Beat the Heat at City of Decatur Pools

Looking for a cool spot in Decatur- visit the three City of Decatur Pools. Swimming takes place at Ebster Pool, Glenlake Pool and McKoy Pool (Pictured). Swimming pools have been really busy this summer with residents, campers and swim team. Pools can be rented for special events- birthday parties, neighborhood gatherings or company outings. City of Decatur pools are open daily through the month of July and close after Labor Day. City of Decatur pools are being managed by Dynamo Pool Management, Inc this season.
For more information about Decatur pools call (404)377-7231.

McKoy Skate Park Receives a New Skating Bench

On Monday, June 28 Decatur Active Living installed a new skate park bench for the McKoy Skate Park. The skate park bench is from Spohn Ranch Skateparks (www.SpohnRanch.com). Special thanks to Public Works staff supervisor, Tony Kemp and staff for working out the logistics to install the bench. To our skaters in Decatur have a great time in the skate park. If you have questions about the skate park please call (404)-377-0494. McKoy Skate Park one of the most active spaces in Decatur.

Jeff Gallaway and the KP Corporate Run/Walk

Jeff Gallaway was at the Holiday Inn last night to educate the community about the annual KP Corporate Run/Walk. The City of Decatur hosted the meeting and will be participating in the September 16th event as "Team Decatur". Last night's attendees learned about the easy ways to keep fit and were encouraged to add fitness into their lives and the lives of their friends and co-workers. The KP Corporate Challenge includes an 8-week "Get Fit" program to prepare the participants for the 5k Walk/Run. To sign up to be a part of Team Decatur, visit http://www.kpcorporaterunwalk.com/.

Mayor Bill Floyd welcomed the crowd and talked about the active Decatur community. On hand were representatives from One Step at a Time, Fleet Feet Decatur, Big Peach Running Company and Phidippides, all of which offer free runs for the community.

The Kick Off for the 8 week Get Fit Program will be held on Thursday, July 26 on the Old Courthouse Square in downtown Decatur from 6 until 8 pm. For more information call Cheryl Burnette at 678-553-6541.

National Bicycling and Walking Study 15-Year Status Report

This report is the third status update to the National Bicycling and Walking Study, originally published in 1994 as an assessment of bicycling and walking as transportation modes in the United States. The 15-year report, unlike its two predecessors, examines a range of efforts to increase bicycling and walking in the United States. Programs at the Federal, State, and local levels are included, as well as case studies on best practices. Finally, the report makes recommendations for research, policy, and other measures that can be taken to meet the goals of the original study. To review the study visit http://www.walkinginfo.org

Learn to drive your bike in Decatur

Decatur, where they say it's greater, is an excellent place to learn Confident City Cycling with the Atlanta Bicyle Coalition! On Saturday, July 17th, ABS will offer a bike class for those who want to learn to " drive" their bikes. Driving your bike refers to riding on the street safely, predictably, with confident courtesy. This is the perfect introduction to driver education for teens.

Register at : http://www.atlantabike.org/
Saturday, July 17 from 3:30-7:30pm
Cost: $20 ($10 fro ABC members)
Location: Decatur Recreation Center, 231 Sycamore Street, Decatur

It also teaches something more important, and vital to our movement: empathy. Time and time again people tell me, " I never really understood how to interact with cyclists until I started riding a bike in the street." There is no substitute for experience!

So come out to Decatur, bring your teen or anyone else you would like to gain confidence on their bike.

Mike Glenn Hearing Impaired Basketball Camp at Decatur Recreation Center

Atlanta Hawks basketball commentator and former Atlanta Hawks shooting guard is currently hosting the 31st annual Mike Glenn Basketball Camp for the Hearing Impaired June 20-June 25 at Decatur Recreation Center. The campers play daily at the Decatur Recreation Center from 7pm-9:30pm. The All-Star game is scheduled for Friday, June 25 with a girls game beginning at 6:30pm followed by the boys game at Decatur Recreation Center, 231 Sycamore Street. Pictured- Mike Glenn, Roddy White, Atlanta Falcon and campers. For more information about the camp visit www.mikeglenn.com

Fencing returns to the Decatur Community: Beginning Tuesday, June 22

Decatur Fencing Club
Tuesdays
6pm-8pm Ebster Gym
Ages 10-Adult
All Skill Levels
Cost: $65 per month

Decatur Active Living brings Fencing back to the Decatur community beginning Tuesday, June 22. Fencing is a European- originated Olympic sport based on the art of sword play. For new students, classes will concentrate on providing an enjoyable epee/foil fencing experience, improving physical fitness and creating the foundation needed to understand and appreciate the sport. More advanced, motivated students will have the opportunity to continue studying epee/foil at a higher level. All participants should dress in loose, athletic clothing. Protective equipment will be provided each class.

