At Decatur Parks & Recreation, we believe that when we build together, we build stronger. That means ensuring every playground, program, and park is created with everyone in mind—across age, ability, background, and income. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are not just guiding principles; they are central to how we serve and shape our community.
One powerful example is the Legacy Park Inclusive Playground, designed so that all children, regardless of physical or developmental ability, can play side by side. It is a space where kids can learn, explore, and grow together, while families gather and connect in a welcoming outdoor setting. This project reflects what is possible when a community comes together to invest in inclusion.
But building together goes beyond infrastructure. It is also about access. Not every family in Decatur has the means to afford afterschool care, athletics, or summer camps. That is why we invite you to support the Mary Miller Decatur Youth Fund, which helps remove financial barriers for local families. The fund, managed by the Decatur Education Foundation, ensures that children can participate in after-school programs, summer school, summer camps and other enrichment opportunities, regardless of their financial situation.
To give, mail a check made out to the Decatur Education Foundation with “Decatur Youth Fund” in the memo line to: 500 S. Columbia Drive, Decatur, GA 30030 Contributions are tax-deductible. For questions, contact Nancy Brune at 404-377-0494 or nancy.brune@decaturga.com.
This Saturday, join us at Community Day at Ebster Field from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. as we wrap up Parks & Recreation Month with a celebration of connection, culture, and play. There will be games, music from DJ K-Kat, food trucks, and a family bike ride. It is a free, family-friendly event that reflects what Decatur is all about: showing up for each other and creating space where everyone belongs.
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.
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!
The City of Decatur is thrilled to share some exciting news as part of the Decatur Child Friendly Cities Initiative (CFCI). We are officially launching the CFCI Local Action Plan for Youth, becoming an official UNICEF CFCI Candidate City!
To celebrate this milestone, the City of Decatur invites you to join us for a special event in collaboration with the Decatur Youth Council-sponsored Screen on the Square on December 1st at 6:30 p.m. UNICEF USA representatives will be present to share in this celebration.
Don’t miss out on the festivities!
6:00 p.m.: Tunes by DJ K-KAT Experience the beats of a talented youth DJ as we set the stage for an evening of celebration.
6:30 p.m.: Child Friendly Cities Initiative Local Action Plan Launch Celebrate with the City of Decatur as we become a UNICEF CFCI Candidate City! Hear from speakers, including members of the CFCI Teen Leadership Team, City of Decatur’s Mayor Garrett, Tracy Nájera, VP of US Programs for UNICEF USA, as we officially launch the CFCI Local Action Plan.
7:00 p.m.: Screen on the Square: Happy Feet Enjoy a special screening of Happy Feet, sponsored by the Decatur Youth Council. Bring your friends and family for a night of joy and entertainment!
A Child Friendly City prioritizes the well-being and development of its children and youth by ensuring their rights are protected and promoted. Decatur is actively engaged in the Child Friendly Cities Initiative, being one of the first seven cities in the U.S. to sign a memorandum of understanding with UNICEF for this transformative journey.
The CFCI project involves a multi-year commitment to actively involve community members, especially children and youth, in identifying priorities and taking action in key areas: Safety and Inclusion, Children’s Participation, Equitable Social Services, Safe Living Environments, and Play and Leisure.
In its first year, the CFCI Teen Leadership Team identified five priorities that will make a significant impact on the lives of young residents in Decatur. These include enhancing trust with law enforcement, promoting an equitable and inclusive city, improving access to and awareness of mental health services, fostering an environmentally conscious community, and enhancing public spaces for all.
On June 5, 2023, the City of Decatur’s City Commission formally adopted the CFCI Local Action Plan for Youth, showcasing our commitment to our younger generation.
Decatur is leading the way towards a brighter and more child-friendly future, proving that a united community’s efforts can bring about positive change and make a lasting impact on the lives of its youngest members.
We look forward to sharing this momentous occasion with you and the entire Decatur community. Your presence will make this celebration even more special.
It’s the perfect opportunity to make new friends, explore exciting activities, and have a blast during your break. Join us at Ebster for a Teen Daycation you won’t forget!
Every year, on August 12th, the global community comes together to celebrate International Youth Day. This significant occasion shines a spotlight on the potential and vibrancy of young people worldwide. It’s a day to address youth issues on the global stage and acknowledge the incredible role youth play as partners in shaping today’s world. Decatur, a community deeply committed to nurturing youth development, seizes this moment to showcase its unwavering dedication to empowering young minds and creating a sustainable future for generations to come.
