August is National Wellness Month!

August 5, 2024 Leave a comment

Celebrate National Wellness Month this August by prioritizing self-care alongside your ambitions and goals. Work, school, and family obligations often take up the majority of our time, but during National Wellness Month, we encourage everyone to take some time for themselves! Whether it’s taking a walk around the neighborhood or completing a simple meditation, there are many ways to find a few moments for yourself throughout the day.

Caring for our mental health is just as essential as our physical health. This Wellness Month, we suggest simple activities such as breathing exercises, affirmations, journaling, or reading a book. Spending time outside has been proven to improve mental health. Fresh air and sunlight help regulate circadian rhythms, ensure good sleep, and boost energy levels. Enjoying a good book outdoors is a great way to get these benefits with a low-stress, relaxing activity. Spend the afternoon at your favorite City of Decatur park to improve sleep patterns and overall mental health!

The Parks and Recreation Department also provides endless opportunities for staying active and boosting physical and mental wellness. From casual jogging through the park to attending regular fitness classes, Parks and Rec offer activities that are both rewarding and fun. Check out our Playbook for a complete list of activities!

Sometimes the best thing for you is to be with others in your life. Community and relationships are essential parts of wellness. Connecting with supportive friends, family, and community members plays a huge role in mental health and wellness. Being around those who care for us and whom we care for strengthens our sense of belonging and purpose, lowering the risk of depression and anxiety. This Wellness Month, we encourage you to connect with your community by joining a walking group or volunteer organization with your friends to get involved!

Wellness Month is a starting place to incorporate small changes, like a yoga class or neighborhood walk, into everyday schedules in a way that these healthy habits can be maintained throughout the year. Happy Wellness Month!

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Celebrating Parks & Recreation Month: Belonging Today, Tomorrow, and Beyond

August 2, 2024 Leave a comment

As we wrap up Parks & Recreation Month, we take a moment to reflect on the past few weeks and look ahead to the future. From July 28 to August 3, our theme is “Belonging Today, Tomorrow, and Beyond.” This final week is an opportunity to celebrate the sense of community and connection that Decatur Parks & Recreation fosters every day.

Reflecting on the Month

Throughout Parks & Recreation Month, we’ve hosted numerous events, classes, and programs that have brought our community together. It’s been a joy to see familiar faces and welcome new ones as we’ve explored the many benefits of our local parks and recreation facilities. Whether it was participating in guided hikes, attending educational workshops, or simply enjoying the green spaces, we’ve seen firsthand how parks and recreation create a sense of belonging.

Where is Our Community Going?

The future of our community looks bright, thanks in large part to the ongoing support and participation in our parks and recreation programs. With three recreation centers and a diverse range of offerings, Decatur Parks & Recreation is truly “Where You Belong.” Our goal is to continue providing spaces and opportunities for everyone to connect, grow, and thrive.

We are excited about the upcoming classes, events, and programs that will continue to bring us together. From sports leagues and fitness classes to cultural events and environmental initiatives, there’s something for everyone. We look forward to seeing you at our facilities and programs as we build a stronger, more connected community.

A Big Thank You

We want to extend a heartfelt “Thank You” to everyone who has supported Decatur Parks & Recreation during Parks & Recreation Month and throughout the year. Your involvement and enthusiasm are what make our community special. We appreciate your dedication to fostering a sense of belonging and well-being for all.

Fostering Belonging for the Future

As we look to the future, we are committed to fostering belonging through the seven dimensions of well-being in our park and recreation system:

  • Cultural: We celebrate diversity and inclusivity by offering programs that reflect our community’s rich cultural heritage.
  • Economic: Our programs and facilities provide affordable recreation opportunities that contribute to the local economy.
  • Emotional: Parks and recreation spaces offer a place for relaxation, reflection, and emotional well-being.
  • Environmental: We prioritize sustainability and environmental stewardship in all our initiatives.
  • Intellectual: Educational programs and workshops promote lifelong learning and intellectual growth.
  • Physical: Our fitness classes, sports leagues, and recreational activities encourage physical health and wellness.
  • Social: Parks and recreation bring people together, fostering social connections and a strong sense of community.

Thank you for being part of Decatur Parks & Recreation. Together, we can create a future where everyone belongs, today, tomorrow, and beyond.

Filed under Aquatics, City of Decatur, Decatur Greenspaces, Decatur Parks & Recreation, Decatur Recreation Center, Ebster Recreation Center, Glenlake Pool, Glenlake Tennis Center, Oakhurst Recreation Center, Teens Tagged with ,

School starts July 30!

