Get Moving in Nature

April 20, 2026 by Leave a comment

The sound of the wind rustling through branches, the sight of moss crawling over tree stumps, the sweet smell of fallen leaves after a fresh rain. There’s magic in the woods, but you’ve got to go find it.

In Decatur, you don’t have to go far. Make this week an afternoon of exploration with a family nature walk and scavenger hunt at places like Legacy Park, Hidden Cove Park, or along the PATH. Even neighborhood parks like Glenlake or Oakhurst offer pockets of nature waiting to be explored.

Children of all ages are drawn to the adventure and endless intrigue of the outdoors, and adding a scavenger hunt keeps them moving, engaged, and curious.

Don’t know where to start? Try a few of these ideas for your next outing.

Gather Some Goodies
There are so many treasures right under your feet. Make a list of items like pinecones, leaves, acorns, seeds, flowers, and stones. Head out to Legacy Park’s wooded trails or Hidden Cove’s creekside path and let kids collect what they find along the way.

Engage the Senses
Go beyond what you can pick up. Encourage kids to notice colors, textures, and smells. Look for something smooth, something bright, something soft, or something with a strong scent. Decatur’s parks are full of small details that are easy to miss if you’re not looking closely.

Take an Alphabet Hike
Turn your walk into a game. Can you find something for every letter of the alphabet? Acorns, bark, clovers, ducks at the pond, even something as simple as “grass” or “insect.” It’s a fun way to keep everyone engaged while exploring trails at Legacy Park or walking through your neighborhood.

Incorporate Activity Challenges
A walk can be as active as you want it to be. Use the park as your playground. Balance on a log, hop over roots, look for birds or turtles, or see who can spot the most wildlife. At Legacy Park, you might even catch a glimpse of the beaver ponds or other native species.

Whether you’re heading out for a quick walk or making an afternoon of it, Decatur’s parks make it easy to get outside, explore, and connect with nature—no long drive required.

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

The History of Decatur’s Touch-a-Truck

March 11, 2026 by Leave a comment

For more than twenty years, Touch-a-Truck has been one of Decatur’s favorite family traditions. Every spring, kids climb into fire engines, honk the horns of big trucks, and meet the people who help keep the city running every day.

What started as a simple idea has grown into a beloved community event that brings families together year after year.

Where the Idea Began

The idea for Decatur’s Touch-a-Truck started in 2002, when a City of Decatur staff member attended a Georgia Recreation and Park Association (GRPA) conference and learned about the concept.

The idea was simple but exciting: give kids the chance to get up close to the trucks and equipment they see around town every day.

The following year, Decatur Parks & Recreation brought the idea to life. In 2003, the first Touch-a-Truck event was organized by longtime Parks & Recreation leader Greg White and held at McKoy Park.

From the beginning, the event was about more than trucks. It was about helping residents connect with the people and services that make the city work. Fire engines, dump trucks, police motorcycles, street sweepers, and other equipment were lined up for kids to explore, climb inside, and ask questions.

Greg White once described the event as a way to show residents “what we do as a city.”

Growing and Moving Around Decatur

As word spread and the event became more popular, Touch-a-Truck needed more space.

Over the years, the event has been hosted in several locations around Decatur, including:

• McKoy Park, where the first event was held in 2003
• The Decatur High School parking lot
• The Callaway Building parking lot in downtown Decatur
• The East Lake MARTA Station parking lot, where the event moved in 2010

Each move helped accommodate more vehicles, more families, and more opportunities for kids to explore.

Today, the event has come full circle and is now back at the Decatur High School parking lot, where it has been held for the past two years.

Adding Touch-a-Budget

Several years after the event began, the City added Touch-a-Budget, expanding the day beyond trucks and equipment.

Touch-a-Budget gives residents the opportunity to meet staff from across city departments and learn more about the programs and services funded through the city’s budget. While kids explore the vehicles, adults can stop by booths, ask questions, and learn more about how the city operates.

It’s a great example of Decatur’s commitment to making local government accessible, informative, and family-friendly.

New Activities and Traditions

Like many long-running community events, Touch-a-Truck continues to evolve.