A Hub of Youth Empowerment
In Decatur, we recognize that our young community members are not just future leaders, but today’s change-makers. Through a diverse range of initiatives, we provide our youth with platforms to engage, contribute, and lead. This summer, members of Decatur’s Youth Council and Teen Leadership Team traveled to Denver, showcasing their expertise as they presented to the National Civic League. This effort earned Decatur the title of one of the prestigious 10 All-America Cities, underscoring the power of involving youth in identifying and tackling community challenges. This recognition reinforces our commitment to authentic youth involvement, as exemplified by projects like the McKoy skate park redesign and the inclusive playground at Legacy Park – testaments to Decatur’s dedication to a brighter and more youth-friendly future.
Embracing a Green Transition
This year’s International Youth Day theme, “Green Skills for Youth: Towards a Sustainable World”, resonates deeply with goals outlined in Decatur’s 2020 Strategic Plan. As the world embarks on a journey towards environmental sustainability, Decatur recognizes the pivotal role of young people in driving this green transition. Green skills, encompassing technical knowledge and values, are pivotal for creating a resource-efficient society. Our city embraces this shift, understanding that a greener world is not only crucial for addressing the global climate crisis but also for achieving sustainability goals and improving the overall quality of life for our community. Opportunities abound for youth leadership in environmental issues, including two spots on the Environmental Sustainability Board and participation in the Teen Leadership Team, working on the environmentally conscious city priority area.
ESB Youth Membership Application
The City of Decatur’s commitment to youth empowerment is tangible through our Environmental Sustainability Board. The board is now seeking two passionate youth members for the upcoming school year. High-school-aged students who aspire to make a meaningful impact on our city’s environmental initiatives are encouraged to apply. Students should fill out the Statement of Interest Form found on the ESB page and submit to the City Manager, Andrea Arnold at andrea.arnold@decaturga.com.
Championing Child-Friendly Cities
We take pride in leading the charge with the Child Friendly Cities Initiative (CFCI), a pioneering effort that prioritizes the well-being and rights of our young citizens. Collaborating with the Decatur Education Foundation, Decatur Housing Authority, and City Schools of Decatur, our Parks & Recreation team is dedicated to creating a community that safeguards and promotes children’s rights. Our commitment to youth empowerment goes beyond mere symbolism – it yields tangible results. The CFCI Teen Leadership Team, composed of high school students, has already achieved remarkable impact. In its first year, the team explored priority areas like building trust with law enforcement, promoting an equitable and inclusive city, improving access to, and awareness of, mental health services, creating an environmentally conscious city, and enhancing public spaces for all. This dedication has led to the adoption of the CFCI Local Action Plan for Youth, a testament to Decatur’s resolve in creating a child-friendly city. To apply for the 2023-24 CFCI Teen Leadership Team visit the CFCI section on our page and review the informational sheet or reach out to Claire Miller at claire.miller@decaturga.com.
Join Us in Forging a Brighter Path
Decatur extends a warm invitation to all to be part of our transformative journey. As we celebrate International Youth Day, let’s stand united in supporting our youth, their ideas, and their aspirations. Together, we can construct a world that’s both sustainable and bursting with opportunities for our young leaders.
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.
Join Georgia Commute Schools as we celebrate National School Bus Safety Week, October 17 – 21, 2022. This year’s theme is “1 Bus + 1 Driver = a BIG Impact on Education,” reminding parents, students, teachers, and motorists that we all play an essential role in ensuring the school buses make it to their destinations safely each day. To celebrate, the GCS team plans to offer a week of activities to get students involved:
Monday: Read books about school buses, then brainstorm bus safety rules.
Tuesday: Create posters illustrating the theme: 1 Bus + 1 Driver = a BIG Impact on Education.
Wednesday: Write a story, song, or poem about bus safety.
Thursday: Create an educational 1–2-minute video about bus safety.
Friday: Write thank-you notes to the bus drivers for keeping you safe
Please sign up, if your school is planning on participating in NSBSW!
Over the holiday break, our Youth and Teens Programs were able to give gifts to over 60 families in the community. A massive THANK YOU to Wal-Mart, Thumbs Up Diner, and Southwest DeKalb High School for graciously donating and putting smiles on our kids faces. We are always so grateful for our rockstar staff for exceeding expectations and ensuring that we are providing the best services for our community.
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