Decatur Parks & Recreation

Run With the Dogs A BIG Success

January 14, 2011 by saraeholmes Leave a comment

Over 200 Runners "Ran with the Dogs"

Last weekend’s Run With the Dogs, hosted by the Decatur Booster Club, was a resounding success. (Yes, I have to say it: “It was a dog-gone success”!) Chair Bill Ainslee reports that the race was a success in both terms of participation and money raised for the high school and middle school sports programs. The race drew approximately 220 runners, a number much higher than past years. Mr. Ainslee said that one of the contributing factors to the higher number of runners was the participation of the City’s Active Living Department and our Grand Slam Fitness Challenge. The Run with the Dogs was the first in the series.

Active Living Board Members MIchael Harbin and Bill Adams

Healthy Snacks Awaiting the Runners and Walkers

What would a run with the dogs be without dogs?

MC Doug Aholt and his Children

Awards for the Winners

Filed under City of Decatur Tagged with City of Decatur, Decatur Active Living, Grand Slam Fitness Challenge, Run With the Dogs

Having Fun at Decatur Recreation Center

January 13, 2011 by saraeholmes Leave a comment

Taking a Break from Basketball to Pose for a Photo

The Decatur Recreation Center was open yesterday and today for limited hours and staff has enjoyed the sounds of children and adults playing in the gym. We had some fine young men from the Tigers 13-14 year old team playing basketball with Coach Bob Herndon and Eric Shulman, and some families have dropped by so they could run around and play indoors. Thanks to staff members who braved the ice and snow so that the “Rec” could be open and available to the community.

Enjoying Active Living at the Rec Center

Filed under City of Decatur Tagged with City of Decatur, Decatur Active Living, Decatur Basketball

Snow Day Camp at Decatur Recreation Center, 231 Sycamore Street, Friday, January 14

January 13, 2011 by Gael Doyle Leave a comment

Decatur Parents: If City Schools of Decatur close on Friday, January 14, Decatur residents may enroll children Kindergarten through 8th grade at Decatur Recreation Center, 231 Sycamore Street, from 9am-4pm to spend the day with Children and Youth Services staff. Enrollment will be first-come starting at 9am and limited to the first 80. Activitites will range from active group games to arts and crafts, board games and free choice activities. A registration form will be required for all participants. No fees will be charged. All participants should bring a lunch and a snack. For more information call Decatur Recreation Center at (404) 377-0494.

Filed under City of Decatur Tagged with City of Decatur, Decatur Active Living

Neil Norton Wins First Place in Table Tennis Tournament

January 12, 2011 by saraeholmes 1 Comment

Congratulations to City of Decatur resident, Neil Norton, who took first place (in his rating division) in the Table Tennis Tournament held on Jan. 2. This was Neil’s first USATT sanctioned tournament. Pictured above: front row, left to right, Lennox Drakes, Neil Norton, George Cooper, Edwin Quiambao, and Wyatt Griffith. On the back row, left to right, Kurt Simmons, Bob Bowlander, and Joel Summers.

Congratulations Neil!

The group practices on Tuesday nights from 7 until 10 pm at the Decatur Recreation Center if you want to join them. Decatur residents are free, others are $2.

Filed under City of Decatur Tagged with Decatur Table Tennis, Neil Norton

Decaturites Stay Active in the Snow!

January 12, 2011 by saraeholmes Leave a comment

Thanks to Active Living Board Member Michael Harbin for sending in the photos below. Even in the snow and freezing weather, Decatur folks get out and have fun staying active. How I wish I lived c lose enough to walk to the cemetery and play!

Bridge at Glenlake Park

Thanks for sharing these great photos Michael!

The gym at the Recreation Center is open today until 4pm if you want to come over and shoot some hoops.

Filed under City of Decatur Tagged with City of Decatur, Decatur Active Living, Snowpocalypse 2011

Winter Storm Slows Decatur Active Living

January 11, 2011 by Gael Doyle Leave a comment

The Winter Storm impacts Decatur Active Living. The storm arrived on Sunday night and has slowed activity at the recreation center- no aerobics classes, youth basketball practices have been postponed, meetings rescheduled and limited staff. Great news that we have power and no down trees in city parks at the moment. Decatur residents enjoy the winter weather and please be safe as you move about Decatur. For winter storm updates please visit the decatur minute at www.decaturminute.wordpress.com

Filed under City of Decatur Tagged with City of Decatur, Decatur Active Living

Skaters Beat the Winter Storm

January 11, 2011 by Gael Doyle Leave a comment

On Friday, January 7 I had the opportunity to visit McKoy Skate Park before the winter storm. As I approached the skate park I could hear wheels and could feel the energy at McKoy Skate Park. What a great site to see on Friday I counted twenty five skaters of various ages and backgrounds using the park. The skaters stated this is the best thing since slice bread and they enjoy visiting the park. Want to stay active try McKoy Skate Park.

Filed under City of Decatur Tagged with City of Decatur, Decatur Active Living, Safe Routes to School

Everything You Need to Know to Have a Successful Vegetable Garden

January 11, 2011 by Gael Doyle 1 Comment

Topic: Everything you need to know to have a Successful Vegetable Garden

Speaker: Bob Westerfield, UGA Extension Specialist for Home Vegetables

Date: February 15 (Tuesday night) from 7-8:30pm

Location: DeKalb Extension Main Office, Auditorium at 4380 Memorial Drive, Decatur GA 30032 (Next to Tax Office)

Cost: $10 per person and entry includes door prize entry. Please register in advance or arrive early to sign in.

Information call 404-298-4080 or visit www.dekalbextension.com under garden calendar

Filed under Decatur Parks & Recreation Tagged with City of Decatur, Decatur Active Living, Healthy Monday, Healthy Snacks

“Joyful Noise” to Film at Ebster in March

January 7, 2011 by saraeholmes Leave a comment

A new movie, “Joyful Noise” will be filming a scene in the Ebster Recreation Center Gym in March. The film stars Queen Latifah and Dolly Parton. I don’t know if the stars will be in the scene filming in Decatur, but Decatur Active Living is excited they want to use our gym! For more information about Queen Latifah and the movie, click here.

Filed under City of Decatur Tagged with Joyful Noise, Queen Latifah

Don Rigger Named 2011 Lacrosse Man of the Year

January 6, 2011 by Gael Doyle Leave a comment

Georgia Lacrosse Foundation has recently named Don Rigger 2011 Lacrosse Man of the Year. Don currently serves on the Decatur Active Living Board and introduce the sport of lacrosse to the Decatur Community in 2002. Don was instrumental in writing the grant to US Lacrosse which was the start of lacrosse in Decatur. The sport of lacrosse has grown in Decatur with recreation program for girls and boys and expanded to the high school several years ago. Don has been recognized by GRPA as the Volunteer of the Year in 2002 and several articles featuring Don Rigger and the Decatur Active Living program have been featured in the AJC. Decatur Active Living offers a lacrosse camp each summer lead by Don Rigger. Support Don Rigger by attending the 2011 Georgia Lacrosse Foundation Awards Dinner on Sunday, January 30 from 5-8pm. Atlanta Marriott Northwest, 200 Interstate North Parkway, Atlanta, GA 30339. Tickets ar $40 per person and include a sit-down dinner. Please visist www.lacrossegeorgia.com to pay for the dinner.

Congratulations Don Rigger from Decatur Active Living and the City of Decatur.