In recent years, the event has added bike safety and education activities, including a Bike Rodeo where kids can practice riding skills through obstacle courses and learn basic bike safety.

The Bike Rodeo helps introduce young riders to safe biking habits while encouraging more families to explore active transportation in Decatur.

A Decatur Tradition

Today, Touch-a-Truck remains a free, family-friendly event that celebrates the vehicles, workers, and services that help keep Decatur moving.

Kids still climb into the driver’s seats of fire engines, check out construction equipment up close, and learn about the trucks they see around town every day.

More than twenty years after it began, Touch-a-Truck continues to do exactly what it was designed to do: bring the community together and connect residents with the people who help make Decatur such a special place to live.

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

Celebrating Georgia Arbor Day in Decatur

February 20, 2026 by Leave a comment

Today, February 20, is Georgia Arbor Day, a time to recognize the important role trees play in our health, environment, and community. While National Arbor Day is celebrated in April, Georgia observes it earlier because late winter is the ideal time to plant trees in our region while they are still dormant.

Trees do far more than beautify our neighborhoods. Research shows that urban trees improve air quality, reduce heat, support mental health, and even lower rates of chronic disease by encouraging outdoor activity and creating more comfortable spaces for people to walk, bike, and gather. Simply being around trees has been linked to reduced stress and improved overall well-being.

In Decatur, caring for our urban canopy is part of how we support a healthier, more connected community. This year, residents have an opportunity to celebrate Arbor Day together at the upcoming Seed and Scion Exchange on March 1 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at The Wylde Center (435 Oakview Road). This casual, drop-in event invites community members to share seeds and scion cuttings, pick up pre-ordered fruit trees, and connect with neighbors who love growing things.

City of Decatur arborists will also be on site to celebrate Arbor Day by giving away native tree and shrub seedlings in limited quantities, available first come, first served. Beginning at 10 a.m., arborists will offer a tree planting and care class, followed by opportunities for participants to either take seedlings home or help plant a native tree or shrub at Decatur’s Green Street property.

Available species include Beech, Burr Oak, American Persimmon, Flowering Dogwood, Sourwood, Witch Hazel, and Ninebark.

Planting trees is an investment in the future. It supports cleaner air, cooler neighborhoods, stronger ecosystems, and healthier people. Whether you plant a tree in your yard, volunteer in your community, or simply spend time outdoors under the canopy, every action contributes to a greener and more vibrant Decatur.

We hope you will join us in celebrating Georgia Arbor Day and growing something together.

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

Refill Your Tank: Simple Self-Care for a Happier, Healthier You

January 12, 2026 by Leave a comment

Sometimes we forget the toll that hard work can take on our minds and bodies. Between jobs, family, schedules, and the endless “just one more thing,” it’s easy to run ourselves on empty. But living with the needle stuck on E isn’t heroic — it’s exhausting.

Stress happens to everyone. Whether you’re working all day, caring for kids, or juggling both, the pressure adds up. When we don’t pause to recharge, even the smallest tasks feel heavier. The good news? You don’t need a vacation or a complicated routine to feel better. Small, intentional moments of self-care can make a big difference.

This Monday, take a moment to disconnect from stress and reconnect with yourself. Here are a few easy ways to do it.

Quick Self-Care You Can Do Right Now

Go for a walk.
Feel the air, notice the temperature, and let the warmth of the sun or the cool breeze ground you. Look up at the clouds. Even a short walk can reset your mood.

Take a breather anytime, anywhere.
Pause for a minute. Take a deep inhale that fills your belly, hold it for a beat, then exhale slowly and completely. Repeat for a minute and let your nervous system settle.

Try a yoga moment.
Stretch at your desk or in your living room. Reach your arms overhead, fold forward, and gently move your body. Even a few simple movements can release tension and wake you up.

Water works.
A warm bath or shower is one of the simplest ways to relax your muscles and take a break from screens.

Call a friend.
Sharing a laugh or catching up with someone you care about is a natural stress reliever.

Sleep.
Go to bed a little earlier. Read. Stretch. Let your body truly rest. Good sleep is one of the most powerful forms of self-care there is.