Instructors
John Terris- is a United States Fencing Coaches Association Certified Coach (Moniteur de Arms) and certified by the USFA Coaches College in Colorado Springs as a Level 2 Epee Coach. John is also the assistant coach for the Atlanta Fencers Club, head coach for the Cherokee Fencers Club and head coach of the Georgia Tech Fencing Club.

Dimitri Kirk-Gordon- is a nationally/internationally ranked foilist who has competed in over 14 countries. Dimitri has earned a place on three Jr. World Cup Teams and took 7th place in the cadet world cup championships in 2002. Dimitri fenced for Ohio State University where he earned the NCAA Scholar Athlete Award.

To register or find out more about fencing call John Terris at 404-384-5375.

Decatur Beach Party Celebrates 25 Years Today

The 25th annual Decatur Beach Party featuring live music and 60 tons of sand covering city streets is scheduled for today. The event is scheduled from 5pm to midnight. Tickets are $6.50 in advance and $10 at the gate. Children under 12 get in free, with a limit of two free children's tickets per one paying adult. No outside coolers, picnic baskets, glass or pets allowed. Information: visit www.decaturdba.com

Youth Baseball Season Underway at Decatur Active Living

Youth Baseball season got underway on Saturday, June 5 with a huge opening day baseball parade and plenty of game action. Mayor Floyd and other city officials were in attendance. Thanks to the parents, players, coaches and Active Living staff for making Youth Baseball in Decatur one of the best places to catch a game. Games are played at Oakhurst Monday- Thursday evenings. For more information on Decatur Active Living visit www.decaturga.com

Fast Break Basketball Camp Underway at Decatur High School

Decatur Active Living's Fast Break Basketball Camp moves to a new location- Decatur High School Gym. Special thanks to Carter Wilson who has been the leader of this camp for many years. The camp has been held at Decatur Recreation Center for over 20 years and Coach Wilson has been dedicated to promote basketball in the Decatur Community. Great staff, lots of fun and plenty of memories for young people. The next session begins June 21 -25. Cost: $200 non-residents, $175 Decatur residents. (Pictured)- Carter Wilson, staff and campers. For more information about the camp call Decatur Active Living at 404-377-0494.

Scam Jam Held at Decatur Recreation Center

Scam Jam was held at Decatur Recreation Center on Tuesday, June 15. Scam Jam is a crime prevention expo for City of Decatur and DeKalb County " seasoned seniors". Former Mayor, Elizabeth Wilson attended Scam Jam (pictured). For more information about Scam Jam 2011 contact Juanchella G. Franis, Community Relations- Decatur Police Department at 678-553-6656

Share Your Thoughts on Decatur's Community Garden Guidelines

A public input session to gather feedback on the draft version of our Community Garden Guidelines has been scheduled for:

Thursday, June 17
7pm
Decatur City Hall, City Commission Conference Room

Promoting community gardening is a priority for the City of Decatur and the Environmental Sustainability Board. Draft guidelines have been developed in order to ensure that community garden proposals on city-owned property have proper community support, address the current and future needs of the garden, and meet operational needs of the City.

City of Montgomery, OH City Management Team Visits Decatur

The City of Montgomery,OH Management Team visited the City of Decatur on this past Thursday and Friday. City Manager, Peggy Merriss and the City of Decatur Management Team shared many great stories from recycling, budgeting, Decatur 101 and we took time to have lunch at the new Glenlake Park. (Pictured) are City of Montgomery staff walking with Fire Chief Toni Dixon. Decatur Active Living took the group on a tour to visit the Oakhurst Community, Decatur Housing Authority, parks, pools, community gardens and showed them various green spaces.

