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 ,

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

August 26, 2024 by 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.

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Outdoor Adventures with the City’s Urban Naturalist

August 21, 2024 by 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 , ,

Important Park Update: Playground and Picnic Area Closure

August 15, 2024 by Leave a comment

Due to recent storm winds and a lack of significant rain, several large dead limbs have been identified hanging over the playground and picnic table areas in the park. For the safety of all visitors, we have temporarily closed the park until the necessary tree work can be completed. A tree service has been contracted and is scheduled to address the issue.

Caution tape and signage have been placed at the entrances to the affected areas. We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your understanding as we work to ensure the safety of our park.

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

August 2, 2024 by 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 ,

Week Four: A Kinship With the Land

July 22, 2024 by Leave a comment

Promoting Nature Connectedness Through Harmony With the Environment

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

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

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

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

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

Walking Tours Schedule:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Fuel Your Workout with Music

July 15, 2024 by Leave a comment

Why Do a Workout with Music?

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

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

How to choose songs for your playlist:

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

Some tools to help:

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

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

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

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

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

July 11, 2024 by Leave a comment

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

Accessible Fitness for Everyone

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

Community Engagement Through Fitness

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

Upcoming Events – Week 2: July 7 – July 13

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

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

Join Us for Rock the Mic: Karaoke Night!

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

Recap of Yoga on the Square

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

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

June is Pride Month

June 28, 2024 by Leave a comment

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

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

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

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

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

Juneteenth in Decatur

June 17, 2024 by Leave a comment

Juneteenth is a federal holiday in the United States that commemorates June 19th, 1865, when the enslaved people of Galveston, Texas, finally learned about their freedom. This momentous occasion came more than two years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation, highlighting the deep-rooted racism in the country as the South attempted to hold onto slavery long past its date of abolition. Juneteenth is celebrated to honor and remember a past that has often been erased and to connect that past to our ongoing efforts towards liberty and justice for all.

Traditionally, African American families celebrate Juneteenth with family gatherings, cookouts, and parades, focusing on the connections of family and community.

Celebrations in Decatur: The Praise House Project

In Decatur, celebrations include the Praise House Project, located on the greenspace at Commerce Drive and West Trinity Place. The Praise House Project is a community-based initiative by visual artist Charmaine Minniefield, featuring multimedia, site-specific public art installations that honor the African American histories of various areas.

In honor of Juneteenth, on June 23rd from 6-9 pm, The Praise House Project will partner with Historic Lilly Hill Baptist Church to celebrate the African American history of Beacon Hill and its legacy as a Freedman’s town in Downtown Decatur.

Extended interior viewing hours of the Praise House will be from 3-6 pm at 346 W. Trinity Place, Decatur, GA 30030. At 6 pm, a drum procession led by Giwayen Mata, an all-sistas African drumming, dance, and vocal ensemble, will guide attendees from Lilly Hill to the Praise House for a Juneteenth Family Reunion gathering on the lawn, featuring music by DJ Cozy Shawn.

Guests are encouraged to bring blankets and baskets with plenty to share with their neighbors for a potluck Family Dinner from 6-9 pm. Limited chairs and tables will be provided for the elders. The evening will conclude at sunset with an exterior projection onto the Praise House, making the structure glow with Beacon Hill history, led by digital media artist Kimberly Binns from 8-9 pm.

Join us in celebrating Juneteenth and honoring the rich history and enduring spirit of the African American community.

For more information visit: praisehouseproject.org

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

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