Beat the Heat: Stay Cool and Hydrated this Summer!

July 20, 2023 by Leave a comment

Did you catch the Today show featuring Glenlake Pool? Atlanta’s very own Blayne Alexander reported on the nationwide heat wave. As temperatures rise, it’s important to find ways to keep cool and stay safe. One great option is to visit our City’s pools, which are open every day until August 1 and then on weekends through Labor Day. Dive in and beat the heat!

In addition to pool time, here are some handy tips to help you stay cool during these scorching days. First, consider adjusting your outdoor exercise routine to take advantage of cooler times, such as early morning or late evening. If you can’t change the timing, try scaling down the intensity by reducing the duration, opting for a brisk walk instead of a run, or simply lowering your exertion level.

Choosing the right clothing can also make a big difference. Opt for loose-fitting garments, preferably in light colors, and opt for breathable fabrics like cotton, which can keep you cooler compared to synthetic materials.Don’t forget to hydrate! Combat dehydration by drinking plenty of water throughout the day. Avoid caffeine and alcohol as they can contribute to dehydration. Instead, savor lighter summer fare like cold fruits, low-fat dairy products, and frequent small meals to keep your body well-nourished without generating excess heat. Plus, you’ll enjoy the added benefit of not having to cook next to a hot stove!

For a refreshing burst of coolness, keep a spray bottle filled with chilled water in the refrigerator. Use it to mist your face after spending time outdoors, providing an instant and invigorating cooldown.When the heat becomes unbearable, it’s crucial to seek shelter indoors whenever possible. Avoid activities in direct sunlight or on hot asphalt surfaces. Remember to pay special attention to the most vulnerable members of our community, including the elderly, infants, and those with chronic illnesses, who are more susceptible to heat-related illnesses and dehydration. And don’t forget about our furry friends! Pets also need protection from dehydration and heat-related illnesses.

As the summer heat persists, let’s make smart choices to stay cool, hydrated, and healthy. Join us in enjoying all that summer has to offer, while keeping safety a top priority. Stay cool and beat the heat!

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Parks & Recreation Hiring Event – Monday, July 17

July 14, 2023 by Leave a comment

Are you passionate about making a positive impact in your community? Look no further! The City of Decatur is currently seeking enthusiastic individuals to join our team in Parks and Recreation. Whether you’re looking for Part-Time or Full-Time positions, this is your chance to contribute to a vibrant and thriving community. Exciting opportunities await you!

Apply Online Today: Take the first step towards an enriching career by applying online at www.decaturga.com/jobs. Don’t miss out on the chance to be part of a dedicated team that is committed to creating memorable experiences for our residents.

Mark your calendars for July 17th! Join us at Legacy Park, located at 500 S Columbia Drive, Decatur, GA 30030, from 1 pm to 4 pm for on-the-spot interviews. This is an excellent opportunity to showcase your skills, passion, and dedication. We can’t wait to meet you in person and learn more about your potential contributions to our team.

Working with the City of Decatur comes with numerous perks. If you’re seeking to become a Full-Time member of our team, you’ll enjoy comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance, flexible spending accounts, retirement programs, tuition assistance, and an employee assistance program. We believe in taking care of our employees and providing a supportive work environment that promotes personal and professional growth.

Make a positive impact, grow your career, and be part of a community that values your contributions. Apply online today and mark your calendar for the job fair. We look forward to meeting you and welcoming you to the City of Decatur Parks & Recreation team!

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Strength Training with What You’ve Got on Hand

July 10, 2023 by Leave a comment

If you’re just starting with a new strength-training regimen or trying to maintain a healthy weight, the last thing you want to think about is spending money on heavy weights and elaborate machinery. Exercise equipment can be expensive, cumbersome, and bulky, which is why it often ends up covered in cobwebs rather than sweat. But you don’t need a treadmill, weights, or a squat rack to build muscle at home; with a little creativity, you can fashion a number of household items into fitness gear.

If you want to recreate the feeling of free weights, look no further than your kitchen or pantry. Cans of soups or beans typically weigh 1 – 2 pounds; they are also the right shape to fit snuggly in the palm of your hand, making them perfect for bicep curls and tricep extensions. The next door to explore is that of your refrigerator. A quart of liquid (juice, milk, water, etc.) weighs approximately 4 – 5 pounds (you can step up the weight by using a gallon jug, which weighs closer to 8 pounds). These bottles are easy to grip, which is why they’re useful for exercises that engage a number of muscle groups like body squats, lunges, or shoulder presses.

For a workout that strengthens your core, grab a couple of hand towels. Yes, you read correctly. By placing a towel under each foot, you can do a number of different abdominal exercises — mountain climbers, knee tucks, and feet pikes — more effectively. This Monday, change up your workout by engineering your own equipment.

Source: Strength Training with What You’ve Got on Hand

Filed under Decatur Parks & Rec, Exercise, Healthy Monday, Monday Campaigns Tagged with , ,

Saturday starts Family Open Gym at Oakhurst Rec!

July 7, 2023 by Leave a comment

Join us for Open Gym at Oakhurst Rec Center! 🏀

Get ready to shoot some hoops and unleash your basketball skills! Starting this Saturday, July 8th.

1️⃣ Family Open Gym:
🗓️ Every Saturday
⏰ 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
Bring the whole family for a fun-filled basketball experience. It’s a perfect opportunity to bond, stay active, and enjoy quality time together on the court!