Take It a Step Further with Decatur Parks & Recreation

If you’re ready to turn these simple habits into something you can stick with, Decatur Parks & Recreation offers welcoming, low-pressure ways to build self-care into your week.

Wednesday Walks
Get outside, get moving, and connect with neighbors during our weekly neighborhood walks.

  • 2–3 mile guided walks through Decatur neighborhoods
  • No registration required
  • Drop-in Wednesdays at 10 a.m.
  • Meet outside the Decatur Recreation Center

It’s the perfect way to combine movement, fresh air, and community — three powerful stress-busters in one.

Deep Stretch / Yin Yoga
Slow down and let your body truly unwind with this gentle, restorative yoga class. Yin and Restorative poses are held longer with support, allowing you to release tension in your muscles, joints, and connective tissue.

  • Thursdays at 10 a.m.
  • Instructor: Cheryl Burnette
  • Bring a mat and a yoga blanket or large towel
  • Fee: $60 Residents / $85 Non-Residents, or $15 drop-in

Most poses are done seated or lying down, making this a wonderful option if you want a calm, supportive way to stretch and relax.

Self-care isn’t selfish — it’s how you keep showing up for the people and things that matter. This Monday (and every week), give yourself permission to refill your tank. A little movement, a little stillness, and a little community can go a long way toward a longer, happier, and healthier life.

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

Decatur Parks & Recreation Receives Funding to Improve Physical Activity and Nutrition

January 8, 2026 by Leave a comment

CITY OF DECATUR, GEORGIA—The City of Decatur’s Parks & Recreation Department is pleased to announce that it received funding from the Georgia Health Policy Center through the Georgia State Physical Activity and Nutrition (G-SPAN) initiative. G-SPAN is supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s State Physical Activity and Nutrition Program (SPAN).

G-SPAN aims to provide safe and accessible physical activity opportunities, make healthy food choices easier, improve nutrition and physical activity in early care and education settings, and support breastfeeding. In support of this effort, G-SPAN has provided funds to Georgia-based organizations to implement new or existing policy, systems, and environmental change across the initiative’s four priority issues.

The City of Decatur is one of 38 community-based organizations funded by CDC’s State Physical Activity and Nutrition Program (SPAN). Together, G-SPAN’s network of 100+ partners are supporting comprehensive obesity prevention efforts across the state working to design communities to increase access to physical activity.

The funding received will support Decatur’s Bike Bus Initiative, a project that will increase safe, active transportation options for students by launching structured, community-supported “bike bus” routes beginning with Decatur’s upper elementary schools. The goal is to build student confidence on bikes, reduce car congestion around schools, and create long-term habits of physical activity for families across the city. This project is a direct response to growing community demand for safer, healthier, and more sustainable ways for students to travel to school, as well as Decatur’s commitment to strengthening its Safe Routes to School program.

“We’re excited to launch a program that not only helps kids build independence and confidence on bikes but also strengthens community connections,” said Gael Doyle, Communications Coordinator for Decatur Parks & Recreation and Safe Routes to School liaison. “This funding allows us to expand a model that community members are already enthusiastic about, making it safer, easier, and more fun for students to choose active transportation.”

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

4-H Volunteers Partner with the City for a Day of Environmental Stewardship

December 8, 2025 by 1 Comment

Last Monday, the City of Decatur was proud to welcome a dedicated group of 4-H Club volunteers who rolled up their sleeves to support environmental stewardship through park cleanup, invasive plant removal, and native plantings. The work was led by the City’s Urban Naturalist and Parks & Recreation staff, combining education, hands-on service, and community care.

Throughout the morning, volunteers worked together to remove invasive plant species that compete with native plants and disrupt local ecosystems. With guidance from staff, they also planted native species selected to support pollinators, strengthen habitat, and improve long-term sustainability. In addition, volunteers helped collect litter and debris, leaving the area cleaner and healthier for wildlife and community members alike.

This effort not only improved the health of the land but also gave students a deeper understanding of how thoughtful environmental practices directly benefit their community. The enthusiasm, teamwork, and commitment shown by the 4-H volunteers made a meaningful impact.