July 29, 2024 Leave a comment

A key aspect of Parks and Recreation’s role in back-to-school preparations is the Safe Routes to School (SRTS) program. This national program encourages children and families to walk and roll to school when and where it is safe, aiming to provide accessible and protected routes for students. The ultimate goals of SRTS are to increase daily activity, improve fitness, reduce traffic congestion, and enhance air quality around our schools.

How Are “Safe Routes” Designed?

Safe routes are developed through a process called “Walk Auditing.” In these audits, SRTS team members, school administrators, local government officials, and elected representatives observe how drivers, pedestrians, and bikers interact with their environment. The group meets before school lets out and follows key routes taken by students, noting patterns, popular routes, surrounding infrastructure, and locations where drivers, pedestrians, and/or bikers are unsafe.

Some questions that auditors ask include:

  • Are there convenient, accessible, and continuous sidewalks or paths between school entrances and adjacent streets?
  • Are the pathways separated from the roadway by a curb, landscaped buffer, or parking lane?
  • Is there a school zone speed limit, and is it appropriate for a school zone?
  • Are there unobstructed sight lines between pedestrians and motor vehicle drivers?
  • Are kids crossing the street safely, e.g., do they look left-right-left, use marked crosswalks when available, and obey traffic signals and crossing guards?
  • Are there additional locations where crossing guards would be helpful?

As the kids get ready to go back to school, Decatur has been working to ensure the Safe Routes to School sidewalks and paths are clean and ready for kids to walk and roll to school! Check the map to find a safe route that works for you!

Save the Date for Safe Routes to School Celebrations in the Upcoming School Year!

  • International Walk and Roll Day: October 9th, 2024
  • Crossing Guard Appreciation Week: November 10-16th, 2024
  • Love My Bus Month: February 2025
  • GA Walk & Roll Day: March 5th, 2025
  • Bike to School Day: May 7th, 2025

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

Week Four: A Kinship With the Land

July 22, 2024 Leave a comment

Promoting Nature Connectedness Through Harmony With the Environment

Decatur’s Parks and Recreation agency is committed to environmental protection through green infrastructure, public land maintenance, and wildlife habitat preservation. Our parks not only connect people to nature but also create environmental stewards who protect our land, water, trees, and wildlife.

Parks in Decatur help cool the city with tree canopies, clean water, reduce flooding, and improve air quality. Our city has 196.3 acres of parkland and greenspace, serving as vibrant ecosystems that promote physical well-being, environmental stewardship, and a strong sense of community.

Parks act as natural sponges, soaking up runoff during rain events to prevent flooding and property damage. They also reduce water usage by recycling and storing water for dry periods. Decatur’s parks are part of the 11 million acres of open space managed by local park agencies across the U.S., focusing on strategies that protect natural habitats and manage stormwater. Climate-ready parks are cost-effective and sustainable environmental solutions.

Common sustainability actions include planting trees, using native and climate-adaptable plants, and updating buildings and other park infrastructure. Decatur has received a $750,000 community project funding grant from Rep. Nikema Williams (GA-5) for solar panels at the Decatur Recreation Center, with installation planned for the Fall.

Join our walking tours this week to see how Decatur implements these sustainability actions. Learn about the history, sustainability efforts, and conservation at three iconic locations:

Walking Tours Schedule:

Date: July 23
Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: Decatur Cemetery, 229 Bell Street, Decatur 30030
Meet at the cemetery office

Description: Guided hike through the natural area of the cemetery, including a pond, stream, and waterfall. Learn about significant trees, the orchard, and the naturalized creek.

Date: July 24
Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: Legacy Park, 500 South Columbia Drive, Decatur 30030
Meet at the main front building (white with columns)

Description: Guided hike through the conservation area to learn about the beavers at Legacy. Wear rain boots, waders, or hiking boots for off-trail exploration.

Date: July 26
Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: Hawk Hollow, 2304 First Avenue, Atlanta 30317

Description: See how overgrown properties in Atlanta and Decatur have been transformed into beautiful spaces with native plants and wildlife, including deer, turtles, coyotes, and hawks.

Join us in celebrating the fourth week of Parks and Recreation Month, and discover how Decatur is building a greener, more sustainable community.

Filed under Decatur Greenspaces, Decatur Parks & Recreation, Decatur Recreation Center Tagged with

Week 3: Being an Advocate for Belonging

July 18, 2024 Leave a comment

How Fostering Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Builds Community for All

At Decatur Parks and Recreation, our mission is to provide inclusive spaces and opportunities for all Decatur residents. This week, as part of Parks and Recreation Month, we are shining a spotlight on our initiatives and programs that foster diversity, equity, and inclusion within our community.

