Explore Decatur’s Parks with Our Family Nature Scavenger Hunt

July 8, 2026 by Leave a comment

Celebrate Parks & Recreation Month by getting outside and discovering The Power of Nature with our free Family Nature Scavenger Hunt!

Perfect for all ages, this self-guided adventure invites families to explore Decatur’s beautiful parks while searching for local wildlife, identifying trees and leaves, spotting unique natural features, and completing fun bonus challenges. Whether you’re visiting Oakhurst Park, Glenlake Park, Legacy Park, McKoy Park, or another neighborhood park, every outing is an opportunity to connect with nature and one another.

Pick up a scavenger hunt sheet at the Decatur Recreation Center or download one here, then head out on your adventure. Once you’ve completed the hunt, return your completed sheet to the Decatur Recreation Center to receive a prize. Be sure to snap a few photos along the way and share your adventure on Instagram by tagging @decaturparksandrec and using #ThePowerOfNature.

There’s no better time to unplug, explore, and experience the natural beauty of Decatur. Happy hunting!

Nature Scavenger HuntDownload

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July is Parks & Rec Month!

July 1, 2016 by Leave a comment

Park-Rec-month-Banner-Ad-300x250pxJuly is National Parks and Recreation Month so come on out to one the many Decatur parks and play! Discover your superpowers at our local parks and recreation center. Get fit, learn new abilities and make super new friends.

Walk the trails at Glenlake and McKoy Park. Ride your bike on the PATH that goes through Decatur. Take a swim at one of the city’s three pools to stay cool. Try out a new class at Decatur Active Living. Visit the skate park located in McKoy Park. Take a walk around your neighborhood and meet a new neighbor. Make a chalk hopscotch game on the sidewalk. Participate in the 4th of July Parade – decorate your bike or wagon, or yourself and be a part of the fun! There are tons of ways to be a parks and recreation superhero!

Post photos of your July park fun on our Facebook page and tag it #superjuly and @beactivedecatur. And most of all, HAVE FUN!

Parks and recreation agencies improve lives through health and wellness!

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July Is Park and Recreation Month

July 1, 2014 by Leave a comment

Since 1985, America has celebrated July as the nation’s official Park and Recreation Month. This year’s theme is OUT is IN.

Let’s focus on setting trends instead of following them,  making 2014 the year people go outside, change their outlook, and get involved in their community through parks and recreation.

Here are some ideas for July:

  • Visit one of Decatur’s three swimming pools to stay cool
  • Take a stroll through one of the many greenspaces in Decatur. Take a picnic or just sit on a blanket, sip on a cool drink and read a book.
  • Join us for the Third Friday Fun Bike Ride on Friday, July 18. Meet at the Church Street MARTA at 6:30pm. All levels, helmets are required.
  • Learn how to ride your bike in a group on Saturday, July 12 at 1:30pm with Mike Sheehan. Meet at Glennwood ES parking lot.
  • The Team Decatur Kick-off is Tuesday, July 15 from 6 – 8 pm at the Decatur Recreation Center
  • Be a part of the July 4th Pied Piper Parade- ride your bike or walk and have fun waving to the crowds gathered along the way

We bet you can think of more ways to get out and enjoy Park and Recreation Month!

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Adair Dog Park Selected for Macy’s “Heart Your Park” Initiative

March 7, 2014 by 3 Comments

PrintAdair Dog Park has been selected for “Heart Your Park,” a program introduced as part of Marcy’s “Secret Garden” Campaign, that aims to raise awareness and dollars for local parks across the country. From March 7 to March 31, customers at Macy’s North DeKalb Mall can donate $1 or more at the register, with 100 percent of the donations benefiting Adair Dog Park. Macy’s will match the total customer donation across all stores.

We are happy to partner with Macy’s and the National Recreation and Park Association for “Heart Your Park” this spring, said Greg White, Director of  Decatur Active Living. “Adair Dog Park is a great asset to the community and we greatly appreciate Macy’s support.”

For a full list of parks benefiting from Macy’s “Heart Your Park,” visit macys.com/parks.

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3 Pillars of Parks & Rec: Conservation, Health & Wellness, Social Equity

October 4, 2013 by Leave a comment

Three-Pillars-Logo-160Our leadership team attends the national conference next week in Houston and presents on the successes in this community of maintaining the three pillars of parks & rec. Read on…

Our nation’s local parks and recreation are the gateways to healthy, prosperous and connected communities. On any given day, someone is being positively affected through parks and recreation – whether they are taking a walk on a trail or fitness class at the community center, getting a nutritious meal or just reaping the benefits of clean air and water because of preserved open space.

The work of local parks and recreation takes on some our nation’s toughest challenges like obesity, the economy and environmental sustainability and offers solutions. Local parks and recreation are uniquely positioned to make significant contributions in these areas, and do by providing critical front-line services and resources.

But we’ve got to start telling that story! Hear NRPA’s President and CEO Barbara Tulipane, CAE talk about the NRPA’s Three Pillars.

Conservation—Parks are critical in the role of preserving natural resources that have real economic benefits for communities. You are the leaders, often the only voice in communities, for protecting open space, connecting children to nature, and providing education and programming that helps communities engage in conservation practices.

Health and Wellness—Agencies lead the nation in improving the overall health and wellness of communities. You are essential partners in combating some of the most complicated and expensive challenges our country faces –poor nutrition, hunger, obesity, and physical inactivity.

Social Equity—Universal access to public parks and recreation are a right, not just a privilege. Every day you are working hard to ensure that all members of your community have access to the resources and programming you offer. Very few – if any – can claim the same.

NRPA stands alongside each agency and individual in the responsibility to be a loud voice for the significance and impact of our collective work, elevated by these three pillars. National Recreation and Park Association.

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July is National Parks and Recreation Month

July 1, 2011 by Leave a comment

America has celebrated July as the nation’s Park and Recreation Month since 1985. This year, the theme is “Rock Your Park” and is focused on getting poeple engaged in visiting, supporting and preserving our parks.

The National Recreation and Parks Association is encouraging everyone to take the “Five in July” Pledge. There are five weekends in July this year, so we encourage you to get out to a park, trail, playground, swimming pool, natural space, or other public space every weekend. To sign the pledge visit www.NRPA.org/july2011.

The City of Decatur has seven parks. Visit one you haven’t been to before. Take some photos of yourself enjoying the park and send them in and we will post them.  For more information on city parks, click here. For information on our three city pools, click here.

Be on the lookout for activities throughout the month to help you stay active. For more information contact cheryl.burnette@decaturga.com or 678-553-6541.

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