We Have A New Blog!

Thanks for visiting 231 Sycamore Street. The Active Living Department is moving forward, and all new posts will be on www.beactivedecatur.com. We will keep you updated on Active Living news as well as programs on staying fit.

KP Walk/Run Kick-Off Monday Night on the Square!

Join Team Decatur for the KP Kick Off Event Monday, July 26

Join Team Decatur for the KP Kick-off event on the Square Monday, July 26 from 6 until 8 pm. World-class runner and former Olympian Jeff Galloway will be sharing fitness and running tips. Visit with local businesses including Decatur Boxing Club, Big Peach Running, FleetFeet Decatur, One Step At A Time, Phidippides, DeKalb Jazzercize, Kick in the Fit and more.

Singer songwriter Morgan Rowe will be entertaining the crowd as well!

Enter a drawing for prizes and gift certificates from local businesses.

See you on the Square, and remember to "Be Active Decatur"!!

Fleet Feet Decatur Celebrates 2 Years With Fun, Free Activities

Fleet Feet Sports Decatur will celebrate its second anniversary this weekend, July 17-18, and invites the entire community to join in the celebration. They’re offering free activities and sales to mark this milestone. Owned and operated by Decatur residents, the store specializes in running and walking shoes, apparel and accessories.

From owners Clay and Karen Scarborough: “We've had such a wonderful time serving you and being a part of the Decatur community, and we hope you'll help us make our birthday weekend a festive one!”

FREE ACTIVITIES

- Waffle Fun Run/Walk: Saturday, July 17, at 8:00 a.m. Join Fleet Feet for a 2-4 mile fun run/walk followed by waffles and juice!

- Ice Cream Social & Games on the Lawn: Saturday, July 17, from 1:00 - 5:00 p.m. Enjoy ice cream sundaes and games on our front lawn. Pets and children are welcome!

- Cookies & Lemonade: Sunday, July 18, from 1:00 - 5:00 p.m. Enjoy cookies and lemonade all day! Children welcome!

SALES

- Receive 10-25 % off all purchases: It's luck of the draw - pull your discount from a bowl upon entering.

- Super Clearance: Great deals on select apparel, shoes and accessories. All must go!

- And More!

Fleet Feet is located at 431 W Ponce de Leon Ave in downtown Decatur. www.fleetfeetdecatur.com

Beat the Heat

Glenlake Pool was featured in the recent issue of the DeKalb Neighbor (Wednesday, July 7). Glenlake Pool was listed as one of the five inexpensive or free solutions to cool things down. Pictured- Dynamo staff member Antoinette Redwine and pool patron. To view the article visit www.neighbornewspapers.com. For more information on Decatur pools call 404-377-7231 or www.decaturga.com

Join Team Decatur for the KP Corporate Run/Walk 5k

The City of Decatur and the Decatur Business Association invite you to join “Team Decatur” as we participate in the KP Corporate Run/Walk 5K on Thursday, September 16th.

What’s in it for you?
• 8 weeks of Fitness Tips
• Training schedules for beginners and experienced walkers and runners
• Free runs and walks around the City of Decatur offered by Big Peach, One Step at a Time, FleetFeet Decatur, Decatur Active Living and more!
• Fitness related discounts
• An evening of fun, and fitness
• Free t-shirt
• Race refreshments and more at the Team Decatur tent at the World’s Largest Office Party

Visit the KP Corporate Run/Walk site today at www.kpcorporaterunwalk.com and go to the registration page to sign up to be a part of Team Decatur. Be sure to click on Team Decatur so you can run or walk with our great community, colleagues and friends.

Be sure to join us for the metro-wide Kick-Off Event on the Old Courthouse Square on Monday, July 26th from 6 until 8pm. Visit with local fitness related businesses, listen to music by Morgan Rowe, and meet Mayor Bill Floyd and former Olympian Jeff Gallaway. There will be information on how to sign up as well as information on free runs and walks around the city.

For more information contact Cheryl Burnette, Cheryl.burnette@decaturga.com or 678-553-6541.

Children Youth Services Summer Day Camps Move Indoors 7/8/10

Glenlake Discovery and McKoy Safari Camps moved inside due to Code Orange. Glenlake Discovery camp has moved to Clairemont Elementary School. McKoy Safari Camp has moved to Oakhurst Elementary School. Campers should be picked up from the schools today. If you have additional questions please call Children and Youth Services at 404-378-1082.

