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.

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Wrapping Up Parks & Recreation Month in Decatur: Build Together, Play Together!

August 1, 2025 by Leave a comment

Across the country, July is dedicated to celebrating the incredible impact that parks, recreation programs, and public spaces have on building strong, healthy, and connected communities. Here in Decatur, we embraced this year’s theme, “Build Together, Play Together,” with a month full of activities that brought neighbors, friends, and families together.

Throughout the month, our team worked hard to make each week meaningful and memorable. Rec and Ally handed out popsicles at camps and pools, helping everyone cool off while spreading a little extra joy. We welcomed community members to explore nature with guided hikes led by our Urban Naturalist and opened Ebster Pool for a free swim day that invited all to dive into summer fun.

Our grand finale? Community Day at Ebster! It was a true celebration of connection—with music from DJ K-Kat, inflatable games, soccer clinics, bike rides, and open play. The day brought together residents of all ages and backgrounds for an afternoon of laughter, movement, and shared experiences.

These events weren’t just about fun, they were a reminder of how parks and recreation create space for wellness, learning, and community building. Your participation and support helped make this month such a success.

Thank you to everyone who joined us. Here’s to building something even better, together.

Filed under Bike Decatur, Decatur Greenspaces, Decatur Parks & Recreation, Ebster Recreation Center, Exercise 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 , , , ,

Cemeteries: The Original Parks

July 7, 2025 by Leave a comment

July is Parks & Recreation Month, and here in Decatur, we’re celebrating by spotlighting an unexpected but special green space—the Historic Decatur Cemetery.

Long before manicured lawns and paved trails, 19th-century cemeteries offered what we now call parks—peaceful landscapes for strolling, reflection, and community togetherness. The city cemetery movement, inspired by Mount Auburn in Boston (est. 1831), combined scenic paths, ornamental plantings, and serene spaces—all for public enjoyment.

Decatur Cemetery: Downtown’s Largest Green Space

  • At 58 acres, it’s the largest greenspace in downtown Decatur, located just a half-mile from the Square.
  • Established in the 1820s (even pre-dating Decatur’s incorporation in 1823), it’s the oldest burial ground in metro Atlanta, now housing over 20,000 graves.
  • The Victorian-style 7.5-acre Old Section, with its curving paths and landmark monuments, reflects early “cemetery park” design.
  • Added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1997, offering a living classroom of local history .

Meet the Friends of Decatur Cemetery

The volunteer group Friends of Decatur Cemetery works alongside the City to preserve, maintain, and enliven this space—through tree plantings, gazebo restorations, tours, and educational outreach.

Join the Scavenger Hunt & Celebrate!

n celebration of Parks & Recreation Month, the Friends of Decatur Cemetery are hosting a fun and family-friendly scavenger hunt throughout the cemetery grounds!

Discover historic markers, unique monuments, and hidden natural gems as you explore Downtown Decatur’s largest green space. It’s the perfect way for families, friends, and history lovers to connect with nature and local heritage—all while enjoying the outdoors!

Come together in this beautiful, living park that tells the stories of Decatur’s past—while celebrating Parks & Recreation Month!

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

July Is Parks & Recreation Month!

June 30, 2025 by Leave a comment

July 2025 marks the 40th anniversary of Parks & Recreation Month, a nationwide celebration led by the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) since 1985. This initiative recognizes the dedicated professionals and volunteers who make our parks safe, inclusive, and thriving. Guided by the theme “Build Together, Play Together,” July is all about the power of parks to connect us, support our health, and strengthen our communities

How Decatur Is Celebrating

Decatur Parks & Recreation has planned a full slate of free events to mark the occasion—and everyone’s invited!

  • July 3: Poppin’ at the Pools – Beat the heat with free popsicles at local pools.
  • July 8: Nature Hike at Legacy Park (10 a.m.) – Explore Legacy Park guided by the City’s Urban Naturalist.
  • July 10: Legacy Park Beaver Complex Tour (10 a.m.) – Discover the fascinating world of beavers.
  • July 12: Hawk Hollow Hike (10 a.m.) – Discover one of Decatur’s hidden gems on a nature walk through Hawk Hollow.
  • July 21: Free Swim Day at Ebster Pool (1–3 p.m.) – Cool off with free pool admission from 1–3 p.m.
  • July 26: Community Day at Ebster Field (10 a.m.–2 p.m.) – Join us for games, music, food, and family fun.

