Stepping outside and taking a breath of fresh air can help you ease your mind during moments of stress.
The next time you feel overwhelmed, take a trip to a local park, trail, or wooded area and focus on all of the sights, smells, and sounds of the world around you. By paying attention to the sound of the wind, the heat of the sun, the smell of the foliage, you’ll slowly begin to release your stress and replace it with the inherent beauty of the outdoors.
Use this Monday to take a break from the pressure and pace of a busy day and enjoy the tranquility of nature. Being outside can improve your mood, and even help put things in perspective. Studies reveal spending time in nature can actually lower cortisol, a stress hormone, and have a positive effect on blood pressure, heart rate, and muscle tension.
This week, find happiness and relaxation by spending time outside. Bring a book, some music, or a snack, and enjoy the setting.
April is off to a strong and sunny start here in Decatur—and what better way to kick it off than by lacing up your sneakers and celebrating two walking holidays in the same week?
On Wednesday, April 2, communities across the country marked National Walking Day, an annual reminder from the American Heart Association about the power of walking to improve our physical and mental health. Whether it was a stroll through your neighborhood, a walk to school with your child, or laps around the track, this day encouraged everyone to take the first step toward a healthier lifestyle.
And today, Friday, April 4, we’re keeping the momentum going with Walk to Work Day—a perfect opportunity to reimagine your daily commute. Even if you don’t live within walking distance of your workplace, there are creative ways to build a walk into your morning or evening routine. Try parking a little farther away, hopping off MARTA a stop early, or starting your day with a neighborhood loop before logging in from home.
Here in Decatur, we’re proud to be a city that supports walking year-round. From our tree-lined sidewalks to our growing network of greenways and crosswalks, walking is a key part of our vision for a more connected, healthy, and people-centered community. In fact, walking aligns beautifully with our Strategic Plan 2020: Destination 2030—especially the goal of creating 10-minute neighborhoods where residents can easily walk to parks, schools, shops, and services.
So whether you walked on Wednesday, today, or plan to head out over the weekend, this is your reminder that every step counts. Walking is one of the simplest, most accessible forms of exercise—and it’s also a great way to connect with your neighbors and your surroundings.
📸 Did you celebrate Walk to Work Day or National Walking Day? Tag us in your photos or stories (@decaturparksandrec)—we’d love to share your steps!
Decatur is looking for experienced cyclists to take their skills to the next level by becoming League Cycling Instructors (LCIs). This nationally recognized certification, offered by the League of American Bicyclists, provides the training needed to teach bike safety, lead community education programs, and support Decatur’s efforts to improve cycling accessibility.
Why Become an LCI?
As a certified instructor, you will be able to:
Teach bike education and safety courses for all ages
Lead group rides and skills clinics
Support local initiatives to improve biking infrastructure and awareness
Help Decatur achieve Gold-level Bicycle Friendly Communitystatus
Training Details
Dates: April 26–28, 2024
Location: Decatur Recreation Center
Cost: $500 (full scholarships available!)
Eligibility: Participants must complete the Smart Cycling course before attending the LCI seminar.
This is a great opportunity to make biking safer and more accessible in Decatur while gaining valuable expertise. Space is limited, so apply soon!
This Valentine’s season, we’re sharing the love—Decatur loves you, and we love being active! Whether you’re walking hand-in-hand through our charming streets or biking to your favorite local café, Decatur is designed to make every trip safe, scenic, and enjoyable.
With over 60 miles of tree-lined and art-filled sidewalks in just 4.7 square miles, Decatur has earned an A+ walkability score and is officially designated a “Walker’s Paradise” by WalkScore. Whether you’re a long-time resident or just visiting, choosing to walk or bike is a great way to show love for your health, your community, and the environment.
Walk There! Decatur: It’s Closer Than You Think
Decatur’s “Walk There! Decatur” campaign encourages people to choose walking over driving whenever possible. Look for Walk There! Decatur signs along sidewalks and streets, showing estimated walking times to nearby points of interest. Each sign includes a QR code so pedestrians can get real-time walking directions on their smartphones. For those without a phone, a map is provided on the back of each sign.