We are grateful to the 4-H Club for their service and to our Urban Naturalist and Parks & Recreation team for leading this important work. Partnerships like this help keep Decatur’s parks vibrant, resilient, and welcoming for generations to come.

If your group is interested in participating in a future cleanup, planting, or stewardship project, we encourage you to reach out to Parks & Recreation at DRPD@decaturga.com to get involved.

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

Celebrate Car Free Day in Decatur: Choose Active Transportation and Make a Difference

September 22, 2025 by Leave a comment

Every year, communities around the world take part in Car Free Day to reimagine what our streets and neighborhoods could look like with fewer cars and more people walking, biking, or using public transit. Here in the City of Decatur, this day is a perfect opportunity to highlight the many ways our community supports active transportation and the environmental benefits that come with it.

Decatur is a city designed with people in mind. With an extensive sidewalk network, bike lanes, multi-use paths, and three MARTA stations, getting around without a car is easier than ever. Many of our neighborhoods are part of Decatur’s “10-minute community” vision, where schools, parks, shops, and restaurants are all within a short walk or bike ride. Choosing these options for even a few trips a week can make a meaningful impact.

Going car-free, even for a day, has real benefits. Every mile walked, biked, or taken by transit helps reduce air pollution, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and ease traffic congestion. On top of the environmental impact, active transportation supports personal health, encourages social connections, and creates safer, more vibrant streets for everyone.

Whether you walk your child to school, ride your bike to work, or hop on MARTA to meet a friend, Car Free Day is a reminder that the choices we make about how we travel matter. By embracing active transportation in Decatur, we not only help protect our environment but also strengthen the sense of community that makes our city unique.

So this Car Free Day, leave your car at home and take advantage of all the ways Decatur makes it easy to get around sustainably. Together, we can create a cleaner, healthier, and more connected city.

Filed under Bike Decatur, City of Decatur, Decatur Parks & Recreation, Healthy Monday, Monday Campaigns, Walk Decatur Tagged with , , , , ,

Help Shape Decatur’s Bicycle-Friendly Future

August 11, 2025 by Leave a comment

The City of Decatur has recently submitted its application to the League of American Bicyclists to renew our status as a Bicycle Friendly Community (BFC)—and this year, we’re aiming higher. Decatur currently holds a Silver-level designation, and we are working toward achieving Gold.

As part of the review process, we want to hear directly from those who ride—or want to ride—here in Decatur. To better understand local bicyclists’ experiences, we’ve developed a public survey open to anyone familiar with or interested in bicycling in our community. Whether you’re a daily commuter, a weekend rider, or a parent biking with your kids, your input matters. Your feedback will help the League and the City identify strengths, challenges, and opportunities to improve bicycling conditions in Decatur.

Survey closes: Sunday, October 5
BFC award results announced: December
Time commitment: 10–15 minutes (all questions optional)

Take the survey here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/BFC_2025

Biking Opportunities in Decatur

Decatur offers a range of ways to get involved in our biking community:

  • Safe Routes to School – Walk & Roll Days: Monthly events encouraging students to bike or walk to school.
  • Bike Bus Programs: Group rides to school with adult supervision—great for building confidence and community.
  • Group Rides & Social Cycling: Guild+Journeyman and community groups host casual rides for all skill levels.
  • Trail Connections: Enjoy access to nearby PATH Foundation trails for longer recreational rides.

Bicycle Education & Resources

We’re committed to making biking safer and more accessible for everyone:

  • Bike Skills Classes: Learn basic handling, traffic safety, and maintenance.
  • Youth Bike Rodeos: Fun, hands-on events teaching kids how to ride safely.
  • Online Safety Guides: nhtsa.gov/road-safety/bicycle-safety covering rules of the road, bike lights, and helmet fitting.
  • Repair Stations: Free public bike repair stands located at key spots around the city.

If you have any questions about the survey or Decatur’s bicycling programs, please contact Gael Doyle, City of Decatur Parks & Recreation Department, at gael.doyle@decaturga.com.

