Downtown Decatur has always been a vibrant hub, brimming with creativity and culture. Among the many facets that make this community so unique, public art stands tall as a testament to the city’s commitment to artistic expression. Have you ever strolled through these charming streets and wondered about the stories behind the sculptures, murals, and installations? Or perhaps you’ve missed some of these artistic gems tucked away in corners waiting to be discovered.
If you share our curiosity or want to explore Decatur in a new light, we invite you to join us on Sunday, October 1st and 8th at 2 p.m. for a captivating journey through the city’s public art landscape. These guided walking tours promise not only to reveal the narratives behind the art but also to unveil hidden treasures you may have missed.
On October 1, we will cover the east side of downtown Decatur and on October 8, we will cover the west side of downtown Decatur. Co-sponsored by the Decatur Bike & Pedestrian Advisory Committee, these walks will be led by Angie Macon of the Decatur Arts Alliance. Meet at Community Bandstand for these enjoyable and informative FREE walking tours.
Starting Monday, September 25th, the Mckoy Skate Park will be temporarily closed to the public for an exciting redesign and renovation project. We’re gearing up to bring you an even better skating experience!
While we’re hard at work making these improvements, stay tuned to our website page for updates on our progress. We can’t wait to unveil the revamped park and provide you with an incredible skating environment.
Thank you for your understanding, and we look forward to welcoming you back soon!
It’s the perfect opportunity to make new friends, explore exciting activities, and have a blast during your break. Join us at Ebster for a Teen Daycation you won’t forget!
Don’t let that hard-core runner convince you otherwise: Walking is real exercise. A 2013 study found that walkers who cover the same mileage as runners enjoy comparable improvements in a variety of health markers. One reason is because walking works the same muscles as running, only the intensity and duration are different. Sure, it’ll take you twice as long (or more) to cover the same distance as your runner friend, but walking is easier, more accessible, and may be the best exercise to start off with, especially if you’re a beginner.
Here are your talking points for why walking is real exercise:
Keeps your weight in check. According to a 2009 study, people who walk to work are less likely to rattle that obese marker. To burn enough calories to lose weight, the Mayo Clinic suggests putting on your sneakers and walking 30 minutes a day.
Helps regulate blood sugar. Walking combats Type 2 diabetes because it helps lower blood sugar levels, thus reducing insulin levels. But timing is everything. Walking for 15 minutes after every meal regulates blood sugar levels just as effectively as one 45-minute walk per day.
Promotes better digestion. What’s the antidote to lying down after a big meal (one of the worse things you can do for acid reflux and a host of other conditions)? Walk! The activity super-charges your digestion by moving the food faster through your body.
Prevents varicose veins. Walking helps to drain excess fluid from the lower legs and can help prevent varicose veins through the pumping action of the calf muscles. That increase in oxygen you’re feeling also gets rid of waste products in the tissues.
Lowers blood pressure and cholesterol. Walking briskly can lower your risk of high blood pressure as well as high cholesterol just as much as running can, according to findings reported by the American Heart Association. In fact, the more walkers walked, the better their health improved.
Gentle on the joints. Doctors say gentle walking is the best exercise if you’re pregnant, morbidly obese, or suffering from arthritis. Walking may even help ease the pain of chronic illness. For those experiencing these conditions, experts suggest starting with just two to five minutes a day, then adding an extra two minutes every third day.
Mood lifter. Walking just makes you feel good! That’s because moving your body releases endorphins that dull pain receptors in the brain, sedate you, and can even make you feel happy, if not euphoric. A 2005 study found that walking briskly for 35 minutes five times a week, or 60 minutes three times a week, could significantly impact mild to moderate depression symptoms.
Better night’s rest. Tossing and turning all night? Take this insider’s tip from travel experts, who suggest walking around a new city on the day you arrive until it’s dark can help recalibrate your supply of melatonin. Essentially, the hormone is needed to synchronize your body clock to your new time zone; the more melatonin in your body, the sleepier you’ll feel at the right time.
How to walk right?Experts say that to ensure walking is real exercise and not just a friendly stroll you must walk fast enough to cover at least 3.5 miles an hour. That will feel like hurrying to a bus or trying to get out of the rain; the point is to feel slightly winded. If you’re a beginner, see that goal as an aspiration and slowly work up to it. Join us every Wednesday morning at 9 a.m. (10 a.m. starting in October) outside the Decatur Recreation Center for a 2-3 mile walk around the city.
As the summer season winds down, we want to ensure you have every opportunity to make the most of these warm days. McKoy Pool will be closing its doors for maintenance after regular hours on Sunday, August 20.
However, the aquatic fun continues at Ebster Pool, which will remain open on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 am to 6 pm until September 4th.
