Walk There! Decatur

January 27, 2025 by Leave a comment

Pedestrian Safety Tips in the City of Decatur

Walking is one of the most enjoyable ways to explore the City of Decatur. With our tree-lined streets, bustling square, and vibrant neighborhoods, Decatur is committed to creating a safe and welcoming environment for pedestrians. Whether you’re walking to school, commuting to work, or simply enjoying a leisurely stroll, safety should always be a top priority. Here are some essential pedestrian safety tips to help keep everyone safe on Decatur’s streets:

1. Use Designated Crosswalks

Always cross streets at marked crosswalks or intersections. These areas are designed for pedestrian visibility, and drivers are more likely to yield to you. Be sure to wait for the “Walk” signal when available.

2. Stay Alert and Avoid Distractions

Keep your eyes up and avoid distractions like texting or using your phone while walking. Staying aware of your surroundings helps you notice approaching vehicles, bicycles, or other potential hazards.

3. Make Eye Contact with Drivers

Before crossing the street, make eye contact with drivers to ensure they see you. Never assume a driver has noticed you or will yield the right-of-way.

4. Walk on Sidewalks

Use sidewalks whenever available. If a sidewalk is not present, walk on the shoulder of the road facing traffic to increase visibility and reduce the risk of accidents.

5. Be Visible, Especially at Night

If you’re walking in low-light conditions, wear bright or reflective clothing to make yourself more visible to drivers. Carrying a flashlight or using reflective accessories can also improve safety.

6. Follow Traffic Signals and Signs

Adhere to all traffic signals and pedestrian signs. Crossing against the light or outside of designated areas increases the risk of accidents and confusion for drivers.

7. Teach Kids Pedestrian Safety Rules

Ensure children understand basic pedestrian safety rules, such as looking both ways before crossing, using crosswalks, and staying close to an adult when near traffic.

8. Advocate for Safe Streets

Decatur residents are encouraged to advocate for pedestrian-friendly policies and infrastructure improvements. Whether it’s attending community meetings or participating in walkability studies, your voice helps shape a safer city for everyone.

How Decatur Supports Pedestrian Safety

The City of Decatur has made significant investments in creating a pedestrian-friendly community. Projects like traffic-calming measures, expanded crosswalks, and pedestrian signals at key intersections make walking safer and more convenient. Additionally, educational campaigns and events like Walk to School Day promote awareness of pedestrian safety.

By working together as a community, we can ensure that the City of Decatur remains a safe, walkable, and enjoyable city for all residents and visitors. Take these tips to heart, stay mindful of your surroundings, and enjoy all that Decatur has to offer—on foot!

Filed under City of Decatur, Decatur Parks & Recreation, Safe Routes to School, Walk Decatur Tagged with , , ,

This Monday Recommit to Your Routine to Reduce Your Stress Level

December 9, 2024 by 1 Comment

Recommit to Your Routine This Monday to Reduce Stress

Stress might feel like a part of life, but it’s often called a “silent killer” due to its negative effects on physical and mental health. This Monday, take charge by reconnecting with activities that help you stay active, balanced, and in control of your stress.

A full, busy life is a blessing, but it can also be overwhelming. You’re not alone—two-thirds of Americans report feeling stressed, with money and work being top triggers, according to the American Psychological Society. Even small disruptions, like a late night or missed workout, can throw us off balance. But there’s good news: research shows that intentional movement and mindfulness practices can significantly reduce stress.

Move Your Body to Calm Your Mind

Exercise:
Exercise is a proven stress-buster. Staying sedentary can increase stress levels, while movement can boost your mood, promote relaxation, and release feel-good endorphins. The Mayo Clinic highlights the mental health benefits of regular exercise, from improved sleep to a greater sense of calm. Even short bursts of movement—like a quick walk or stretch—can make a big difference.

Qigong and Tai Chi:
Looking for something low-impact yet powerful? Try Qigong on Fridays at 10:30 a.m. for a gentle movement practice that connects your mind, body, and energy. Or join the Tai Chi/Qigong Beginners Class on Wednesdays at 12 p.m. to enhance strength, flexibility, and balance in a calming environment. Both classes take place at the Decatur Recreation Center.