New Glenlake Tennis Courts Create Excitement

The courts at Glenlake are complete! Experience the new courts and take a stroll around the new Glenlake Park. Glenlake Park offers a active experience for Decatur residents and guest. Play a game of tennis, take swim or walk the trails. For more information on Decatur Active Living call 404-377-0494 or visit www.decaturga.com

Join Team Decatur for the Kaiser Permanente Corporate Run/Walk- September 16

The City of Decatur and the Decatur Business Association are "teaming up" to enter a team in the Kaiser Permanente Corporate Run/Walk to be held on Thursday, September 16 in downtown Atlanta. The event is a 5K that begins under the Olympic Rings and ends next to Turner Field. The event also involves a free 8 week training program. More details to come. The City of Decatur will be kicking off the training program here in Decatur at the Bandstand on the Square- July 26 from 6 until 8pm.



There will be an informational meeting on Thursday, June 24 at 6pm at the Decatur Holiday Inn for those interested in rounding up their co-workers. Our goal is to have 250 participants on the Team Decatur. For more information and to register, visit http://www.kpcorporaterunwalk.com/



Contact: Cheryl Burnette 678-553-6573 cheryl.burnette@decaturga.com

Gregory White 678-553-6543 greg.white@decaturga.com

Glenlake Tennis Courts Reopen- City Manager Hits the First Ball

Peggy Merriss, City Manager hits the first ball on the new premier court surface at Glenlake Tennis Center today. A new lighting system has been installed to provide better court lighting and reduces light spillage onto adjacent properties. For more information on tennis programs or to reserve a court call 404-377-7231.

Atlanta Junior Bridge- Free Classes at Decatur Rec

Decatur Active Living will offer FREE bridge classes to boys and girls (5-8th grade). The classes will be held at Decatur Recreation Center from 4pm-6pm. Dates: June 14-18 and June 25-29. All supplies will be provided. If you are interested please contact Stacy Green at 678-553-6549.

Bridge Benefits

"It has been proven that bridge enhances children's analytical skills, helps to improve their academic performance and their problem solving ability".

Visit www.atlantajuniorbridge.org

Glenlake Park Is Open and Experience the Green Space

Decatur residents enjoying the Glenlake Park! Glenlake Park had a soft opening Memorial Day Weekend and many residents are in the park experiencing the trails, playground and the new play spaces. The dog park is highly used and (Riley pictured) was seen in the dog park on Wednesday afternoon. Final touches are being completed and Decatur Active Living invites you to visit Glenlake and all the parks in our great community.

Tennis Camps Underway at Scott Park

Decatur Activing Living provides one of the most active camps in Decatur. Munchkin Tennis and Future Stars camps started this week at Scott Park. If you are interested in learning how to play tennis and want a great camp experience then call Glenlake Tennis Center at (404) 377-7231. Upcoming camp dates: Munchkin Tennis July 12-16 9am-10am; Future Stars July 12-16 10-11:30am

Decatur Gators Swimming at Agnes Scott

The Decatur Gators first home meet will be held at Agnes Scott College on Tuesday, June 8. Come out and support the Decatur Gators. Time: 6pm.

The next home meet is scheduled for Tuesday, June 29. The Decatur Gators practice at Ebster Pool during the week. For more information call 404-377-7231.

Bikes Converge on the Kids and Teens Festival

Great to see Decatur residents using alternative transportation to attend the Decatur Kids and Teens Festival this past Saturday. The bike rack in front of the recreation center was full of bikes all day. Bikes Belong! For more information about Safe Routes to School contact Gregory White at (404) 377-0494 or greg.white@decaturga.com

Reclaimed Water Benefits Trees in Decatur

Gerry Knots, Public Works Supervisor reclaims water from the tank at Decatur Recreation Center. Knots uses the water to water the trees around the city and provides water to the Oakhurst Community Garden.

Decatur Arts Festival- Kids and Teens Arts Festival

Decatur Arts Festival brings out the stars. Eric Litwin and James Dean visited Decatur Recreation Center on Saturday, May 29. Eric Litwin performed and James Dean signed his new book " Pete the Cat: I Love my White Shoes. Thanks to everyone that made the Kids and Teens Arts Festival a success.

Youth Baseball Opening Day Parade - Saturday, June 5

June 5 11a.m. McKoy Park

Help kick off the 2010 Youth Summer Baseball Season- participate in the Opening Day Parade. Parade line up begins at 10:30am in the upper parking lot of McKoy Park. Parade starts at 11am. The parade begins at McKoy Park and continues through the Oakhurst business district down East Lake Drive and into Oakhurst Park. Don't miss the fun and great game action.