind, body, and energy. Or join the Tai Chi/Qigong Beginners Class on Wednesdays at 12 p.m. to enhance strength, flexibility, and balance in a calming environment. Both classes take place at the Decatur Recreation Center.

Take a Walk to Recenter

Walking is one of the easiest ways to combat stress and improve overall well-being. It’s also a great way to connect with your community.

Wednesday Walks: Meet us outside the Decatur Recreation Center for a 2-3 mile walk around the neighborhood. It’s a perfect midweek reset. Walks start at 9 a.m. (May-September) and 10 a.m. (October-April).

#MondayMile: Walk off stress by joining the Monday Mile! It’s a simple, social way to get moving—just grab a friend or coworker and walk a mile to kick-start your week.

Center Yourself with Yoga and Meditation

Yoga and meditation provide a calming way to reset your mind and body while releasing stress. These practices help increase flexibility, improve focus, and enhance overall well-being.

Flow Yoga: Ease into your week with this gentle practice linking movement and breath. This class includes flowing sequences and slower, held postures focusing on alignment, flexibility, and balance. Join us Tuesdays at 10 a.m.

Deep Stretch Yoga: Find balance and release tension with poses held for longer periods to relax muscles, joints, and connective tissue. Suitable for all levels—just bring a yoga mat and a blanket or large towel. Thursdays at 10 a.m.

Both Flow Yoga and Deep Stretch Yoga take place at the Decatur Recreation Center.

This Monday, commit to a routine that makes you feel good inside and out. Whether it’s yoga, Qigong, walking, or a simple stretch, make space to move, breathe, and rediscover your balance. Your mind and body will thank you.

Filed under Decatur Parks & Recreation, Exercise, Healthy Monday, Monday Campaigns, Walk Decatur, Yoga Tagged with , ,

Restoring Nature: Volunteers Transform Glenn Creek Nature Preserve with Native Plantings and Invasive Plant Removal

December 4, 2024 Leave a comment

Over the past two months, dedicated volunteers have teamed up with native plant professionals to make significant strides in revitalizing Glenn Creek Nature Preserve. These efforts are helping to restore the preserve’s natural ecosystem and support native wildlife, ensuring its continued beauty and ecological health for years to come.

A Flourish of Native Plantings
In an inspiring show of community collaboration, volunteers planted over 340 native plant species during two recent weekend events. These plants, representative of Georgia’s Piedmont region, were purchased from local Atlanta-area nurseries with generous donations from Decatur Heights and Glenwood Estates neighbors.

The planting was organized with guidance from the Intown Native Plant Society, whose members provided a detailed planting plan, including species lists, locations, and maps of designated areas. Copies of the plans were shared with the City’s Urban Naturalist Allison Ericson to ensure alignment with the city’s ecological goals. Volunteers from Decatur Heights, Decatur High School, Glennwood Estates, and the Wylde Center worked together under the direction of the Intown Native Plant Society to complete the plantings.

Invasive Plant Removal: A Critical Step
In addition to adding native species, the team tackled the preserve’s non-native invasive plants, such as Wisteria, Liriope (monkey grass), and English ivy. Guided by two plant professionals, volunteers removed or cut down invasive vegetation. To further benefit the preserve’s ecosystem, the cuttings were intentionally left on-site to serve as resources for birds and insects.

Creek Clean-Up
In response to recent flooding near a home on Fairview, volunteers also cleared invasive vegetation and debris obstructing the creek’s flow. This effort not only improved water movement but also enhanced the preserve’s overall ecological health.

Community Collaboration at Its Best
The Glenn Creek Nature Preserve project underscores the power of collaboration among neighbors, students, and professionals to make a tangible difference. With the support of local donations and the expertise of the Intown Native Plant Society, the preserve is on a promising path toward ecological restoration.

Stay tuned for updates as these efforts continue to transform Glenn Creek Nature Preserve into a thriving habitat for native plants, birds, and insects while providing a beautiful, natural space for the community to enjoy.

Filed under City of Decatur, Decatur Greenspaces, Decatur Parks & Recreation

5 Easy Ways to Take Your Move It Monday Exercises Indoors

December 2, 2024 Leave a comment

The holiday season makes exercising a bit more difficult: it’s cold, you’re on the road, there’s cookies everywhere…but that doesn’t mean you need to temporarily abandon your fitness routine. In fact, there are many ways to stay active during the holidays that don’t involve going outside at all.

A home workout has tons of benefits, like saving you time and money and giving you more privacy and flexibility. Plus, a home workout is also a great way to involve your family and friends. So when the turkey is in the oven and the football game is on commercial break, try fitting in a few minutes of movement. You’ll be surprised at how good it can make you feel.