Why Walk?
It promotes physical fitness – Show your heart some love with a little extra movement.
It’s a greener option – Walking helps keep Decatur beautiful and sustainable.
It supports local businesses – Walk to your favorite date night spot or coffee shop.
It enhances tourism – Visitors can easily experience all the charm Decatur has to offer.
Pedal Power: Decatur as a Bike-Friendly Community
For those who love biking, Decatur has invested in infrastructure to make cycling safe and accessible. The city features:
Bike lanes, sharrows, and bike boxes to improve safety on the roads.
Plenty of bike racks in business districts for easy parking.
Bike repair stations strategically placed throughout the city for quick fixes.
Thanks to these efforts, Decatur has been recognized as a Silver-Level Bicycle-Friendly Community by the League of American Bicyclists.
Safety Tips for Walking and Biking in Decatur
For Pedestrians: ✔ Use crosswalks and obey pedestrian signals. ✔ Stay aware of your surroundings, especially at busy intersections. ✔ Walk on sidewalks whenever possible—if none are available, walk facing traffic. ✔ Be visible at night by wearing light-colored or reflective clothing.
For Cyclists: ✔ Always wear a helmet and use lights when riding at night. ✔ Follow traffic laws—bikes are considered vehicles and must obey stop signs and signals. ✔ Ride in bike lanes when available or stay as far right as practical when sharing the road. ✔ Use hand signals to communicate with drivers and pedestrians.
For Drivers: ✔ Yield to pedestrians in crosswalks and give cyclists at least three feet of space when passing. ✔ Watch for bikes when turning, especially at intersections. ✔ Be mindful of designated bike lanes and sharrows. ✔ Avoid distractions—stay off your phone while driving.
Decatur Loves to Move!
This Valentine’s Day, show some love for your health, your city, and your community by choosing to walk or bike. Whether you’re out for a stroll with someone special, riding to meet friends, or simply enjoying the fresh air, Decatur loves being active—and we hope you do too!
For more information about biking and walking initiatives in Decatur, visit our website.
A number of factors affect your heart health, with physical activity being one of the most important. Your heart is a muscle, and just like your biceps and quadriceps, it too benefits from a weekly workout. Because when your heart doesn’t get the care and attention it requires, problems can develop.
The American Heart Association recommends that adults get around 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity. Some examples of moderate intensity workouts include fast-paced walking, water aerobics, dancing, gardening (it can make you happier, too),tennis (doubles), or biking. High-intensity aerobics, such as running, swimming laps, and hiking, are also beneficial, but make sure to consult with your physician before incorporating these exercises into your physical-activity routine.
Decatur Parks and Recreation offers fun, social ways to stay active while meeting your fitness goals. Check out these upcoming programs:
Wednesday Walks – Take a 2-3 mile walk with your neighbors around Decatur every Wednesday at 10 a.m. Meet outside the Decatur Recreation Center and enjoy the fresh air!
Water Aerobics – Stay active in the pool! Dynamo Swim Club offers water aerobics classes at the Oakhurst indoor pool.
REBEL Groove Dance Fitness – A full-body, interval-based workout that combines dance and cardio in a fun, no-rules atmosphere. Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. at Oakhurst Recreation Center.
Scott Park Garden Club – Gardening is great for your heart and mind! Join this organic community garden in Scott Park and enjoy greenspace therapy while staying active. Plots available for $75/year.
Beginner Tennis Clinics – Whether you’re new to the game or looking to refine your skills, this clinic covers forehands, backhands, serves, and more. Held Sundays at 12 p.m. at Glenlake Tennis Center.
Bikes & Brews – Enjoy a 6-mile, casual-paced bike ride around the city on the third Friday of each month at 6:30 p.m. Ride starts at Guild + Journeyman (115 Clairemont Ave). Helmets required.
