The Decatur Library Youth Summer Reading Program for 2024 is underway! This year’s theme, “Adventure Begins at Your Library,” encourages kids to explore new worlds through stories. Each child can sign up to track their reading over the summer and win prizes along the way. The library offers scavenger hunts with prizes, badges to be earned, and plenty of fun activities to keep kids engaged. It’s a great way to nurture a love of reading and keep your kids entertained during the summer break. Adults can also participate, play bingo, and win prizes!
Additionally, Scott Park, located right next to the library, is an excellent place for kids to read and play. Reading outside has been shown to lower cortisol levels and increase self-esteem for all ages. Spending time in the fresh air and sunlight helps regulate circadian rhythms, ensuring good sleep and high energy levels. Enjoying a good book outdoors is a low-stress, relaxing activity that provides these benefits. So grab a book and head to your favorite park to enjoy a reading adventure!
Earth Day is a global event celebrated annually on April 22nd to demonstrate support for environmental protection. It serves as a reminder of the importance of environmental stewardship and the need to address pressing issues such as climate change, pollution, deforestation, and loss of biodiversity. Earth Day provides an opportunity to raise awareness, inspire activism, and advocate for policies and practices that promote sustainability and conservation.
This past weekend, we had a fantastic time celebrating the Earth and alternative transportation in the City of Decatur. On Saturday, April 20th, members of the community, along with the Bicycle-Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC), City Manager Andrea Arnold, Capital Projects Manager Hugh Saxon, Mayor Patti Garrett, Mayor Pro Tem Tony Powers, and Parks and Recreation Director Greg White, gathered to cut the ribbon and officially celebrate the new cycle track built throughout the streets of Decatur. We’re thrilled to have dedicated bike lanes as we continue our commitment to being the most bike-friendly city in Georgia. As the only Silver-level Bicycle Friendly Community in the state, Decatur’s dedication to enhancing cycling infrastructure shines brightly.
Following the ribbon-cutting ceremony, we headed to the square to celebrate Earth Day with what the City of Decatur does best, a festival! The Earth Day Festival presented by the City of Decatur’s Environmental Sustainability Board and Park and Recreation Department was filled with community spirit, environmental awareness, and fun activities for all ages! The day kicked off with performances by the Atlanta Conundrums and Capoeira Maculelê, followed by inspiring words from Mayor Garrett about Decatur’s commitment to environmental awareness and sustainability. We also had the honor of congratulating our City Arborist, Kay Evanovich, who was named the Georgia Arborist Association’s 2023 Arborist of the Year!
Throughout the festival, the Quincy Carter Foundation presented scholarships to local area teens, and we enjoyed tunes from DJ K-KAT, one of our talented second graders and Animal Crackers participant.
Here are some additional ways to celebrate Earth Day today and throughout the year:
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle: Minimize waste and conserve resources by practicing the three Rs – reduce, reuse, and recycle.
Plant Trees: Participate in tree-planting initiatives to improve air quality and provide habitat for wildlife.
Clean up the Environment: Organize or participate in neighborhood clean-up events to protect wildlife and prevent pollution.
Support Sustainable Practices: Choose eco-friendly products and support businesses that prioritize sustainability.
Educate and Advocate: Spread awareness about environmental issues and support organizations working to protect the planet.
Earth Day is a time to reflect on our relationship with the environment and take meaningful steps to protect it for future generations. Let’s work together to make every day Earth Day!
As the season of renewal blossoms, we’re thrilled to unveil our latest Playbook, brimming with an exciting lineup of programs, classes, and events spanning April through June. Whether you’re a child, adult, or senior, there’s something for everyone to enjoy!
Embrace Nature: Join us for our Earth Day Festival on April 20th, where we celebrate our planet with eco-friendly activities and educational experiences. Plus, dive into biking adventures throughout May, as we pedal our way around Decatur in honor of bike month.
Celebrate Seniors: We’re rolling out a new round of senior parties and workshops, including our much-anticipated Senior Health and Fitness Fair on May 29th. It’s the perfect opportunity to socialize, stay active, and prioritize your well-being.