This Monday, learn all the different ways you can work out indoors with our list of low-impact exercise ideas appropriate for all ages and ability levels.

Indoor Walking

Up your step count with some indoor walking. Try going through the living room, up and down stairs, or taking a few laps in your home or apartment hallway. Not at home? Not a problem. When you’re out getting groceries for the holiday meal or at the mall picking up gifts, try going around the store a couple extra times for extra cardio.

Yoga

Yoga is a great activity during the holidays for a few reasons: it keeps you active, calms you down, and gives kids something to do. Explore some of these family yoga sessions, or carve out your own time for self-care with few minutes of simple chair yoga.

Kitchen Workouts

Preparing for the holiday festivities typically requires a lot of kitchen time, but when your vegetables are roasting in the oven or your sauce is thickening on the stovetop, you’ll have a few minutes to sneak in a quick kitchen workout. Counter-top pushups, stove squats, and lateral pan raises can give you a pretty thorough full-body workout.

Habit Stack

The idea behind habit stacking is simple: add a new behavior to your daily schedule by “stacking it” on top of an existing habit. So, if you’re making coffee in the morning, do a few sets of jumping jacks while it brews; or if you’re watching television as a family, do a couple of push-ups each commercial break . The possibilities are endless.

Body weight exercises

Bodyweight exercises, also known as calisthenics, are beneficial to people of all ability levels and can be done inside with no equipment and very little time – which is at a premium during the holidays. Check out these useful bodyweight exercises that you can do anywhere.

For more ways to fit in fitness at home, check out these 7 ways to get fit without a gym.

Filed under Decatur Parks & Recreation, Exercise, Healthy Monday, Monday Campaigns Tagged with , ,

Kick Off Your Monday with a Pre-Thanksgiving Workout!

November 25, 2024 Leave a comment

It’s almost Thanksgiving and many of us are busy finishing up projects at work, traveling to see family, or planning to cook for the big day. Make the time this Monday for some pre-holiday physical activity!

Here are some quick ideas, for all fitness levels, to get your heart pumping when you have a limited amount of time.

Low-Intensity – Do a Monday Mile! Take the family dog and fit in 2,000 steps (a mile). It’s great for your heart, bones, and mood. Getting moving will also boost your energy levels, not to mention, help you digest!

Medium-Intensity – Play Ball! If there are kids and teens around or merely willing and able adults, grab a football, a soccer ball, or a Frisbee, and play outside. You’ll be getting some cardio and having fun.

High Intensity – Try High-Intensity Interval Training (H.I.I.T.) for the Holidays! Take over the living room and do some H.I.I.T. for 20 minutes. Need a suggestion? Try some lunges, squats, jumping jacks, and push-ups. Do each exercise for 20 seconds, and then rest for 10 seconds. Do three circuits.

Researchers have found doing vigorous exercise can increase metabolic rates for as much as 14 hours afterward, which means you’ll still be burning calories long after you fit in a workout.

Use Monday to fit in quick workouts while spending quality time with your family and friends. It will pay off by alleviating stress and enhancing your mental well-being. Happy Thanksgiving!

Filed under Decatur Parks & Recreation

Decatur Parks & Recreation Department Awarded the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety Grant

November 22, 2024 Leave a comment

The City of Decatur Department of Parks and Recreation is pleased to announce the receipt of a grant totaling $47,994 from the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety (GOHS). This funding, provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), will enhance safety training for pedestrians and bicyclists through surveys, activities, and educational programs. The City will collaborate with various agencies to offer approximately 30 opportunities for residents of all ages and abilities to deepen their understanding of bicycle-related traffic laws.

Allen Poole, Director of the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety, emphasized the importance of this initiative: “Part of the GOHS mission is to assist in implementing programs and campaigns designed to prevent crashes and eliminate traffic fatalities on our roads. GOHS will continue to build new partnerships and strengthen existing ones to create, refine, and implement safety programs, helping our state and nation work towards zero traffic fatalities.”

The Decatur Parks and Recreation Department is excited to have been selected for this grant award for the fiscal year 2025, which spans from October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025. The funding will facilitate targeted programs that align with the City’s commitment to improving mobility as detailed in Destination 2030, Decatur’s strategic plan adopted on October 18, 2021.

This GOHS grant will fund educational outreach and activities designed to positively impact Decatur’s residents and visitors. Our initiatives will include engaging activities in partnership with local schools and in collaboration with the Decatur Police and Decatur Fire Rescue.

This grant represents a critical component of our commitment to Decatur’s mission of promoting meaningful and sustained opportunities for community engagement, collaboration, and regional partnerships. We believe that the pedestrian and bicycle safety initiatives enabled by this grant will have a profound and lasting impact on our community.

Filed under City of Decatur, Decatur Parks & Recreation Tagged with , ,

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