Our goal is to bring together diverse cultures, languages, and identities, ensuring that everyone feels seen, reflected, and welcomed in our programs. Some of our inclusive initiatives include:

  • Functional Aerobics: This class is designed for those with mobility or balance challenges, allowing seniors to stay active and healthy in a supportive environment.
  • Wheelchair Basketball: In collaboration with the Atlanta VA Medical Center’s recreational therapy program, we offer wheelchair basketball for adults with physical disabilities, ensuring that fitness activities are accessible to all, regardless of mobility limitations.

We are proud to be part of the 92% of parks agencies in the US that offer Staff Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) education and resources. This ensures that our professionals have the necessary tools to support everyone in the City of Decatur.

In addition to our staff training, we provide diverse community-based educational opportunities, offering safe spaces for all to learn and discuss various important topics. Examples include:

  • Free Monthly Meetings: Covering topics such as financial management, burial planning, children’s finances, and LGBTQ+ family/estate planning. These meetings welcome everyone to engage in open and inclusive discussions.
  • American Sign Language (ASL) Classes: These classes aim to bridge communication gaps and promote inclusivity, ensuring that all community members can engage fully in our activities and events.

We offer enriching experiences such as:

  • The Beacon Hill Museum: Located inside Ebster Recreation Center, this museum highlights the role of the black community in Decatur’s history, providing educational opportunities for residents to learn about the city’s past. The Beacon Municipal Center’s site was once home to Decatur’s segregated African American public schools – Herring Street School, Beacon Elementary, and Trinity High School. Exhibit content was developed through close community consultation and highlights community life in the Beacon community, student life, important community leaders, and the larger historical context that impacted the community, including segregation and desegregation, and the city’s “urban renewal” projects that changed the landscape of the area.
  • Inclusive Playground at Legacy Park: This playground, suitable for all children, was developed with input from elementary children, ensuring that it meets the needs of all kids and promotes inclusivity from a young age.

We invite everyone to check out our Playbook for a complete list of inclusive programs and activities available at Decatur Parks and Rec.

Finally, we want to express our heartfelt gratitude to our dedicated staff members. Your hard work and commitment to creating safe, inclusive spaces and programs are what make Decatur Parks and Recreation a vital resource for our community. Thank you for your unwavering dedication to fostering belonging and inclusion for all.

(L-R) Daijza Miller, BJ Crowder, Stacy Green, Brandon Shannon, Ty Taylor
(L-R) Gael Doyle, Kim Whatley
(L-R) Joslyn Cox, Stephen Chapital, Rashad Crowell, Dajane Martin, Dejon Pope, Jazmine Milton-Dates, Kiara Weems
(L-R) Virginia Atchison, Jabari Cole, Nia Willis, Rashawn Jackson, Lillie Johnson, Demetri Wheeler, Xaviea Cooper, Steven Maxwell, Sana Cuffey, Dezirae Cooper, Jada Jordan

Join us this week and every week in celebrating diversity, equity, and inclusion as we continue to build a community where everyone belongs.

Filed under Aquatics, City of Decatur, Decatur Parks & Recreation, Decatur Recreation Center, Ebster Recreation Center, Glenlake Tennis Center, Oakhurst Recreation Center Tagged with

Fuel Your Workout with Music

July 15, 2024 Leave a comment

Why Do a Workout with Music?

Music and exercise go together like peanut butter and jelly. Do you have a favorite workout playlist? It’s worth putting one together. Exercising to music has some big, scientifically-proven benefits:

  • Music can boost your mood and stamina during a workout, which could make your sweat session last longer
  • Faster-paced music can increase your performance, whether that’s your pace, the number of repetitions you complete or the distance you travel
  • Music can distract you from the physical activity, making you focus less on fatigue

How to choose songs for your playlist:

  • Select songs that you enjoy – these will boost your levels of serotonin, putting you in a good mood
  • Pick songs with a fast-paced, steady beat; you may naturally begin to synchronize your workout with the tempo, and exercise harder
  • Add music that you have an emotional connection with: Not only will the song be inspiring, but it can also transport you to another

Some tools to help:

  • fm can help you find music that matches your ideal pace on a run, walk or bike ride
  • PaceDJ organizes music you’ve already downloaded into playlists that match your pace goals

To get you started, here are the top 10 songs about an active lifestyle:

  1. Take a Walk on the Wild Side through your local park.
    Click here for a list of Decatur’s parks.
  2. Hit the Road Jack and relieve all that stress you have.
  3. These Boots Are Made for Walking up a mountain.
  4. Running Down a Dream, toward a healthier weight.
  5. Sittin’ on the Dock of the Bay after a good swim.
    Click here for a list of Decatur’s pools.
  6. Life is a Highway and it’s great for biking.
    Join Guild+Journeyman for Friday & Saturday bikes rides – March through October.
  7. Born to Run, especially if it’s a Monday.
  8. Walk This Way to a healthier lifestyle.
  9. I Get Around…because I like to bike.
  10. Let’s Do the Twist, with some yoga.
    Check out all our yoga offerings at all 3 recreation centers!