2️⃣ Teen Open Gym (13-17):
🗓️ Every other Saturday, starting July 8th
⏰ 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Calling all teens aged 13-17! Show off your skills & compete with friends!

3️⃣ Adult Open Gym (18+):
🗓️ Every other Saturday, starting July 15th
⏰ 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Attention adults (18+), it’s time to dust off those basketball shoes and join us for a friendly co-ed game.

Oakhurst Recreation Center,
450 East Lake Drive

Filed under Adult Sports, City of Decatur, Decatur Parks & Rec, Exercise, Teens, Youth Sports Tagged with , ,

Wednesday Walks

July 3, 2023 by Leave a comment

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!

#WhereCommunityGrows #growththroughhealthandwellbeing #decaturparksandrec

Filed under City of Decatur, Decatur Greenspaces, Decatur Parks & Rec, Exercise, Walk Decatur Tagged with ,

July is Park and Recreation Month

June 30, 2023 by Leave a comment

July is Park and Recreation Month! For our favorite month, we are highlighting how #OurCommunityGrows through the essential services offered by the Decatur Parks & Recreation Department.

Since 1985, people in the United States have celebrated Park and Recreation Month in July to promote building strong, vibrant and resilient communities through the power of parks and recreation and to recognize the more than 160,000 full-time park and recreation professionals — along with hundreds of thousands of part-time and seasonal workers and volunteers — that maintain our country’s local, state and community parks.

Join us and @nrpa in celebrating! #WhereCommunityGrows #ParkandRecMonth #ParkandRecMonth23

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Outdoor Activities for a Summer Time Sweat

June 26, 2023 by Leave a comment

There’s no substitute for being outdoors. The fresh air, the sunshine, the cool breeze — it’s all invigorating, especially if you’ve been cooped up inside. This Monday, let nature be your gymnasium by adding some outside-activities to your workout routine.

Exercising in a park or wooded area, especially during the summer months, is an excellent way to experience all the sights, sounds, and smells of nature while also getting in your daily physical activity.

But what can you do to stay fit outdoors? A whole lot. Sure, you can start with a simple jog to warm up, but there are many more interesting/exhilarating activities you can do outside, depending on the type of adventure you seek.

Biking

Even at a leisurely pace, biking offers a number of health benefits including increased cardiovascular ability and muscle strength, decreased stress levels, and improved posture and mobility. When riding in the park, try to wear bright or fluorescent colors so that pedestrians can easily see you from a distance away.

Gardening

Weeding, planting, watering, and harvesting can do you a lot of good. Gardening has been shown to improve vitamin D exposure, boost mood, and reduce risk of dementia. Squatting, bending, and sweating is good for the soul as well as joint health and mobility.

Lawn Sports

Frisbee, croquet, and horseshoes don’t have to be relegated to backyard cookouts. These leisurely sports can be a great source of low-intensity physical activity. They’re mobile, simple to set up, and they can be quite entertaining if you’ve got a competitive side.

Nature Hike

It can be through a park, wooded area, or even your own backyard, taking a nature hike (or walk) is one-part physical activity, one-part stress relief. Call your local park service; they should be able to direct you to a list of approved trails and hikes.

Swimming

Lake, pond, or pool, swimming is a great aerobic exercise that will keep you cool and refreshed (and maybe a little out of breath). Try doing laps or make a game out of it if you’re with a friend or partner.

Source: Outdoor Activities for a Summer Time Sweat

Filed under Decatur Parks & Rec, Exercise, Healthy Monday, Monday Campaigns Tagged with ,

McKoy Pool Closed

June 23, 2023 by Leave a comment

Unfortunately, McKoy Pool is closed for emergency repairs. The pool will be closed until further notice. In the interim Glenlake Pool and Ebster Pool are open. For information on hours and location of Glenlake and Ebster, please visit the aquatic page on our website. Stay tuned for updates and we apologize for any inconvenience.

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International Day of Yoga

June 21, 2023 by Leave a comment

Happy International Day of Yoga and Summer Solstice!

For International Yoga Day, people around the world are all set to take out their yoga mats and start exercising, but they might not be aware that yoga goes back centuries.
Yoga is considered to be an ancient practice that originated 5,000 years ago in India. Yoga was developed as a way to interconnect the mind, body and soul to step closer into enlightenment. As the practice became popular in the west, it became popularized as an exercise and relaxation method, with claims to help the body’s general well-being, alleviate physical injuries and chronic pain.

The idea of International Yoga Day was first proposed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 27, 2014, during his speech at the UN General Assembly, where a resolution to establish June 21 as International Yoga Day was introduced by India’s Ambassador, Asoke Kumar Mukerji.

The date of June 21 was chosen as it is the Summer Solstice, the day where there is the most sun out of every other day of the year.

You can join Yoga with Cheryl at the Decatur Rec Center, Tuesdays for Slow Flow Yoga and Thursdays for Deep Stretch Yoga. Both classes start at 10 a.m., sign up for the month or just drop in when you can! Sign up through CommunityPass or stop by the front desk at DRC.

Filed under City of Decatur, Decatur Parks & Rec, Exercise Tagged with ,

Parent’s Night Out at Oakhurst Recreation Center

June 9, 2023 by Leave a comment

We had such a great time at our last Parent’s Night Out, we decided to do it again! We’ll have games, indoor & outdoor activities, and plenty of fun for kids ages 6-12 years old. Dinner and a snack is included.

Friday June 23rd 5:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m.
Residents – $25 per child, $10 each additional sibling
Non Residents – $35 per child, $10 each additional sibling

Register here!

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