Explore New Classes: Shake up your routine with our exciting new classes! From dance fitness at Oakhurst to women’s self-defense at Decatur, there’s no shortage of opportunities to learn, grow, and have fun. Don’t miss our family-friendly activities like family yoga at Ebster—perfect for bonding and relaxation.
Youthful Adventures: Spring is in full swing for our young adventurers! Sign up for soccer, baseball, or join us for the opening day parade on June 1st. Plus, don’t miss our new skateboarding classes at McKoy Park—perfect for thrill-seekers looking to master new skills.
Ready to dive into spring with Decatur Parks & Recreation? Explore all the exciting offerings in our Playbook and secure your spot by registering on CommunityPass today!
Join us for a community engagement session on March 19th from 6-8 pm at Ebster Recreation Center. We’ll be meeting downstairs in the multipurpose room. The City of Decatur was awarded a $2 million grant from Governor Kemp’s office to reimagine Ebster Park, a vital space in the heart of the community. During the COVID pandemic, Ebster Park became a central gathering space for Decatur community members.
The proposed project aims to address inadequate access to the park, lack of appropriate lighting and shade, the availability of restrooms, and provide other essential amenities. The improvements include upgrading the accessibility ramp, adding a restroom facility, renovating the basketball court and pavilion, and considering new features like a skate park or an “all wheels” area.
This is the first community engagement session, and we want your input to shape the future of Ebster Park. Join us and ensure your voice is heard regarding desired amenities, contributing to the creation of a safe and welcoming community park for everyone. We look forward to seeing you there!
This March, The City of Decatur and Bee City USA-Decatur, GA (a.k.a. Beecatur) invite Decaturites to join residents of other cities nationwide in taking a month off from mowing to help feed pollinators. With roots in Great Britain, the initiative — originally called “No Mow May” — was launched in the U.S. in 2020 by the Bee City USA affiliate in Appleton, WI. It received widespread media attention in 2022 and many wondered if the program would eventually come to Decatur.
“Allowing flowering spring lawn plants like dandelions, violets, dead nettle, hen bit and others to grow unchecked for a month provides vital forage for pollinating insects at a time when food is otherwise in short supply,” says Peter Helfrich, chair of Decatur’s Bee City USA committee. “In Decatur, our spring pollinators begin to emerge in late February or early March, depending on the weather. Not mowing in May would do little to support them.”
But by choosing to forgo mowing during March, Decatur residents can help sustain honey bees, mason bees, mining bees, bumble bees, and other early spring pollinator species.
To let their neighbors know and to help spread the word, residents participating in No Mow March can pick up a FREE yard sign at the City of Decatur Public Works building (2635 Talley Street).
Observing No Mow March is a great start to helping pollinators in Decatur. To take the next step, Helfrich suggests adding native plants to your landscaping, and reducing or eliminating insecticide and herbicide use.
Save the date: Saturday, February 17, 2024, from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm, at Legacy Park, 500 S. Columbia DR. Experience the joy of planting and nurturing trees in your community!
🌿 Event Highlights:
Tree Seedlings Pick-Up
Hug a Tree Photo Site
🌲 Tree Options:
50 White Oaks
50 Yellow Poplars
50 Bald Cypress
50 Persimmon (Understory Trees)
📧 How to Participate: To secure your tree seedlings, simply email treepermits@decaturga.com with the following details:
Name
Planting Address
Number and type of trees requested
🚗 Drive-Thru Pick-Up: On 2-17-2024, swing by Legacy Park for a convenient drive-thru to collect your chosen trees.
🌳 Act Fast! Limited Trees Available: Due to popular demand, it’s first-come, first-served. Ensure your spot by sending those emails starting today!
Gear up for an action-packed weekend with our Biketober and Walktober events!
Biketober Highlights:
Bikes & Brews: Friday Night! 🍻🚴♂️ Join us for a thrilling cycling experience on Friday, October 6th, at 6:30 p.m. Meet in front of @guildjourneyman, 115 Clairemont Ave, and let’s hit the road together.
Saturday Ride: October 7th at 10 a.m. 🌞 Embrace the morning breeze and scenic views on our Saturday ride. Get ready to pedal your way to a fantastic weekend!
