Sunday Stroll Features Photographer Kathryn Kolb

Third Sunday Stroll is February 21: Bring Your Camera
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Join the Pedestrian Committee of the Active Living Board on Sunday, February 21 at 2 p.m. for a stroll through Agnes Scott campus and down to the forested green-space area where the two headwaters of Shoal Creek converge below West Davis Rd. The walk begins at the Decatur Recreation Center, 231 Sycamore Street and is free to the community.

Naturalist and fine art photographer Kathryn Kolb will share insights about trees and our native forests as well as observations about the artistic design of plants and how that design relates to fine art. Our conversation will range from the unique ecological history of our region, to interesting facts about local flora and fauna, to the dynamic symmetry found in leaves and tree branches–or wherever our discussion leads. Kathryn will also be happy to share tips on taking nature photos for all who wish to bring cameras.

If the weather is rainy, please check back here for updates. See you on Sunday!

Decatur Bike-Pedestrian Crossing Update

photo 3As many are aware, bike and pedestrian access along the PATH trail along E. Howard has been rerouted for the last couple of months due to construction at the Trinity Triangle site.  At this time, the City of Decatur is pleased to announce that bike and pedestrian access will be restored to this corridor with a new crossing on E. Trinity Place.

Here’s how it works:  The new crossing is located between the construction site (west) and the triangle where N. Candler Street meets E. Howard (east). Look for the pedestrian crossing beacon and the street paint. Cyclists and pedestrians traveling east on the PATH  Trail or north across E. College Avenue may now cross E. Trinity Place at a new temporary crossing. Cyclists and pedestrians traveling west across E. Trinity Place may now safely make their way across E. College Avenue or west on the PATH Trail.

Be careful! The crossing is well marked, but since it is a new location a bit closer to the railroad crossing, all cyclists, pedestrians and motorists should exercise caution.

The Decatur Police Department and Public Works Department will monitor use of the crossing. Updates will be provided as the project continues. This bike and pedestrian access is considered temporary because use of the new sidewalk is subject to construction phasing at the Trinity Triangle site through 2015.

For more information contact  Design, Environment & Construction Division Director John Maximuk at 678.553.6570.

New “Wonder Drug” – Walking!

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From Everybody Walk:

“Researchers have discovered a “wonder drug” for many of today’s most common medical problems, Bob Sallis, MD, family practitioner, Kaiser Permanente in Fontana, Calif., told a packed room of leaders at the Every Body Walk! 2013 Walking Summit, held October 1–3, 2013 in Washington, D.C. “The drug is called walking,” Sallis announced. “Its generic name is physical activity.”

Increased levels of walking and physical activity can bring other social benefits too, said authorities from the fields of medicine, public health, education, community development, urban planning and social policy at the Walking Summit.”

New York Times agrees too and in fact suggests brisk walking is most effective. Read their take here: http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/12/04/why-a-brisk-walk-is-better/?_r=1&

So let’s all make an effort to walk more. And if you need a buddy to get started, we have a dozen or so walkers who walk weekly in a group at the recreation center or around downtown and the neighborhoods; drop in anytime for free. Walk With a Doc, Wed @11am.

Need to go to the library? Soccer or Basketball game? Walk There!

Run to the post office or CVS? Make it fun and Walk There!

Wear your pedometer, or just make a game of counting your steps.

Walk There Decatur- It’s closer than you think!