Another important point to remember is that you don’t have to be “exercising” to stay active. Small adjustments to your day-to-day life, like sitting less or taking a few extra laps around the house, can contribute positively to your heart health. A great way to do this is to “habit stack,” or incorporate extra movement into your normal routine. Waiting for the coffee to brew? Walk up and down the stairs, do a quick set of squats, or get in a quick stretch.
This Monday, set a goal of getting in 30 minutes of physical activity, and try to keep it up for the rest of the week. If you don’t reach the 150-minute mark, don’t sweat it. You can always refresh your intensions the following Monday. Your heart will thank you.
Biking is an exciting way for kids and teens to stay active, explore their neighborhoods, and have fun with friends. But riding safely is just as important as knowing how to pedal. Check out these top tips to help youth ride smart and stay safe!
Gear Up for Safety
Helmet First! A helmet isn’t just cool—it’s essential. Make sure it fits snugly and is worn level on the head.
Bright Clothing Rocks. Neon, bright colors, or reflective gear helps others see you, especially during dawn or dusk.
Know the Rules of the Road
Ride in the Right Direction. Always bike with the flow of traffic, not against it.
Follow Traffic Signs and Signals. Just like cars, bikes need to obey stop signs, red lights, and other road signals.
Use Hand Signals. Show drivers and others where you’re going with clear hand signals for turning or stopping.
Be Aware of Your Surroundings
Keep Your Head Up! Watch for cars, pedestrians, potholes, and even animals.
No Distractions. Save the headphones and phone scrolling for after your ride.
Stay Visible
Use a white front light and a red rear light if riding when it’s dark or getting dark. Reflectors on bikes and backpacks are a great addition too!
Ride Where It’s Safe
Stick to bike lanes, quiet streets, or trails when possible.
For younger riders, sidewalks can be safer, but always be mindful of pedestrians.
Check Your Bike Before You Go
Tires. Are they pumped up and ready to roll?
Brakes. Make sure they stop smoothly.
Chain. It should be clean and securely in place.
Buddy Up
Riding with a friend or group is not only more fun but safer too. You’re more visible when biking with others.
Respect Others on the Road
Be courteous to drivers, pedestrians, and other cyclists. Sharing the road makes it safer for everyone.
Teaching youth these biking safety habits early helps them build confidence and independence. Whether biking to school, the park, or a friend’s house, a safe ride is always the best ride!
Let’s empower young riders to explore their world safely on two wheels. 🚴♂️✨
Biking is not only a great way to stay active and reduce your carbon footprint, but it’s also an enjoyable way to explore your community. Whether you’re commuting, riding to school, or simply enjoying a leisurely ride, safety should always be your top priority.
Here are some essential tips to ensure a safe biking experience:
1. Wear a Helmet
A properly fitted helmet is your best defense against head injuries. It should fit snugly, sit level on your head, and cover your forehead without obstructing your vision. A helmet can make a significant difference in the event of an accident.
2. Be Visible
Make sure drivers, pedestrians, and other cyclists can see you. Wear bright or reflective clothing, and equip your bike with front and rear lights, especially if you’re riding in low-light conditions or at night. Being visible helps prevent accidents.
3. Follow the Rules of the Road
Bicycles are considered vehicles, and riders are required to obey traffic laws. Ride in the same direction as traffic, stop at red lights and stop signs, and use hand signals to communicate your turns. Staying predictable and adhering to road rules helps keep everyone safe.
4. Stay Alert
Always be aware of your surroundings. Watch out for cars, pedestrians, potholes, and other potential hazards. Avoid distractions like using your phone or listening to music through headphones while riding. Staying focused allows you to react quickly to any situation.
5. Check Your Bike Before You Ride
Before hitting the road, do a quick inspection of your bike. Check the brakes to ensure they’re working properly, examine the tires for any signs of wear or low pressure, and make sure the chain is clean and in good condition.
6. Ride Predictably
Avoid sudden swerves or stops that might confuse drivers or other cyclists. Signal your intentions clearly, and ride in a straight line whenever possible. Riding predictably helps others on the road anticipate your movements.