All month long, Decatur Parks & Recreation will be highlighting the people, places, and programs that make our community special. Stories and updates will be shared on our social media platforms, showcasing how parks and recreation bring people together, promote well-being, and support a more connected Decatur.

Let’s Build and Play—Together

Parks and recreation bring people together in ways that few other services can. They create space for belonging, offer opportunities to grow and connect, and help shape a vibrant, inclusive Decatur.

This July, we invite you to experience all that Decatur Parks & Recreation has to offer—and to celebrate the programs, places, and people that help build the community we love.

Learn more at decaturga.com/parksrec

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

Celebrating Earth Day the Decatur Way: Community, Conservation, and Commitment

April 23, 2025 by Leave a comment

In Decatur, Earth Day isn’t just a date on the calendar—it’s a reflection of our ongoing commitment to sustainability, environmental stewardship, and community collaboration. This year, we’re proud to highlight a variety of efforts happening across our city that demonstrate how we’re working together to protect our green spaces and nurture a healthier planet.

Pitching in at Legacy Park
Volunteers from the Atlanta Braves Foundation, Coors, and Hands On Atlanta kicked off Earth Day celebrations early with a community workday at Legacy Park. Once a home for children, this beautiful 77-acre greenspace is now home to 18 nonprofits and an evolving hub for civic engagement and environmental restoration.

On Tuesday, April 15, nearly 50 volunteers rolled up their sleeves to tackle weeding, planting, and revitalization projects throughout the park. Thanks to their hard work and generous spirit, Legacy Park is greener, cleaner, and more welcoming for all who visit and work there.

Students in Action at Hidden Cove Park
The City of Decatur’s Urban Naturalist recently led a group of Decatur High School students through a hands-on morning of environmental service at Hidden Cove Park. With shovels in hand and sleeves rolled up, these dedicated students removed invasive English ivy and planted native species to help restore the park’s natural ecosystem. Their efforts not only support local biodiversity but also build a lasting connection between youth and the natural world.

Decatur’s Sustainability Leadership Recognized
Decatur’s commitment to environmental leadership remains strong, earning the city platinum recertification in the Atlanta Regional Commission’s Green Communities program. This voluntary certification recognizes local governments that go above and beyond to reduce their environmental footprint and promote sustainability.

We’re proud of the many initiatives that helped us earn this distinction, including:

  • Requiring green building certifications for all new development
  • Supporting residential solar installations with expedited permitting
  • Creating a comprehensive stormwater master plan
  • Earning national recognition as a Bee City USA, Tree City USA, Bicycle Friendly Community, and Walk Friendly Community
  • Adopting a Clean Energy Plan to transition away from fossil fuels
  • Partnering with Agnes Scott College to develop a climate resilience plan

These efforts are more than policies—they’re part of a shared vision for a city where people and nature thrive together.

A Greener Future Starts Here
From students planting native flowers to corporate volunteers digging in the dirt, Earth Day in Decatur is about action, collaboration, and care. Whether you’re biking to school, watching birds at Legacy Park, or helping remove invasive species, every step toward sustainability contributes to a stronger, greener future.

Let’s keep the momentum going—not just on Earth Day, but every day.

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

Get Lost in the Sights and Smells of Nature

April 14, 2025 by Leave a comment

Stepping outside and taking a breath of fresh air can help you ease your mind during moments of stress.

The next time you feel overwhelmed, take a trip to a local park, trail, or wooded area and focus on all of the sights, smells, and sounds of the world around you. By paying attention to the sound of the wind, the heat of the sun, the smell of the foliage, you’ll slowly begin to release your stress and replace it with the inherent beauty of the outdoors.

Use this Monday to take a break from the pressure and pace of a busy day and enjoy the tranquility of nature. Being outside can improve your mood, and even help put things in perspective. Studies reveal spending time in nature can actually lower cortisol, a stress hormone, and have a positive effect on blood pressure, heart rate, and muscle tension.

This week, find happiness and relaxation by spending time outside. Bring a book, some music, or a snack, and enjoy the setting.

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

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

January 9, 2025 by Leave a comment

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

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

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

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

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

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

December 4, 2024 by 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

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

October 10, 2024 by 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 ,

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