Cemeteries: The Original Parks

July 7, 2025 by Leave a comment

July is Parks & Recreation Month, and here in Decatur, we’re celebrating by spotlighting an unexpected but special green space—the Historic Decatur Cemetery.

Long before manicured lawns and paved trails, 19th-century cemeteries offered what we now call parks—peaceful landscapes for strolling, reflection, and community togetherness. The city cemetery movement, inspired by Mount Auburn in Boston (est. 1831), combined scenic paths, ornamental plantings, and serene spaces—all for public enjoyment.

Decatur Cemetery: Downtown’s Largest Green Space

  • At 58 acres, it’s the largest greenspace in downtown Decatur, located just a half-mile from the Square.
  • Established in the 1820s (even pre-dating Decatur’s incorporation in 1823), it’s the oldest burial ground in metro Atlanta, now housing over 20,000 graves.
  • The Victorian-style 7.5-acre Old Section, with its curving paths and landmark monuments, reflects early “cemetery park” design.
  • Added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1997, offering a living classroom of local history .

Meet the Friends of Decatur Cemetery

The volunteer group Friends of Decatur Cemetery works alongside the City to preserve, maintain, and enliven this space—through tree plantings, gazebo restorations, tours, and educational outreach.

Join the Scavenger Hunt & Celebrate!

n celebration of Parks & Recreation Month, the Friends of Decatur Cemetery are hosting a fun and family-friendly scavenger hunt throughout the cemetery grounds!

Discover historic markers, unique monuments, and hidden natural gems as you explore Downtown Decatur’s largest green space. It’s the perfect way for families, friends, and history lovers to connect with nature and local heritage—all while enjoying the outdoors!

Come together in this beautiful, living park that tells the stories of Decatur’s past—while celebrating Parks & Recreation Month!

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July Is Parks & Recreation Month!

June 30, 2025 by Leave a comment

July 2025 marks the 40th anniversary of Parks & Recreation Month, a nationwide celebration led by the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) since 1985. This initiative recognizes the dedicated professionals and volunteers who make our parks safe, inclusive, and thriving. Guided by the theme “Build Together, Play Together,” July is all about the power of parks to connect us, support our health, and strengthen our communities

How Decatur Is Celebrating

Decatur Parks & Recreation has planned a full slate of free events to mark the occasion—and everyone’s invited!

  • July 3: Poppin’ at the Pools – Beat the heat with free popsicles at local pools.
  • July 8: Nature Hike at Legacy Park (10 a.m.) – Explore Legacy Park guided by the City’s Urban Naturalist.
  • July 10: Legacy Park Beaver Complex Tour (10 a.m.) – Discover the fascinating world of beavers.
  • July 12: Hawk Hollow Hike (10 a.m.) – Discover one of Decatur’s hidden gems on a nature walk through Hawk Hollow.
  • July 21: Free Swim Day at Ebster Pool (1–3 p.m.) – Cool off with free pool admission from 1–3 p.m.
  • July 26: Community Day at Ebster Field (10 a.m.–2 p.m.) – Join us for games, music, food, and family fun.

All month long, Decatur Parks & Recreation will be highlighting the people, places, and programs that make our community special. Stories and updates will be shared on our social media platforms, showcasing how parks and recreation bring people together, promote well-being, and support a more connected Decatur.

Let’s Build and Play—Together

Parks and recreation bring people together in ways that few other services can. They create space for belonging, offer opportunities to grow and connect, and help shape a vibrant, inclusive Decatur.

This July, we invite you to experience all that Decatur Parks & Recreation has to offer—and to celebrate the programs, places, and people that help build the community we love.

Learn more at decaturga.com/parksrec

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Celebrate National Bike to Work Week in Decatur!

May 12, 2025 by Leave a comment

This week marks National Bike to Work Week, and here in Decatur, we’re proud to support a culture of active transportation, sustainability, and community well-being. Whether you’re a daily bike commuter or just curious about leaving the car at home, this is the perfect time to give cycling a spin.

Why Bike to Work?
Cycling to work isn’t just a great way to start the day—it’s a small action with big impact. Choosing to bike instead of drive helps reduce traffic congestion, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and improve your physical and mental health. It’s an eco-friendly commute that energizes you before your day even begins.

Join Us for Bike to Work Day – Friday, May 16
As part of the weeklong celebration, National Bike to Work Day takes place this Friday, May 16. We’re inviting all riders to stop by Decatur’s Energizer Station for a morning boost!

Location: Green space triangle where West Howard Avenue meets Atlanta Avenue (along the PATH multi-use trail)
Time: Starting at 8:00 AM
What to Expect: Refreshments, encouragement, and camaraderie from fellow riders and Decatur staff.

Whether you’re riding solo or meeting up with coworkers and neighbors, this is a chance to feel supported and inspired. We’ll be there to cheer you on and celebrate every mile you pedal.

Keep Decatur Rolling Forward
Our community’s commitment to walkability and bikeability is what makes Decatur special. Let’s continue to build on that progress—one pedal at a time.

Hop on your bike, make the switch for a day, and join a movement that’s good for you and even better for the planet.

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Celebrating Earth Day the Decatur Way: Community, Conservation, and Commitment

April 23, 2025 by Leave a comment

In Decatur, Earth Day isn’t just a date on the calendar—it’s a reflection of our ongoing commitment to sustainability, environmental stewardship, and community collaboration. This year, we’re proud to highlight a variety of efforts happening across our city that demonstrate how we’re working together to protect our green spaces and nurture a healthier planet.

