Wrapping Up Parks & Recreation Month in Decatur: Build Together, Play Together!

August 1, 2025 by Leave a comment

Across the country, July is dedicated to celebrating the incredible impact that parks, recreation programs, and public spaces have on building strong, healthy, and connected communities. Here in Decatur, we embraced this year’s theme, “Build Together, Play Together,” with a month full of activities that brought neighbors, friends, and families together.

Throughout the month, our team worked hard to make each week meaningful and memorable. Rec and Ally handed out popsicles at camps and pools, helping everyone cool off while spreading a little extra joy. We welcomed community members to explore nature with guided hikes led by our Urban Naturalist and opened Ebster Pool for a free swim day that invited all to dive into summer fun.

Our grand finale? Community Day at Ebster! It was a true celebration of connection—with music from DJ K-Kat, inflatable games, soccer clinics, bike rides, and open play. The day brought together residents of all ages and backgrounds for an afternoon of laughter, movement, and shared experiences.

These events weren’t just about fun, they were a reminder of how parks and recreation create space for wellness, learning, and community building. Your participation and support helped make this month such a success.

Thank you to everyone who joined us. Here’s to building something even better, together.

Filed under Bike Decatur, Decatur Greenspaces, Decatur Parks & Recreation, Ebster Recreation Center, Exercise Tagged with , , ,

Build Together: Creating Parks and Programs for Everyone in Decatur

July 21, 2025 by Leave a comment

At Decatur Parks & Recreation, we believe that when we build together, we build stronger. That means ensuring every playground, program, and park is created with everyone in mind—across age, ability, background, and income. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are not just guiding principles; they are central to how we serve and shape our community.

One powerful example is the Legacy Park Inclusive Playground, designed so that all children, regardless of physical or developmental ability, can play side by side. It is a space where kids can learn, explore, and grow together, while families gather and connect in a welcoming outdoor setting. This project reflects what is possible when a community comes together to invest in inclusion.

But building together goes beyond infrastructure. It is also about access. Not every family in Decatur has the means to afford afterschool care, athletics, or summer camps. That is why we invite you to support the Mary Miller Decatur Youth Fund, which helps remove financial barriers for local families. The fund, managed by the Decatur Education Foundation, ensures that children can participate in after-school programs, summer school, summer camps and other enrichment opportunities, regardless of their financial situation.

To give, mail a check made out to the Decatur Education Foundation with “Decatur Youth Fund” in the memo line to: 500 S. Columbia Drive, Decatur, GA 30030
Contributions are tax-deductible. For questions, contact Nancy Brune at 404-377-0494 or nancy.brune@decaturga.com.

This Saturday, join us at Community Day at Ebster Field from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. as we wrap up Parks & Recreation Month with a celebration of connection, culture, and play. There will be games, music from DJ K-Kat, food trucks, and a family bike ride. It is a free, family-friendly event that reflects what Decatur is all about: showing up for each other and creating space where everyone belongs.

Filed under City of Decatur, Legacy Park, Teens, Youth Classes, Youth Sports Tagged with ,

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

Filed under City of Decatur, Decatur Greenspaces, Decatur Parks & Recreation Tagged with , ,

Celebrate Parks and Recreation Month this July!

July 1, 2024 by 1 Comment

July is Parks and Recreation Month, a special time designated by the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) since 1985. This month promotes the importance of parks and recreation in health, wellness, conservation, and social equity. It’s a fantastic opportunity to highlight the vital role our parks and recreation department plays in our community. This year’s theme, “Where You Belong,” celebrates how park and recreation professionals foster a sense of belonging by offering inclusive programs, essential services, and safe, accessible spaces for everyone.

During this Parks and Recreation Month, let’s unite to uplift the many reasons why parks and recreation truly embody the essence of belonging. Together, we can demonstrate why these spaces are “Where You Belong.”

Engage with Us All Month Long!

Throughout July, we will have photo frames posted in Decatur parks. Visitors can take pictures and share their moments on social media with the hashtag #whereyoubelong. The locations include:

  • McKoy Skate Park
  • Glenlake Tennis Center
  • Ebster Pool
  • Oakhurst Park Playground
  • Scott Park

We hope to see your posts with the hashtag #whereyoubelong!