Take a Walk to Recenter

Walking is one of the easiest ways to combat stress and improve overall well-being. It’s also a great way to connect with your community.

Wednesday Walks: Meet us outside the Decatur Recreation Center for a 2-3 mile walk around the neighborhood. It’s a perfect midweek reset. Walks start at 9 a.m. (May-September) and 10 a.m. (October-April).

#MondayMile: Walk off stress by joining the Monday Mile! It’s a simple, social way to get moving—just grab a friend or coworker and walk a mile to kick-start your week.

Center Yourself with Yoga and Meditation

Yoga and meditation provide a calming way to reset your mind and body while releasing stress. These practices help increase flexibility, improve focus, and enhance overall well-being.

Flow Yoga: Ease into your week with this gentle practice linking movement and breath. This class includes flowing sequences and slower, held postures focusing on alignment, flexibility, and balance. Join us Tuesdays at 10 a.m.

Deep Stretch Yoga: Find balance and release tension with poses held for longer periods to relax muscles, joints, and connective tissue. Suitable for all levels—just bring a yoga mat and a blanket or large towel. Thursdays at 10 a.m.

Both Flow Yoga and Deep Stretch Yoga take place at the Decatur Recreation Center.

This Monday, commit to a routine that makes you feel good inside and out. Whether it’s yoga, Qigong, walking, or a simple stretch, make space to move, breathe, and rediscover your balance. Your mind and body will thank you.

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

5 Ways to Walk a Monday Mile Indoors

November 11, 2024 by Leave a comment

When the weather is sunny and delightful, taking a stroll through the neighborhood or exploring your local park is a terrific way to get your daily dose of physical activity. But gloomy storm clouds and frost-covered sidewalks can often discourage us from venturing outside.

On these frightful days, it’s best to take your Monday Mile walk indoors.

…But how?

Even if you can’t get to indoor facilities like gyms and shopping centers, there are still many ways to get in your weekly steps from the comfort of your own home. This Monday, get in your Monday Mile without stepping outdoors.

Stairs

Walking up and down the stairs is a surprisingly effective form of aerobic exercise. It burns more calories than jogging, and can also increase muscle strength, improve endurance, and preserve bone density. Although you may not go the same “distance” as if you were on a treadmill or track, you will still get in a tremendous workout.

Hallways

Fitting in fitness can be fun, especially if you’re stuck in the house all day. Put on some headphones and walk around the house listening to an energizing soundtrack. If you have a step counter or another wearable fitness device—even better! You can challenge yourself to beat your last week’s step total. Use breaks in the work day to take a few laps around the house or apartment. It will benefit your body as well as your state of mind.

Supermarkets

We’re not advocating that you use your local supermarket as a gymnasium, but if you have the opportunity to go grocery shopping during off-hours, you can actually manage to get a pretty good workout strolling up and down the many aisles. Pushing a cart around the perimeter of the store is a fun (and delicious) way to get in extra steps during the week.

Treadmill

This one is pretty obvious, but if you have a treadmill, you can easily walk at any time of day. Set it up in front of your television and turn on one of your favorite shows. Next thing you know, you’ll have effortlessly walked a couple miles by the time the episode is over.

Living Room

How can you walk a mile in your living room? Easy, just walk-in-place. Sure, it might sound silly, but walking in place is actually a great source of aerobic exercise that you can do during down time or commercial breaks. In a study published by the Medicine & Science in Sport & Exercise journal, participants who walked in place for an hour burned an average of 258 calories, compared to roughly 304 calories for people who walked on a treadmill.

Walking is one of the simplest ways to get more exercise for people of any fitness level and age. It’s good for your heart, bones, muscles, weight, and your mood. This Monday, don’t let anything stop you, not even the weather.

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

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 ,

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 , , ,

Celebrate Global Running Day – June 5, 2024!

June 5, 2024 by Leave a comment

Get pumped and get those legs moving because the first Wednesday in June is Global Running Day—on June 5 this year. Whether you’re a seasoned runner or a novice, this holiday is about inspiring each other to lead a more active lifestyle, no matter the distance covered. This celebration is open and free to everyone. Simply grab your running shoes, a bottle of water, and get moving!