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

Parks and Recreation Month Week Two: “Fit” in Fitness

July 11, 2024 Leave a comment

Welcome to Week Two of Parks and Recreation Month in Decatur, where we’re diving into “Fit” in Fitness! This week is all about celebrating the diversity, inclusivity, and accessibility of Decatur’s vibrant fitness opportunities. At Decatur Parks and Recreation, we’re dedicated to connecting every member of our community with programs and services that promote health equity, enhance health outcomes, and elevate overall quality of life.

Accessible Fitness for Everyone

Decatur residents are fortunate to be within a 10-minute walk of a park or trail at any time, making healthy fitness walks an easy and enjoyable option for everyone. Just a few minutes a day dedicated to fitness can deepen your connection with nature, improve interpersonal relationships, and boost mental well-being.

Community Engagement Through Fitness

Our offerings go beyond mere physical activity; they foster a sense of community through a variety of classes, events, and programs. Whether you’re participating in community fitness programs or taking a leisurely walk in your neighborhood, we encourage you to discover how you “fit” into our vibrant community of wellness.

Upcoming Events – Week 2: July 7 – July 13

“Fit” In – Clarity Fitness Pop-up Activity:

  • July 10: Yoga at 10 am – Decatur Square
  • July 12: Dance Fitness at 6 p.m. – Decatur Square, in conjunction with Rock the Mic: Karaoke Night

Join Us for Rock the Mic: Karaoke Night!

Don’t miss out on the fun! Join us this Friday at 6 p.m. on the Square for Rock the Mic: Karaoke Night, featuring a special free dance fitness class by Clarity Fitness. It’s the perfect opportunity to dance, sing, and celebrate community spirit!

Recap of Yoga on the Square

We had an amazing time on Wednesday with Clarity Fitness, practicing yoga on the Square. It was a fantastic way to unwind, stretch, and connect with our community. Thank you to everyone who joined us, and we look forward to seeing you Friday on the Square!

Filed under Decatur Greenspaces, Decatur Parks & Recreation, Exercise, Yoga Tagged with , ,

Discover the Benefits of Tai Chi: Mind, Body, and Spirit in Harmony

July 8, 2024 Leave a comment

Tai chi is a Chinese discipline that unites the mind, body, and spirit, strengthening both your physical and mental resolve. Its basic principles include integrating the mind and body, controlling movements and breathing, and generating internal energy.

Why Try Tai Chi?

A 45-minute session of tai chi may not leave you drenched in sweat, but it offers numerous benefits. Regularly practicing a variety of poses can strengthen both the lower and upper body, improve flexibility, balance, and aerobic conditioning, and help quiet unruly thoughts. Like introductory yoga poses, tai chi movements are simple, low-impact, and easier on the joints and muscles, making them generally safe for any fitness level. Even people with certain health conditions can participate with necessary modifications.

Getting Started with Tai Chi

Tai chi can be practiced from the comfort of your bedroom or living room. Search online for videos from experienced instructors to guide you through the movements and methods. Remember to start slow, as these movements may not be appropriate for all fitness levels. If you have concerns or a history of injury, consult your doctor first to discuss the appropriate course of action.

Tai Chi Opportunities at Decatur Parks and Recreation

We offer various Tai Chi classes to cater to different skill levels and needs:

TAI CHI/QIGONG

  • Level: Beginners/Hybrid class
  • Description: A 60-minute class to restore energy, using Qigong/Tai Chi to help with balance and relaxation while building strength and flexibility. Low impact and accessible to most everyone.
  • Days: Wednesdays and Saturdays
  • Time: Wednesdays at 12 p.m., Saturdays at 9:30 a.m.
  • Instructor: Neil Norton
  • Fee: $60 R/$85 NR

TAI CHI PRACTICE

  • Level: Midlevel practitioners
  • Description: Uses robust Qigong practice with Yang Style Short Tai Chi form for a full-body, brain, and energy workout. This practice cleanses the system, refurbishes chi, and helps create a flowing practice. Prerequisite knowledge of some Qigong and Tai Chi Tang Short form is required.
  • Day: Mondays
  • Time: 5 p.m.
  • Instructor: Steve Dorage
  • Fee: $60 R/$85 NR

TAI CHI FLOW (LEGACY PARK)

  • Level: Advancing practitioners
  • Description: Utilizes robust Qigong, Tai Chi, and other internal practices to cleanse and refurbish the energy system. Basic knowledge of Yang Style Short Form and some Qigong is mandatory. The goal is to create a breath, balance, and body flow for better meditation in motion.
  • Day: Saturdays
  • Time: 11 a.m.
  • Instructor: Steve Dorage
  • Fee: $60 R/$85 NR

Join us at Decatur Parks and Recreation to experience the profound benefits of tai chi, and embark on a journey toward improved health, wellness, and inner peace.