Thank you for sharing your input and helping us move toward Gold and create a Bicycle Friendly Community for everyone.

Filed under Bike Decatur, City of Decatur, Decatur Parks & Recreation, Exercise, Healthy Monday, Safe Routes to School Tagged with , , ,

Build Together: Creating Parks and Programs for Everyone in Decatur

July 21, 2025 by Leave a comment

At Decatur Parks & Recreation, we believe that when we build together, we build stronger. That means ensuring every playground, program, and park is created with everyone in mind—across age, ability, background, and income. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are not just guiding principles; they are central to how we serve and shape our community.

One powerful example is the Legacy Park Inclusive Playground, designed so that all children, regardless of physical or developmental ability, can play side by side. It is a space where kids can learn, explore, and grow together, while families gather and connect in a welcoming outdoor setting. This project reflects what is possible when a community comes together to invest in inclusion.

But building together goes beyond infrastructure. It is also about access. Not every family in Decatur has the means to afford afterschool care, athletics, or summer camps. That is why we invite you to support the Mary Miller Decatur Youth Fund, which helps remove financial barriers for local families. The fund, managed by the Decatur Education Foundation, ensures that children can participate in after-school programs, summer school, summer camps and other enrichment opportunities, regardless of their financial situation.

To give, mail a check made out to the Decatur Education Foundation with “Decatur Youth Fund” in the memo line to: 500 S. Columbia Drive, Decatur, GA 30030
Contributions are tax-deductible. For questions, contact Nancy Brune at 404-377-0494 or nancy.brune@decaturga.com.

This Saturday, join us at Community Day at Ebster Field from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. as we wrap up Parks & Recreation Month with a celebration of connection, culture, and play. There will be games, music from DJ K-Kat, food trucks, and a family bike ride. It is a free, family-friendly event that reflects what Decatur is all about: showing up for each other and creating space where everyone belongs.

Filed under City of Decatur, Legacy Park, Teens, Youth Classes, Youth Sports Tagged with ,

Outdoor Activities for a Summer Time Sweat

July 15, 2025 by Leave a comment

Get Outside and Get Moving in Decatur This Summer

There’s no substitute for being outdoors. Fresh air, sunshine, and a breeze through the trees can do wonders—especially after time indoors. This summer, let nature be your gym and Decatur’s parks your playground.

From Glenlake Park to Legacy Park, Decatur offers plenty of outdoor spaces to support your fitness goals while connecting with nature. Whether you’re looking for a high-energy workout or a relaxed afternoon, there are plenty of options:

Biking
Hop on a bike and explore Decatur’s network of bike-friendly streets and trails. Even at a casual pace, cycling helps boost cardiovascular health, reduce stress, and improve mobility. Be sure to wear bright clothing and use bike lights for safety—especially if you’re riding near busy intersections.

Gardening
Scott Park’s community garden is more than just a space to grow veggies—it’s a wellness hub. Digging, weeding, and watering not only build strength and flexibility but can also boost mood and vitamin D exposure.

Nature Hikes
Join the City’s Urban Naturalist for a guided nature walk or hike around Legacy Park. Walking among native plants and wildlife offers physical benefits and a major mental reset. Don’t forget to check out upcoming hikes on our social channels @decaturparksandrec

Swimming
Cool off with a swim at Glenlake, Ebster, or McKoy Pool. Swimming offers a full-body workout that builds strength, endurance, and heart health—plus, it’s the perfect escape from the Georgia heat.

And speaking of heat… stay hydrated!
Summer temps in Decatur can rise quickly, so always bring a reusable water bottle. Drink water before, during, and after activity—even if you don’t feel thirsty. Your body will thank you!

Ready to get moving? Explore all the summer programming and outdoor spaces Decatur Parks & Recreation has to offer at decaturga.com/parksrec. Let’s make this summer one of play, movement, and community connection.

Filed under Aquatics, Bike Decatur, City of Decatur, Decatur Greenspaces, Decatur Parks & Recreation, Exercise, Healthy Monday, Legacy Park, Monday Campaigns Tagged with , , , ,

← Older posts