Pitching in at Legacy Park
Volunteers from the Atlanta Braves Foundation, Coors, and Hands On Atlanta kicked off Earth Day celebrations early with a community workday at Legacy Park. Once a home for children, this beautiful 77-acre greenspace is now home to 18 nonprofits and an evolving hub for civic engagement and environmental restoration.

On Tuesday, April 15, nearly 50 volunteers rolled up their sleeves to tackle weeding, planting, and revitalization projects throughout the park. Thanks to their hard work and generous spirit, Legacy Park is greener, cleaner, and more welcoming for all who visit and work there.

Students in Action at Hidden Cove Park
The City of Decatur’s Urban Naturalist recently led a group of Decatur High School students through a hands-on morning of environmental service at Hidden Cove Park. With shovels in hand and sleeves rolled up, these dedicated students removed invasive English ivy and planted native species to help restore the park’s natural ecosystem. Their efforts not only support local biodiversity but also build a lasting connection between youth and the natural world.

Decatur’s Sustainability Leadership Recognized
Decatur’s commitment to environmental leadership remains strong, earning the city platinum recertification in the Atlanta Regional Commission’s Green Communities program. This voluntary certification recognizes local governments that go above and beyond to reduce their environmental footprint and promote sustainability.

We’re proud of the many initiatives that helped us earn this distinction, including:

  • Requiring green building certifications for all new development
  • Supporting residential solar installations with expedited permitting
  • Creating a comprehensive stormwater master plan
  • Earning national recognition as a Bee City USA, Tree City USA, Bicycle Friendly Community, and Walk Friendly Community
  • Adopting a Clean Energy Plan to transition away from fossil fuels
  • Partnering with Agnes Scott College to develop a climate resilience plan

These efforts are more than policies—they’re part of a shared vision for a city where people and nature thrive together.

A Greener Future Starts Here
From students planting native flowers to corporate volunteers digging in the dirt, Earth Day in Decatur is about action, collaboration, and care. Whether you’re biking to school, watching birds at Legacy Park, or helping remove invasive species, every step toward sustainability contributes to a stronger, greener future.

Let’s keep the momentum going—not just on Earth Day, but every day.

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Bikeability and Walkability in Decatur: A City Built for Moving

February 11, 2025 by Leave a comment

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.

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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!

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Decatur Parks & Recreation Department Awarded the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety Grant

November 22, 2024 by Leave a comment

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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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!

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Exploring Decatur’s Beacon Hill and the Praise House Project: Preserving African American Heritage

August 26, 2024 by 1 Comment

Decatur, Georgia, has a rich African American history that has often been overshadowed by systemic inequities and urban development. The Praise House Project is a community-based initiative that seeks to preserve and uplift these vital histories through immersive public art installations. Located at 346 West Trinity Place, the current Praise House invites visitors to step into a multimedia experience that honors the African American narratives of the area.

The Praise House Project: Standing on Hallowed Ground

Created by Charmaine Minniefield, the Praise House Project places small wooden structures with fully immersive digital projection installations within communities. These installations recreate the traditional Ring Shout—a spiritual practice of enslaved Africans—using archives and footage collected from the local community. Each Praise House serves as a safe space for gathering, reflection, and honoring the African American history deeply rooted in the land.

The Praise House in Decatur will feature a special exterior illumination on August 30th from 8-10 pm, in collaboration with Decatur photographer Gregory White. On August 31st, from 5-8 pm, the interior of the Praise House will be open for special viewing during Decatur Day, offering a deeper engagement with this impactful art installation.

Beacon Hill: Forging Freedom in Downtown Decatur

Beacon Hill, once known as “the Bottom,” was a thriving African American community established by freed slaves after the Civil War. This square mile of Decatur became home to numerous Black-owned businesses, churches, and schools, creating a vibrant community despite facing significant challenges.

In the 1930s, the area began to be condemned by the city to make way for public housing, leading to the displacement of many families and businesses. However, the legacy of Beacon Hill remains strong. Prominent businesses such as Henry Oliver’s blacksmith shop, LC’s Rib Shack, and the Ritz Movie Theater are remembered for their contributions to the community’s fabric. The area’s churches, including the historic Antioch AME Church and Lilly Hill Baptist Church, continue to serve as pillars of strength and gathering places for the community.

Beacon Hill was also a center for education and youth activities. Despite limited resources, the community established schools like Herring Street School, which later became Beacon Elementary School and Trinity High School. These institutions not only provided education but also nurtured civic leaders and created opportunities for future generations.

Beacon Hill was more than just a place; it was a community where families connected, children played, and everyone gathered to celebrate life’s milestones. From the local Ritz Theatre to the bustling recreation center at Ebster Park, Beacon Hill was a neighborhood where African American culture and community thrived.

The Praise House Project and the history of Beacon Hill both serve as powerful reminders of Decatur’s rich African American heritage. As these stories are shared and preserved through art and community engagement, they continue to shape the identity and future of Decatur. Visit the Praise House and take a moment to reflect on the resilience, creativity, and strength of the Beacon Hill community—both past and present.

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Important Park Update: Playground and Picnic Area Closure

August 15, 2024 by Leave a comment

Due to recent storm winds and a lack of significant rain, several large dead limbs have been identified hanging over the playground and picnic table areas in the park. For the safety of all visitors, we have temporarily closed the park until the necessary tree work can be completed. A tree service has been contracted and is scheduled to address the issue.

Caution tape and signage have been placed at the entrances to the affected areas. We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your understanding as we work to ensure the safety of our park.

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