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

Celebrate Parks and Recreation Month this July!

July 1, 2024 1 Comment

July is Parks and Recreation Month, a special time designated by the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) since 1985. This month promotes the importance of parks and recreation in health, wellness, conservation, and social equity. It’s a fantastic opportunity to highlight the vital role our parks and recreation department plays in our community. This year’s theme, “Where You Belong,” celebrates how park and recreation professionals foster a sense of belonging by offering inclusive programs, essential services, and safe, accessible spaces for everyone.

During this Parks and Recreation Month, let’s unite to uplift the many reasons why parks and recreation truly embody the essence of belonging. Together, we can demonstrate why these spaces are “Where You Belong.”

Engage with Us All Month Long!

Throughout July, we will have photo frames posted in Decatur parks. Visitors can take pictures and share their moments on social media with the hashtag #whereyoubelong. The locations include:

  • McKoy Skate Park
  • Glenlake Tennis Center
  • Ebster Pool
  • Oakhurst Park Playground
  • Scott Park

We hope to see your posts with the hashtag #whereyoubelong!

Week 1: June 30-July 6

  • Kick-off – Popin’ Pools/Parks (Ally & Rec hand out popsicles)
  • July 3: 11:00am – Scott Park
  • July 3: 2:30pm – Glenlake Pool & Park

Week 2: July 7-July 13

  • “Fit” In – Clarity Fitness Pop-up Activity
  • July 10: Yoga, 10am – Decatur Square
  • July 12: Dance Fitness at 6 p.m. on Decatur Square, in conjunction with Rock the Mic: Karaoke Night

Week 4: July 21-July 27

  • A Kinship with the Land – Nature Walks and Rock Snake
  • July 23 & July 25: 10-11am – Glenlake (Campers and Community paint rocks with Kim)
  • July 23: 10-12pm – Decatur Cemetery (Meet at cemetery office)
  • July 24: 10-12pm – Legacy Park (Meet at main front building)
  • July 26: 10-12pm – Hawk Hollow, 2304 First Avenue, Atlanta 30317

On June 17th at the commissioner’s meeting, Mayor Garrett proclaimed July as National Parks and Recreation Month. Join us in celebrating Parks and Recreation Month at your favorite Decatur park, and be part of this incredible journey of community, health, and wellness!

Filed under Aquatics, City of Decatur, Decatur Parks & Recreation, Decatur Recreation Center, Ebster Recreation Center, Exercise, Glenlake Pool, Glenlake Tennis Center, Oakhurst Recreation Center Tagged with

June is Pride Month

June 28, 2024 Leave a comment

Pride Month is celebrated each June to commemorate the Stonewall Riots at a gay club in New York City on June 28, 1969. Police raids on LGBTQ+ spaces were common, but the one at the Stonewall Inn sparked an uprising that lasted several days and precipitated significant change in the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement. Christopher Park, across from the Stonewall Inn, was at the heart of the LGBTQ+ community in the late 1960s, serving as a refuge for young LGBTQ+ people hoping to avoid police brutality. Because of this, parks became frequent targets of raids and mass arrests. After the Stonewall Riots, people continued to gather at Christopher Park to protest for gay rights.

In the following years, the first Gay Pride marches were held across the U.S., from New York to Chicago to Los Angeles. In 1999, President Clinton officially recognized June as Gay and Lesbian Pride Month, and over time, Pride has come to include all LGBTQ+ individuals.

A primary function of public parks is to provide safe and accessible spaces for everyone, regardless of gender, race, or sexuality. They are places of gathering and community, deeply connected to providing safe spaces for those who may not find it elsewhere. Throughout history, public parks have been core places of both remembrance and festivity for the LGBTQ+ community and continue to honor their history.

Pride is a time for the LGBTQ+ community to come together to celebrate its culture with parades and festivals and to highlight the community’s contributions to history. Often, Pride is commemorated with a park festival at the end of the march, from the original protests at Christopher Park to Atlanta’s own Pride celebration at Piedmont Park in October, and more!

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

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