City of Decatur | Decatur Parks & Recreation

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

December 4, 2024 by Gael Doyle 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

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

November 22, 2024 by Gael Doyle 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 Active Living, City of Decatur, Safe Routes to School

Walk to a Park Day: Celebrating Decatur’s 10-Minute Neighborhood

October 10, 2024 by Gael Doyle Leave a comment

In Decatur, we believe that parks are vital community spaces, and ensuring accessibility to these green havens is at the heart of our planning. This year, we’re proud to celebrate Walk to a Park Day on October 10th, a day that recognizes the importance of access to parks and promotes walking as a key component of a healthy, sustainable lifestyle.

Mayor Patti Garrett officially proclaimed October 10th as Walk to a Park Day at the October 7th City Commissioners Meeting, where Decatur Parks and Recreation staff were present to witness this exciting moment.

What is a 10-Minute Neighborhood?

Decatur’s 2020 Strategic Plan, Destination 2030, includes a bold vision: the “10-minute neighborhood” (MB.02). This concept focuses on ensuring that people of all abilities can safely access local amenities and activity nodes—like parks, shops, and services—within a 10-minute walk or bike ride, without needing a car. In a 10-minute neighborhood, most daily needs, including groceries, restaurants, playgrounds, and libraries, are all easily reachable.

How Does Decatur Measure Up?

Decatur is proud to be a city where 97% of our residents and employees live within walking distance of a park, far exceeding the national average of 54%. With over 60 miles of sidewalks and charming tree-lined streets, Decatur makes it easy to get outside, get active, and enjoy the natural beauty around us.

As we mark Walk to a Park Day, it’s a perfect opportunity to reflect on how the 10-minute neighborhood concept plays a crucial role in our city’s design. By encouraging walking and biking to parks and other community spaces, we’re reducing our carbon footprint, fostering health and well-being, and building connections with our neighbors.

Why Walk to a Park?

Beyond the obvious physical health benefits, walking to a park promotes mental well-being, supports environmental sustainability, and enhances social interactions. Parks are where we come together as a community, whether it’s for a morning stroll, a weekend picnic, or an afternoon at the playground.

This October 10th, celebrate Walk to a Park Day with your friends and family by taking a leisurely walk to one of Decatur’s beautiful parks. Let’s continue to embrace the 10-minute neighborhood and enjoy the walkable, accessible, and vibrant community that we all contribute to.

Get involved. Get outside. And let’s keep Decatur moving!

Filed under City of Decatur, Decatur Greenspaces, Decatur Parks & Recreation, Exercise, Walk Decatur Tagged with Active Living, City of Decatur

Exploring Decatur’s Beacon Hill and the Praise House Project: Preserving African American Heritage

August 26, 2024 by Gael Doyle 1 Comment

Decatur, Georgia, has a rich African American history that has often been overshadowed by systemic inequities and urban development. The Praise House Project is a community-based initiative that seeks to preserve and uplift these vital histories through immersive public art installations. Located at 346 West Trinity Place, the current Praise House invites visitors to step into a multimedia experience that honors the African American narratives of the area.

The Praise House Project: Standing on Hallowed Ground

Created by Charmaine Minniefield, the Praise House Project places small wooden structures with fully immersive digital projection installations within communities. These installations recreate the traditional Ring Shout—a spiritual practice of enslaved Africans—using archives and footage collected from the local community. Each Praise House serves as a safe space for gathering, reflection, and honoring the African American history deeply rooted in the land.

The Praise House in Decatur will feature a special exterior illumination on August 30th from 8-10 pm, in collaboration with Decatur photographer Gregory White. On August 31st, from 5-8 pm, the interior of the Praise House will be open for special viewing during Decatur Day, offering a deeper engagement with this impactful art installation.

Beacon Hill: Forging Freedom in Downtown Decatur

Beacon Hill, once known as “the Bottom,” was a thriving African American community established by freed slaves after the Civil War. This square mile of Decatur became home to numerous Black-owned businesses, churches, and schools, creating a vibrant community despite facing significant challenges.

In the 1930s, the area began to be condemned by the city to make way for public housing, leading to the displacement of many families and businesses. However, the legacy of Beacon Hill remains strong. Prominent businesses such as Henry Oliver’s blacksmith shop, LC’s Rib Shack, and the Ritz Movie Theater are remembered for their contributions to the community’s fabric. The area’s churches, including the historic Antioch AME Church and Lilly Hill Baptist Church, continue to serve as pillars of strength and gathering places for the community.

Beacon Hill was also a center for education and youth activities. Despite limited resources, the community established schools like Herring Street School, which later became Beacon Elementary School and Trinity High School. These institutions not only provided education but also nurtured civic leaders and created opportunities for future generations.

Beacon Hill was more than just a place; it was a community where families connected, children played, and everyone gathered to celebrate life’s milestones. From the local Ritz Theatre to the bustling recreation center at Ebster Park, Beacon Hill was a neighborhood where African American culture and community thrived.

The Praise House Project and the history of Beacon Hill both serve as powerful reminders of Decatur’s rich African American heritage. As these stories are shared and preserved through art and community engagement, they continue to shape the identity and future of Decatur. Visit the Praise House and take a moment to reflect on the resilience, creativity, and strength of the Beacon Hill community—both past and present.

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

Outdoor Adventures with the City’s Urban Naturalist

August 21, 2024 by Gael Doyle Leave a comment

Gather the whole family for an exciting outdoor adventure led by the City’s Urban Naturalist! These programs are perfect for nature enthusiasts of all ages, offering active exploration through hikes to ponds, wetlands, and more. Each month features a new theme, ensuring a fun and educational experience for everyone.