Walktober Adventures:
Art Walk: October 8th at 2 p.m. 🎨 Explore the artistic side of Decatur! Join us for an Art Walk on October 8th, starting at 2 p.m. Meet at the Community Bandstand on the Decatur Square. Co-sponsored by the Decatur Pedestrian Advisory Committee, these walks will be led by Angie Macon of the Decatur Arts Alliance.
Decatur Historic Cemetery Tour:
Second Sunday Tour: October 8th at 2:30 p.m. 🌳 Don’t miss the last Second Sunday tour of the season at the Decatur Historic Cemetery! Hosted by Friends of Decatur Cemetery, these captivating tours happen every Second Sunday, May through October. Meet at the wellhouse/gazebo in the Historic Old Section at 2:30 p.m. for an enriching journey through history.
Get ready for a weekend filled with outdoor adventures, community spirit, and the beauty of Decatur!
Looking for a fun and rewarding way to embrace a healthier lifestyle? Look no further than Walktober, a celebration of all things walking!
Why Walktober? Walking is not just a stroll in the park; it’s a journey to better health, both physically and mentally. As we step into October, join us in making walking a daily habit. The benefits are numerous and impactful:
Physical Fitness: Walking is a low-impact exercise that’s suitable for all fitness levels. It helps improve cardiovascular health, enhance endurance, and maintain a healthy weight.
Mental Well-Being: Enjoy the therapeutic effects of a leisurely walk. It’s proven to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, leaving you feeling refreshed and revitalized.
Connection with Community: Walking brings people together. Whether it’s a stroll with neighbors or a walk in a local park, it fosters a sense of community and belonging.
Creativity Boost: Need to clear your mind? Walking has been linked to increased creativity. Take a walk, let your thoughts flow, and see the ideas bloom.
Walktober Bingo: Fun, Fitness, and Prizes! To add an exciting twist to your walking routine, participate in our Walktober Bingo challenge. Here’s how it works:
Pick up a Bingo Card: Visit any of our three recreation centers to grab your Walktober Bingo Card. It’s your roadmap to a month of walking adventures! Or print the card off from this post.
Complete the Challenges: Each square on the Bingo Card presents a unique walking challenge. Explore your neighborhood, parks, and trails while ticking off the activities.
Capture the Moments: Take pictures as you complete the spaces.
Submit for a Chance to Win: Completed the card? Share your pictures with us and get entered into a raffle to win one of five exclusive Decatur 200th Birthday Swag Bags. It’s a celebration, and you could be a winner!
Join the Walktober Movement! Walktober is more than just a month-long event; it’s a commitment to a healthier, happier you. Lace-up those walking shoes, embrace the beauty of fall, and step into a new level of well-being.
Happy National Farmers Market Week! This dedicated week offers us the opportunity to shine a spotlight on the unsung heroes of local food networks – our beloved farmers markets. Did you know that Community Farmers Markets hosts two markets in Decatur?
The Decatur Farmers Market takes place every Wednesday from 4-7pm at the First Baptist Church Decatur on Clairemont (308 Clairemont Ave Decatur, GA 30030), running from March 29 to November 15. Meanwhile, the Oakhurst Farmers Market takes center stage every Saturday from 9am-1pm at Sceptre Brewing Arts in Decatur (630 East Lake Drive, Decatur, GA 30030), operating from January 7 to December 16. The markets match all SNAP purchases with double the money for fruits and vegetables. To learn more about Community Farmers Markets, visit their website at cfmatl.org.
As we celebrate the 24th annual event from August 6th to 12th, 2023, it’s time to recognize and honor the pivotal role that farmers markets play in shaping our nation’s food system. Serving as vibrant conduits between growers and consumers, these markets are the epicenter of community nourishment and well-being. As we celebrate this special week, we delve into the ways in which farmers markets champion the seven dimensions of well-being, aligning perfectly with NRPA’s vision of Community Wellness Hubs.
Cultural
Farmers markets become cultural melting pots, embracing diversity through multilingual marketing materials and interpreter assistance.
An array of culturally diverse foods and products grace market stalls, connecting communities to their roots.