Week 1: June 30-July 6

  • Kick-off – Popin’ Pools/Parks (Ally & Rec hand out popsicles)
  • July 3: 11:00am – Scott Park
  • July 3: 2:30pm – Glenlake Pool & Park

Week 2: July 7-July 13

  • “Fit” In – Clarity Fitness Pop-up Activity
  • July 10: Yoga, 10am – Decatur Square
  • July 12: Dance Fitness at 6 p.m. on Decatur Square, in conjunction with Rock the Mic: Karaoke Night

Week 4: July 21-July 27

  • A Kinship with the Land – Nature Walks and Rock Snake
  • July 23 & July 25: 10-11am – Glenlake (Campers and Community paint rocks with Kim)
  • July 23: 10-12pm – Decatur Cemetery (Meet at cemetery office)
  • July 24: 10-12pm – Legacy Park (Meet at main front building)
  • July 26: 10-12pm – Hawk Hollow, 2304 First Avenue, Atlanta 30317

On June 17th at the commissioner’s meeting, Mayor Garrett proclaimed July as National Parks and Recreation Month. Join us in celebrating Parks and Recreation Month at your favorite Decatur park, and be part of this incredible journey of community, health, and wellness!

Filed under Aquatics, City of Decatur, Decatur Parks & Recreation, Decatur Recreation Center, Ebster Recreation Center, Exercise, Glenlake Pool, Glenlake Tennis Center, Oakhurst Recreation Center Tagged with

July is Parks and Recreation Month!

June 30, 2020 by Leave a comment

Since 1985, America has celebrated July as Parks and Recreation Month. A program of the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA), the goal is to raise awareness of the essential services that park and recreation professionals provide to communities throughout the United States.

This month, we are celebrating with the theme We Are Parks and Recreation. Throughout the month, we will be highlighting our passionate Active Living staff members who provide services that are vital to the health of Decatur.

We will also be posting activities as well as offering virtual classes, which you can register for via WebTrac. Continue to visit our Virtual Recreation Center as we work to add updates throughout the month.

The Nature Scavenger Hunt will be posted later this week.

Have a great week and stay active Decatur!

Parks & Recreation

#WeAreParksAndRecreation

Filed under City of Decatur Tagged with ,

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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Filed under City of Decatur, Exercise Tagged with ,

Stay Active This Weekend With Bike Rides, a Walk in the Garden and More!

July 12, 2013 by Leave a comment

Looking for some activities for the weekend?

Friday:
Bike Decatur will go on a 5 mile social ride. Meet at the Church Street MARTA Station at 6:30pm and join us for a casual all-levels ride followed by beverages at a local watering hole.

Saturday:
Southern Bicycle League offers an Intro to Group Riding Skill Clinic at 1:30pm. Meet in the parking lot of Glennwood Academy located at 440 East Ponce de Leon Avenue for instruction on Group Cycling followed by a 5 mile ride through scenic Decatur neighborhoods. Click here for more information.

Celebrate Summer at Woodlands:
Woodlands Garden invites the community to visit them and stroll through the gardens seven days a week during daylight hours. Woodlands is located at 932 Scott Boulevard. Walk or bike to the garden if possible as parking is limited. Information at www.woodlandsgarden.org.

July is Parks and Recreation Month, so stop by one of Decatur’s parks, pools or greenspaces and take a stroll, swim, play tennis or simply enjoy nature. Click here for a list of City Parks. If it rains, stop by Decatur Recreation Center and take a walk on our new elevated walking track.

There are lots of ways to stay active in Decatur!!

Stop by Glenlake Park and try out the Adult Exercise Equipment

Stop by Glenlake Park and try out the Adult Exercise Equipment

Filed under City of Decatur Tagged with , ,

July is Parks and Recreation Month

July 3, 2012 by Leave a comment

Since 1985, America has celebrated July as the nation’s official Park and Recreation Month. This July we are encouraging you  to GET WILD about parks and recreation! 

Everything from wild workouts and wellness to getting wet and wild at the pool or even wild with nature – you just can’t help but have fun this July, all while expressing the many valuable benefits of parks and recreation!

Visit one of Decatur’s great parks for some family fun, take a dip in one of our three pools, try out some tennis, walk your dog to a Dog Park, take a picnic to a green space….. there are lots of ways to “Get Wild” and have fun.

Take a photo of you and your friends or family having fun at a park, send it to cheryl.burnette@decaturga.com and we will post them on this blog.

Get Wild at the Park, but be sure to drink plenty of water!

Filed under City of Decatur Tagged with , ,