August Theme: Frogs

Discover the incredible world of frogs this August! The program will delve into the fascinating lifecycle of frogs and offer hands-on activities like catching tadpoles for a closer look. Participants will also have the chance to explore the water using waders for an even deeper adventure!

For All Ages:

Date: August 28
Time: 6:00-7:30 PM
Location: Decatur Legacy Park, Meet at Cochran Building (500 South Columbia Drive, Decatur, GA 30030)

For 1st-5th Graders:

Date: August 28
Time: 4:00-5:30 PM
Location: Decatur Legacy Park, Meet at Cochran Building (500 South Columbia Drive, Decatur, GA 30030)

Join us for an unforgettable outdoor adventure where you can explore nature, engage in hands-on learning, and create lasting memories. Don’t miss out on this chance to connect with nature and each other! Hikes are free but please register through CommunityPass.

Filed under City of Decatur, Decatur Greenspaces, Decatur Parks & Recreation, Legacy Park Tagged with environment, frogs, nature hike

Celebrate National Farmers Market Week in Decatur!

August 9, 2024 by Gael Doyle Leave a comment

This week, we’re shining a spotlight on the essential role farmers markets play in our community. Farmers markets are more than just places to buy fresh, locally grown food—they are vibrant hubs that bring together neighborhoods, promote healthy eating, and foster a strong sense of community.

Why Farmers Markets Matter:

Farmers markets provide access to fresh, affordable, and locally sourced produce, making healthy eating accessible to everyone. They create inclusive spaces where consumers can connect directly with local farmers, building trust and transparency in our food systems. Beyond shopping, farmers markets offer a wealth of education and engagement opportunities. Whether it’s learning about nutrition, understanding food production, or discovering new ways to enhance health and well-being, farmers markets serve as living classrooms for our community.

Economic and Community Impact:

National Farmers Market Week highlights the critical role these markets play in supporting local economies. By shopping at farmers markets, you’re not only getting fresh produce, but you’re also supporting local farmers and producers. This creates a sustainable food system and strengthens the economic foundation of our community. Additionally, the relationships formed between buyers and sellers at farmers markets build trust and contribute to a more resilient and connected community.

Explore Decatur’s Farmers Markets:

Decatur is home to two regular farmers markets, both of which are hosted by Community Farmers Markets. These markets bring a culturally diverse, educational, and social experience to our city, offering fresh produce and more:

Decatur Farmers Market
Location: First Baptist Church of Decatur
Season: March through November
Hours: Wednesdays, 4:00 – 7:00 PM
Features: Dog-friendly, free parking
Oakhurst Farmers Market
Location: Sceptre Brewing Arts in Decatur
Season: Year-round
Winter Market: January 13 – March 23
Hours: Saturdays, 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM

These markets are more than just a place to shop—they’re community events that connect us to the land, to our food, and to each other. This National Farmers Market Week, we encourage everyone to visit your local market, support local producers, and take advantage of the fresh, healthy options available right in our neighborhood.

Let’s come together to celebrate the farmers, artisans, and community members who make these markets such a special part of Decatur!

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

Metro Atlanta Cities Wellbeing Initiative

August 8, 2024 by Gael Doyle Leave a comment

The City of Decatur is committed to fostering a community where every resident can thrive. That’s why we were proud to participate in the Metro Atlanta Cities Wellbeing Initiative, alongside other esteemed community leaders.

Participants from the City of Decatur included Mayor Patti Garrett, Clarity Fitness owner Abbey Griffith, Fire Captain Gary Menard, and Parks and Recreation Center Supervisor Jada Jordan. Together, they engaged in impactful discussions aimed at enhancing our understanding of wellbeing and informing policy action through data-driven insights.

Facilitated by ARCHI (Atlanta Regional Collaborative for Health Improvement), GMA (Georgia Municipal Association), and AWP (Athens Wellbeing Project), this initiative provided a platform for city leaders to delve into critical topics related to community wellbeing.

The initiative unfolded over eight months, encompassing various aspects of wellbeing-related issues. The first half focused on didactic sessions led by subject matter experts, covering topics such as stewardship, social determinants of health, health equity, systems thinking, and peer learning.

In the second half, participants applied their learnings to develop policy action plans, guided by the CDC’s policy process. They utilized a wellbeing glossary and metric factsheets developed by MACWI to create these plans, emphasizing data-driven decision-making.

Our participation in the Metro Atlanta Cities Wellbeing Initiative underscores our commitment to leveraging data and collaborative efforts to drive positive change in our community. We believe that by engaging in initiatives like this, we can better understand the needs of our residents and work towards creating a healthier and more vibrant Decatur.

To learn more about the Metro Atlanta Cities Wellbeing Initiative and our involvement, click here and read the full report. Thank you to all our community leaders for their dedication to improving the wellbeing of City of Decatur residents. Together, we can continue to build a community where everyone can thrive. Watch a video about Decatur’s part in the initiative by clicking below or for a full overview of all the cities involved click here.

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

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

August 2, 2024 by Gael Doyle 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 Active Living, City of Decatur

School starts July 30!

July 29, 2024 by Gael Doyle 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 Bicycle Safety, City of Decatur, City Schools of Decatur, Safe Routes to School

Week 3: Being an Advocate for Belonging

July 18, 2024 by Gael Doyle 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.