Economic
Farmers markets emerge as launchpads for small businesses and budding entrepreneurs, nurturing their growth and success.
The ethos of producer-only markets resonates, funneling financial support back into the local economy.
Acceptance of nutrition assistance programs like SNAP, WIC, and EBT matching programs enhances accessibility to fresh, local produce.
Emotional
Vibrant and lively atmospheres at markets are crafted through live music, food trucks, and a channel for feedback, creating safe havens for visitors.
Markets evolve into artistic hubs, showcasing talents through artist displays and community art activities.
Intergenerational bonds form between producers and customers, nurturing a sense of belonging.
Environmental
Markets step outdoors, reuniting communities with nature and fostering an appreciation for locally sourced sustenance.
Vendors champion sustainability by offering reusable packaging from renewable sources.
Shoppers become educated about regional foods and their seasonal availability, nurturing a deeper connection with their environment.
Environmental awareness thrives through initiatives like composting, and environmental health education.
Intellectual
Farmers markets evolve into classrooms, offering cooking demonstrations, nutrition education, and artisanal workshops.
Knowledge transfer between seasoned and novice farmers cultivates a cycle of continuous learning.
Local schools contribute to educational programming, introducing STEM activities and interactive demonstrations.
Physical
Lively markets facilitate physical well-being through Zumba, fitness demos, yoga sessions, and invigorating park walks.
Shoppers receive a bounty of healthy recipes, complementing the nutrient-rich fresh produce available.
Strategic health care partnerships bring wellness resources to the market encouraging healthy choices.
Social
Markets evolve into communal spaces where shoppers gather for shared meals, evening concerts, and entertainment.
Walking and running clubs find a home at markets, fostering camaraderie and physical activity.
Markets serve as the backdrop for various community events, encouraging visitors to connect with social programs and fellow attendees.
Farmers markets are catalysts for transformative change. They reshape our interactions with food, amplify our sense of community, and fuel our drive for sustainability. Across the United States, farmers markets are redefining their role, transcending the boundaries of mere transactional spaces and embracing their identities as community catalysts. These markets thrive through the commitment of dedicated individuals and teams who tirelessly work behind the scenes, weaving connections, fostering partnerships, and curating spaces of nourishment and exchange.
Championing Equitable Spaces
The evolution of farmers markets also signifies a cultural shift. Efforts are underway to enhance equity within the farmers market landscape, ensuring that these spaces mirror the communities they serve. Market operators and community organizers are steering the course towards inclusivity, striving to create safe, inviting, and accessible havens for all.
Our Farmers Market Journey
This National Farmers Market Week, we invite you to join us in celebrating the profound impact of farmers markets on our lives and our communities. Let’s reflect on the changes we’ve experienced – from embracing seasonal eating to fostering economic vitality in our neighborhoods. Together, we’re building a future where farmers markets stand not only as hubs of nourishment but also as epicenters of transformation, unity, and well-being.
Living close to parks and recreation facilities has incredible benefits for both adults and youth. Studies consistently show that proximity to these spaces is linked to higher physical activity levels. Get ready to lace up your sneakers and experience the positive impact firsthand!
But the benefits don’t stop there. Parks also provide a vital connection to nature, offering a sanctuary of tranquility and wellness. Research demonstrates that spending time in nature can relieve stress, strengthen interpersonal relationships, and enhance mental health. It’s a win-win for your body and mind!
Join us this Wednesday at 9 a.m. in front of the Decatur Recreation Center for an invigorating 2-3 mile walk around Decatur’s vibrant neighborhoods. Embrace the fresh air, enjoy the scenic views, and connect with like-minded individuals who prioritize their well-being.
At Decatur Parks & Recreation, we understand the importance of equitable opportunities for all community members to stay active. Our dedicated park and recreation professionals play a key role in ensuring that everyone has equal access to these transformative experiences.
Don’t miss out on this fantastic chance to improve your physical and mental well-being while exploring our beautiful community. Grab a friend, bring your family, and let’s walk together towards a healthier and happier lifestyle!
See you Wednesday at 9 a.m. in front of the Decatur Recreation Center. Let’s make every step count!
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