The History of Global Running Day

Global Running Day began in the United States in 2009, initially known as National Running Day. The inaugural Global Running Day was held on June 1, 2016. On that day, over 2.5 million runners from 177 different countries participated, collectively running an estimated 9.2 million miles.

The Purpose of Global Running Day

This day aims to get everyone moving and more active, championing not just the physical health benefits of running but also the mental health benefits. Running can reduce anxiety, boost your mood, and improve overall mental well-being. Global Running Day encourages people to run more and lead more active lifestyles. While the day centers around running, it includes any form of movement—walking your dog, racing with your kids, or participating in marathons.

How to Participate

There are no time-honored traditions for this relatively new holiday, but as long as you are running and having fun, you’re doing it right! Here are a few ideas to get involved:

Solo Run: Take a solo run in your neighborhood or on a favorite trail. Enjoy the peace and focus on your personal best.

Group Run: Gather friends, family, or colleagues for a group run. It’s a great way to socialize while staying active.

Virtual Run: Join a virtual running event where you can track your progress and compare it with others worldwide.

Family Fun: Make it a family event by running with your kids, walking the dog, or having a fun race in the park.

Community Events: Check out local events or running clubs hosting special runs on Global Running Day.

Fleet Feet Decatur

Join our friends at Fleet Feet Decatur for their social runs and celebrate the spirit of Global Running Day with fellow enthusiasts. Fleet Feet offers a welcoming environment for runners of all levels, providing an opportunity to meet new people and stay motivated.

Couch to 5K Program

Keep an eye out for our Couch to 5K program starting back up September 9, 2024. Whether you’re a complete beginner or looking to rekindle your passion for running, this program is designed to guide you from the couch to crossing the finish line of a 5K race. Our structured program takes you through a gradual progression, ensuring that you build strength, endurance, and confidence step by step. We understand that starting a running journey can be intimidating, which is why our program focuses on making the process enjoyable and achievable.

Embrace a Healthier Lifestyle

Global Running Day is a fantastic opportunity to embrace a healthier, more active lifestyle. Whether you’re an avid runner or just starting, this day is for you. Lace up your running shoes, grab some water, and hit the pavement. Remember, it’s not about how far or how fast you go—it’s about getting out there and having fun. Let’s make this Global Running Day the best one yet!

Filed under Adult Sports, Decatur Parks & Recreation, Exercise, Walk Decatur Tagged with ,

Three Simple Steps for Mindful Walking On Monday

May 13, 2024 by Leave a comment

Make Monday an occasion to try some mindful walking when you need to de-stress for a few minutes between activities.

Any style of mindfulness is a robust antidote to stress. Mindfulness engages your normal powers of awareness and is something you can do anytime, anywhere. Here are some steps to follow for a short and easy session of mindful walking:

  1. Pick a time in your daily routine to practice mindful walking for at least five minutes.
  2. Concentrate on the physical sensations of walking – the sights, sounds, and feelings of each step.
  3. If your mind wanders, gently return your focus by repeating “left, right” as you walk.

As you walk, pay attention to the physical experience of walking. Bring your attention to your feet, noticing the sensations of walking itself. Witness the heel, ball, and toe of each foot as it makes contact, over and over, in every step. Bring your attention to the breath and the rhythm of your stride.

Mindful walking is a form of mindfulness, which is a way to focus on the present and not get caught up in thoughts of the past or worries about the future, giving you a greater sense of well-being and relaxation. This naturally slows down your heart rate and lowers your blood pressure. Its benefits include: stress reduction, reduced rumination, and increased focus.

This Monday, no matter where you’re going or how fast you’re walking, use this tip to de-stress and slow down, yet keep moving.

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

Discover Spring with Decatur Parks & Recreation!

March 14, 2024 by Leave a comment

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!