Meanwhile, Glenlake Pool will be your weekday haven, open Monday to Friday from 10 am to 8 pm until September 4th. And the fun doesn’t stop there – mark your calendars for September 9th and 10th when Glenlake Pool will finish up the season from 10 am to 6 pm.
As we bid farewell to another summer, take the opportunity to enjoy the refreshing waters, bask in the sun’s warm embrace, and savor the sense of community that our pools offer. These spaces have been a source of relaxation, exercise, and shared moments, and we’re here to ensure you have the chance to create lasting memories until the very end of the season. So, gather your loved ones, pack your towels, and join us as we embrace the final lap of summer at Decatur’s pools.
Every year, on August 12th, the global community comes together to celebrate International Youth Day. This significant occasion shines a spotlight on the potential and vibrancy of young people worldwide. It’s a day to address youth issues on the global stage and acknowledge the incredible role youth play as partners in shaping today’s world. Decatur, a community deeply committed to nurturing youth development, seizes this moment to showcase its unwavering dedication to empowering young minds and creating a sustainable future for generations to come.
A Hub of Youth Empowerment
In Decatur, we recognize that our young community members are not just future leaders, but today’s change-makers. Through a diverse range of initiatives, we provide our youth with platforms to engage, contribute, and lead. This summer, members of Decatur’s Youth Council and Teen Leadership Team traveled to Denver, showcasing their expertise as they presented to the National Civic League. This effort earned Decatur the title of one of the prestigious 10 All-America Cities, underscoring the power of involving youth in identifying and tackling community challenges. This recognition reinforces our commitment to authentic youth involvement, as exemplified by projects like the McKoy skate park redesign and the inclusive playground at Legacy Park – testaments to Decatur’s dedication to a brighter and more youth-friendly future.
Embracing a Green Transition
This year’s International Youth Day theme, “Green Skills for Youth: Towards a Sustainable World”, resonates deeply with goals outlined in Decatur’s 2020 Strategic Plan. As the world embarks on a journey towards environmental sustainability, Decatur recognizes the pivotal role of young people in driving this green transition. Green skills, encompassing technical knowledge and values, are pivotal for creating a resource-efficient society. Our city embraces this shift, understanding that a greener world is not only crucial for addressing the global climate crisis but also for achieving sustainability goals and improving the overall quality of life for our community. Opportunities abound for youth leadership in environmental issues, including two spots on the Environmental Sustainability Board and participation in the Teen Leadership Team, working on the environmentally conscious city priority area.
ESB Youth Membership Application
The City of Decatur’s commitment to youth empowerment is tangible through our Environmental Sustainability Board. The board is now seeking two passionate youth members for the upcoming school year. High-school-aged students who aspire to make a meaningful impact on our city’s environmental initiatives are encouraged to apply. Students should fill out the Statement of Interest Form found on the ESB page and submit to the City Manager, Andrea Arnold at andrea.arnold@decaturga.com.
Championing Child-Friendly Cities
We take pride in leading the charge with the Child Friendly Cities Initiative (CFCI), a pioneering effort that prioritizes the well-being and rights of our young citizens. Collaborating with the Decatur Education Foundation, Decatur Housing Authority, and City Schools of Decatur, our Parks & Recreation team is dedicated to creating a community that safeguards and promotes children’s rights. Our commitment to youth empowerment goes beyond mere symbolism – it yields tangible results. The CFCI Teen Leadership Team, composed of high school students, has already achieved remarkable impact. In its first year, the team explored priority areas like building trust with law enforcement, promoting an equitable and inclusive city, improving access to, and awareness of, mental health services, creating an environmentally conscious city, and enhancing public spaces for all. This dedication has led to the adoption of the CFCI Local Action Plan for Youth, a testament to Decatur’s resolve in creating a child-friendly city. To apply for the 2023-24 CFCI Teen Leadership Team visit the CFCI section on our page and review the informational sheet or reach out to Claire Miller at claire.miller@decaturga.com.
Join Us in Forging a Brighter Path
Decatur extends a warm invitation to all to be part of our transformative journey. As we celebrate International Youth Day, let’s stand united in supporting our youth, their ideas, and their aspirations. Together, we can construct a world that’s both sustainable and bursting with opportunities for our young leaders.
Road reconstruction and repaving on Commerce Drive and Church Street is expected to start the week of August 14, weather permitting. The work includes Commerce Drive from its intersection with Clairemont Avenue to its intersection with Church Street; and then Church Street from Commerce Drive to Forkner Drive.This is the last major phase of the Pedestrian Safety and Bicycle Trail Improvements and the Church Street Cycle Track.