Safety is a Shared Responsibility
By following these tips, you’re doing your part to create a safer environment for all road users. Whether you’re an experienced cyclist or just getting started, a little preparation and awareness can go a long way toward ensuring a safe and enjoyable ride.
Let’s work together to make our streets bike-friendly and safe for everyone. Happy riding!
For more bike safety tips or to learn about cycling programs in the City of Decatur, visit decaturga.com/biking
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.
The holiday season makes exercising a bit more difficult: it’s cold, you’re on the road, there’s cookies everywhere…but that doesn’t mean you need to temporarily abandon your fitness routine. In fact, there are many ways to stay active during the holidays that don’t involve going outside at all.
A home workout has tons of benefits, like saving you time and money and giving you more privacy and flexibility. Plus, a home workout is also a great way to involve your family and friends. So when the turkey is in the oven and the football game is on commercial break, try fitting in a few minutes of movement. You’ll be surprised at how good it can make you feel.
This Monday, learn all the different ways you can work out indoors with our list of low-impact exercise ideas appropriate for all ages and ability levels.
Indoor Walking
Up your step count with some indoor walking. Try going through the living room, up and down stairs, or taking a few laps in your home or apartment hallway. Not at home? Not a problem. When you’re out getting groceries for the holiday meal or at the mall picking up gifts, try going around the store a couple extra times for extra cardio.
Yoga
Yoga is a great activity during the holidays for a few reasons: it keeps you active, calms you down, and gives kids something to do. Explore some of these family yoga sessions, or carve out your own time for self-care with few minutes of simple chair yoga.
Kitchen Workouts
Preparing for the holiday festivities typically requires a lot of kitchen time, but when your vegetables are roasting in the oven or your sauce is thickening on the stovetop, you’ll have a few minutes to sneak in a quick kitchen workout. Counter-top pushups, stove squats, and lateral pan raises can give you a pretty thorough full-body workout.
Habit Stack
The idea behind habit stacking is simple: add a new behavior to your daily schedule by “stacking it” on top of an existing habit. So, if you’re making coffee in the morning, do a few sets of jumping jacks while it brews; or if you’re watching television as a family, do a couple of push-ups each commercial break . The possibilities are endless.
Body weight exercises
Bodyweight exercises, also known as calisthenics, are beneficial to people of all ability levels and can be done inside with no equipment and very little time – which is at a premium during the holidays. Check out these useful bodyweight exercises that you can do anywhere.
The City of Decatur Department of Parks and Recreation is pleased to announce the receipt of a grant totaling $47,994 from the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety (GOHS). This funding, provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), will enhance safety training for pedestrians and bicyclists through surveys, activities, and educational programs. The City will collaborate with various agencies to offer approximately 30 opportunities for residents of all ages and abilities to deepen their understanding of bicycle-related traffic laws.
Allen Poole, Director of the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety, emphasized the importance of this initiative: “Part of the GOHS mission is to assist in implementing programs and campaigns designed to prevent crashes and eliminate traffic fatalities on our roads. GOHS will continue to build new partnerships and strengthen existing ones to create, refine, and implement safety programs, helping our state and nation work towards zero traffic fatalities.”
The Decatur Parks and Recreation Department is excited to have been selected for this grant award for the fiscal year 2025, which spans from October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025. The funding will facilitate targeted programs that align with the City’s commitment to improving mobility as detailed in Destination 2030, Decatur’s strategic plan adopted on October 18, 2021.
This GOHS grant will fund educational outreach and activities designed to positively impact Decatur’s residents and visitors. Our initiatives will include engaging activities in partnership with local schools and in collaboration with the Decatur Police and Decatur Fire Rescue.
This grant represents a critical component of our commitment to Decatur’s mission of promoting meaningful and sustained opportunities for community engagement, collaboration, and regional partnerships. We believe that the pedestrian and bicycle safety initiatives enabled by this grant will have a profound and lasting impact on our community.
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