Filed under Adult Sports, Aquatics, City of Decatur, Decatur Greenspaces, Decatur Parks & Recreation, Decatur Recreation Center, Ebster Recreation Center, Exercise, Glenlake Tennis Center, Oakhurst Recreation Center, Walk Decatur Tagged with , , ,

Boost the Benefits of Your Walk

February 5, 2024 by Leave a comment

Walking doesn’t always feel like exercise; you probably won’t work up a sweat or be sore the next morning. But walking is still a very beneficial form of physical activity that can improve your health and wellbeing in a number of ways. Besides helping with weight management, walking can also lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, improve digestion, and a reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

But there are ways you can boost the benefits of walking even more.

With a few simple practices, you can upgrade your walk so that you are not only meeting your weekly physical activity goals, but managing stress levels and improving your strength and dexterity as well. Whether you’re zipping through the hallways at work, on a lunch break, or taking a stroll around the neighborhood before breakfast, try adding a few of the practices below to get more out of your walk.

This Monday, set the intention to “spice up” your daily walk with different strength-building, mindfulness, and breathing techniques that can be adapted to each individual’s comfort and ability level.

Mindfulness (5-4-3-2-1 Grounding Method)

When walking, use your five senses to focus on the moment as you move through your environment. Also known as the 5-4-3-2-1 grounding method, this technique can help reduce stress and keep you calm. First, acknowledge five things that you can see around you. Next, think of four things that you can touch around you (hair, hands, elbows, walls, desk). Third, listen for three things that you hear around you. Next, acknowledge two things you can smell. And finally, find or visualize one thing you can taste. For example, when walking outside, look at the different trees, plants, flowers, people, or cars; think of touching the gravel, grass, branches, or your hair; listen to the birds or the wind or the cars; smell the dew or freshly cut lawn; and visualize eating that sandwich from your favorite café. At the end of the process, you will feel focused and renewed.

Arm Circles

To improve your shoulder strength and range of motion, do some light arm circles as you walk. With straight arms, slowly circle your arms in both directions (ten forward, ten back). Be sure to keep your core engaged, chest open, and shoulders down. Inhale as you reach up and exhale as you lower your arms, working to initiate the movement from your back. Just mind your surroundings when engaging in the practice to avoid injuring yourself or others.

Deep Breathing

Incorporating deep breathing while you walk can help calm the body and mind. One breathing technique you can do is square breathing. It’s pretty simple: Walk 100 steps and pause, then inhale for a count of four, hold for a count of four, exhale for a count of four, and hold for a count of four.

Heel-and-Toe Walking

Heel-toe walking is a great technique to help improve balance and stability. To do the movement, walk for ten steps on your heels only with your toes raised off the ground, then return to normal walking for ten steps. Finish by switching to walking on your toes for ten steps. Repeat three times.

Speed Intervals

Quickening the speed of your walk is a great, low-impact form of physical activity. Once you are a little warmed up, try quickening your pace for a count of 30 seconds. Return to your normal walking pace and repeat as desired.

By adding different elements to your walk, you can work towards your physical activity goals while generating energy and focus for the rest of the day ahead.

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

Are You Ready to Start Walking?

November 6, 2023 by Leave a comment

Walking is a convenient exercise for individuals looking to incorporate more low-impact physical activity into their daily routine.

Adopting a consistent walking routine is an important step towards an overall healthier lifestyle and can help reduce instances of chronic illnesses such as diabetes and heart disease; but even an activity as straightforward as walking requires a little bit of planning.

First, set a daily or weekly walking goal, such as walking every Monday morning, that focuses on either distance, pace, duration, or some combination of the three. The US Department of Health and Human Services recommends able-bodied adults engage in at least 150 minutes of physical activity each week, so getting in around 30 minutes of walking a day, five days a week is a good goal to work towards. If 30 minutes is too much, start with 15 minutes and add an additional 5 minutes every subsequent day until you reach 30 minutes.

Second, as with any new physical fitness routine, it’s important to go at your own pace and aim for steady incremental progress. Dramatic changes don’t happen overnight, so trust the process, and help yourself stick with it by making your walks easily accessible.

Lastly, make sure you have the proper equipment and footwear. A high-quality pair of walking shoes with proper padding and enough space between your toes and the front of the shoe will make each step smoother. There are other features — an Achilles tendon protector, heel collar, gel or air midsole — that will ease the impact on the joints and reduce the chances of injury.

This Monday, write down your goals and make sure you’ve got some supportive shoes.

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

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