The details
Church Street has not been resurfaced since its original construction over 40 years ago. Extensive block cracking along the entire roadway area shows asphalt paving near the end of its service life. Significant repair, with patching and resurfacing from Commerce Drive to Forkner Drive, requires deep milling and repaving.Once the repairs and repaving are completed, new permanent pavement markings and signs will be installed throughout the entire project area. Eighty percent of the funding for this project is being provided by the Georgia Department of Transportation.
How to manage
Expect lane closures and traffic disruptions as these needed repairs are completed. Motorists are encouraged to use alternatives to Church Street during construction.Work hours will extend from 9:00am to 9:00pm on weekdays during the project which is expected to last up to 60 days. Work is being completed in limited sections so that the repair area is drivable at the end of each day. Until repairs and resurfacing is finished, sections of the roadway will remain rough and uneven. As always, motorists should drive slowly and carefully and be mindful of roadway conditions, pedestrians, contractors, and work crews.
Happy National Farmers Market Week! This dedicated week offers us the opportunity to shine a spotlight on the unsung heroes of local food networks – our beloved farmers markets. Did you know that Community Farmers Markets hosts two markets in Decatur?
The Decatur Farmers Market takes place every Wednesday from 4-7pm at the First Baptist Church Decatur on Clairemont (308 Clairemont Ave Decatur, GA 30030), running from March 29 to November 15. Meanwhile, the Oakhurst Farmers Market takes center stage every Saturday from 9am-1pm at Sceptre Brewing Arts in Decatur (630 East Lake Drive, Decatur, GA 30030), operating from January 7 to December 16. The markets match all SNAP purchases with double the money for fruits and vegetables. To learn more about Community Farmers Markets, visit their website at cfmatl.org.
As we celebrate the 24th annual event from August 6th to 12th, 2023, it’s time to recognize and honor the pivotal role that farmers markets play in shaping our nation’s food system. Serving as vibrant conduits between growers and consumers, these markets are the epicenter of community nourishment and well-being. As we celebrate this special week, we delve into the ways in which farmers markets champion the seven dimensions of well-being, aligning perfectly with NRPA’s vision of Community Wellness Hubs.
Cultural
Farmers markets become cultural melting pots, embracing diversity through multilingual marketing materials and interpreter assistance.
An array of culturally diverse foods and products grace market stalls, connecting communities to their roots.
Economic
Farmers markets emerge as launchpads for small businesses and budding entrepreneurs, nurturing their growth and success.
The ethos of producer-only markets resonates, funneling financial support back into the local economy.
Acceptance of nutrition assistance programs like SNAP, WIC, and EBT matching programs enhances accessibility to fresh, local produce.
Emotional
Vibrant and lively atmospheres at markets are crafted through live music, food trucks, and a channel for feedback, creating safe havens for visitors.
Markets evolve into artistic hubs, showcasing talents through artist displays and community art activities.
Intergenerational bonds form between producers and customers, nurturing a sense of belonging.
Environmental
Markets step outdoors, reuniting communities with nature and fostering an appreciation for locally sourced sustenance.
Vendors champion sustainability by offering reusable packaging from renewable sources.
Shoppers become educated about regional foods and their seasonal availability, nurturing a deeper connection with their environment.
Environmental awareness thrives through initiatives like composting, and environmental health education.
Intellectual
Farmers markets evolve into classrooms, offering cooking demonstrations, nutrition education, and artisanal workshops.
Knowledge transfer between seasoned and novice farmers cultivates a cycle of continuous learning.
Local schools contribute to educational programming, introducing STEM activities and interactive demonstrations.
Physical
Lively markets facilitate physical well-being through Zumba, fitness demos, yoga sessions, and invigorating park walks.
Shoppers receive a bounty of healthy recipes, complementing the nutrient-rich fresh produce available.
Strategic health care partnerships bring wellness resources to the market encouraging healthy choices.
Social
Markets evolve into communal spaces where shoppers gather for shared meals, evening concerts, and entertainment.
Walking and running clubs find a home at markets, fostering camaraderie and physical activity.
Markets serve as the backdrop for various community events, encouraging visitors to connect with social programs and fellow attendees.
Farmers markets are catalysts for transformative change. They reshape our interactions with food, amplify our sense of community, and fuel our drive for sustainability. Across the United States, farmers markets are redefining their role, transcending the boundaries of mere transactional spaces and embracing their identities as community catalysts. These markets thrive through the commitment of dedicated individuals and teams who tirelessly work behind the scenes, weaving connections, fostering partnerships, and curating spaces of nourishment and exchange.
Championing Equitable Spaces
The evolution of farmers markets also signifies a cultural shift. Efforts are underway to enhance equity within the farmers market landscape, ensuring that these spaces mirror the communities they serve. Market operators and community organizers are steering the course towards inclusivity, striving to create safe, inviting, and accessible havens for all.
Our Farmers Market Journey
This National Farmers Market Week, we invite you to join us in celebrating the profound impact of farmers markets on our lives and our communities. Let’s reflect on the changes we’ve experienced – from embracing seasonal eating to fostering economic vitality in our neighborhoods. Together, we’re building a future where farmers markets stand not only as hubs of nourishment but also as epicenters of transformation, unity, and well-being.
Warming up and cooling down are two important components of every fitness routine, but how can you use them to improve the quality of your workout?
Benefits of a Warmup
Although there’s no strict definition for what constitutes a “warmup,” the basic idea is doing an activity or exercise at a slower pace to help prepare the body for more intense aerobic workout.A warmup gradually engages your cardiovascular system, which raises your body temperature and increases blood flow to the muscles. This improves the elasticity (the stretchiness of muscle tissue) and can help reduce muscle tightness, pain, and risk of injury.A warmup can also be an exercise in itself. Stretching during or immediately after your warmup can improve your flexibility in both the long and short term. Just remember to stretch after you’ve done a short aerobic exercise to get the blood flowing to your muscles.Properly warming up before a workout can also benefit your mental state. If you start your fitness routine with heavy weights or a strenuous aerobic fitness routine, you’re more likely to be discouraged. Starting slowly and easing yourself into your exercises gradually prepares you for a full and effective workout.
Benefits of a Cooldown
After you finishing a workout, a 10-minute cooldown allows body temperature, heart rate, and blood pressure to return to their normal levels. Stopping an intense exercise abruptly without a cool down can possibly lead to dizziness or even fainting.Cooldown exercises, like stretching, walking, foam rolling, and deep breathing, can help lower your risk of injury and reduce stress to the heart and other muscles.If you’re looking to incorporate more stretching into your workout routine, try starting with some beginner yoga poses. Stretching helps improve your flexibility as well as range of motion around the joints, while also benefitting balance and bone health. This Monday, take a few extra minutes before and after your workout to fit in a warmup and cooldown.
In August, we come together to celebrate National Wellness Month, a time dedicated to prioritizing self-care, managing stress, and promoting healthy routines. It’s a perfect opportunity to create wholesome habits in your lifestyle and focus on self-care to feel like your best self! We all know how life can get busy with work, traffic, family obligations, and other stressors. However, research has shown that practicing self-care helps manage stress and promotes happiness. To lead a happy and healthy life, it is crucial to prioritize wellness and self-care.
Physical Fitness and Activity: Moving Towards Better Health
One of the key pillars of Wellness Month is promoting physical fitness and activity. Engaging in regular exercise not only benefits our physical health but also improves our mental well-being. Whether you love jogging in one of our many parks, attending yoga classes, or playing sports, finding activities that bring you joy can make staying active a delightful experience. At Decatur Parks & Recreation, we offer various fitness classes and open gym activities, like basketball and pickleball, to support your health and well-being. Check out our Playbook to see all our program offerings!
Nutrition: Fueling our Bodies with Nourishing Choices
A balanced diet is essential for maintaining good health, and Wellness Month encourages us to reevaluate our eating habits and make healthier food choices. Incorporating more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains into our meals can provide essential nutrients and support our immune system. At Decatur Parks & Recreation, we collaborate with pre-med Emory students to promote nutrition and healthy eating habits for the community. If you have expertise in cooking or nutrition and would like to teach a class at one of our rec centers, reach out to us at dprd@decaturga.com.
Mental Health: Cultivating Inner Peace and Resilience
Taking care of our mental well-being is equally important as caring for our physical health. During Wellness Month, we encourage practicing mindfulness, meditation, and other stress-reducing techniques. Nurturing our mental health can lead to increased focus, better sleep, and enhanced overall happiness. We offer Yoga and Tai Chi classes to help support you on your journey.
Community Engagement: Building a Supportive Network
Social connections play a vital role in our well-being, and Wellness Month motivates us to connect with our community and build supportive networks. Join us for a 2-3 mile walk every Wednesday morning to connect with your neighbors while getting your steps in. Additionally, you can visit Volunteer! Decatur to actively participate in various community events organized by the City.
Healthy Habits for the Long Run
Remember, investing in our health is an ongoing journey, not a destination. By cultivating healthy habits and incorporating them into our daily lives, we pave the way for a happier, healthier future. As we embrace this month-long celebration of health and well-being, let’s support one another, strive for balance, and make Wellness Month a stepping stone towards a brighter and healthier future. Happy Wellness Month from Decatur Parks & Recreation!
Gael Doyle
Greg White
saraeholmes
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