The City of Decatur Police Department will host a charity softball tournament on Sunday, July 11, 2010 on behalf of Officer Amy Hall whose hosue burned down in May. Following the tournament the Oakhurst Neighborhood Association will sponsor a cookout and auction at The Solarium, 321 W. Hill Street from 11:30 am until 2 pm. The community is invited to both events.

The softball tournament is an open tournament and begins at 8 am. It is single elimination with a one hour maximum time limit. Games will be played at Oakhurst and McKoy parks with the championship game ending at 12:30 pm. There is a $200 application fee per team that must be paid on the day of the tournament. To register your team contact Lindsey Struck by 1 pm on Wednesday, July 7th at 678-553-6550 or email lindsey.struck@decaturga.com.

The cookout will be held from 11 am until 2 pm and features plenty of food and beverages and a live band. There is a $10 entrance fee to the cookout for all non-softball players and $5 fee for the team participants.

All donations raised by the softball tournament and cookout will be given to the Amy Hall Fund at Decatur First Bank.

For more information contact Marc Brennan marc@ujointbar.com.

Walkable Decatur Neighborhoods- Oakhurst

Decatur communities are great places to walk, bike and meet your neighbors. (Pictured) are Decatur residents walking to McKoy Pool. The more active people are, the more inclined they are to walk throughout their life and the longer they will live. According to CDC research adults need 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity every week and muscle-training activities on two or more days a week. For children the guidelines are set at 60 or more minutes of physical activity each day.

New Staff Members Join Decatur Active Living Department

Decatur Active Living has some new faces that will make a difference in our great Decatur community. Cheryl Burnette will take on the responsibilities of the Interim Assistant Director for Active Living, Kati Abel has been hired to handle Special Events for the City of Decatur on a part-time basis and Erin Bailie is the Active Living Intern who will be responsible for several bike projects. Stop by the recreation center to meet these dynamic individuals who are working each day to make Decatur active and bike friendly. For more information on Decatur Active Living visit http://www.decaturga.com/ or call 404-377-0494

Glenlake Pool Closed Today

Glenlake Pool will be closed today, Friday July2 until 5 pm for necessary sanitation procedures. Please visit McKoy or Ebster pools to stay cool!

Decatur Red Hatters Go Shopping

The ladies of the Decatur Red Hat Club went shopping at the Red Hat Store this week. Who knew they had their own special store? This is just one of the many activities for Seniors that the Decatur Active Living Department offers. Thanks to Stacy Green for heading up this great group of ladies.

If you like to wear red and have a lot of fun, this may be the group for you to join. They meet monthly at the Decatur Recreation Department. For more information, call Stacy at 678-553-6549.

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.

City of Decatur Pools Open Tomorrow

Ebster Pool, Mckoy Pool and Glenlake Pool open tomorrow at 10am

Kids and Teens Art Festival

Join us at Decatur Recreation from 10am-2pm for the Kids and Teens festival

Healthy Monday Tip

Avoid barbeque binging. Stay on track this Memorial Day by using small dishes instead of picking from a larger bowl or package. Seeing your portions makes all the difference!

Marc John Jeffries

You never know who will stop by Decatur Rec.
On Thursday, April 29th Marc John Jeffries stopped by the Rec Center with his Dad (Marc) to shoot some hoops. Marc had the opportunity to play basketball in a calm surrounding with a great group of Decatur kids. When asked had did they find out about Decatur Rec, both replied, “We asked where can we play basketball where it is safe and low key.” Marc is currently shooting at Agnes Scott College with Martin Lawrence for the up-coming movie , Big Mommas: Like Father, Like Son. He will be playing the best friend on Trey.
You may remember Marc from the Movie, Losing Isaiah (1995) where he played the baby of Halley Berry’s character.

Healthy Monday Tip

Wind down to amp up. Stay alert by devoting 30 minutes a day to a relaxing activity like yoga, meditation or reading. Regular relaxation keeps you energized – get in the habit today!
Become a Facebook Fan of Healthy Monday on Campus!

Little Kickers

Please be reminded that Lil Kickers class will begin on Monday, April 12 for the Monday/Wednesday Class and on Tuesday, April 13 for the Tuesday/Thursday Class. All classes are from 5:03-6:30pm.
At the present time we have not designated a field for the class. I will contact you before your first class to inform you of the field location.
If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me at 678-553-6549 or by e-mail stacy.green@decaturga.com.

Decatur Active Living looks forward to having your child part of our Lil’ Kickers program.

Congratulations to Decatur Active Living Service Award Recipients

Lee Williams receiving his 5 year pin from City Manager, Peggy Merriss at a recent staff meeting. Lee Williams, is a Program Supervisor for Decatur Active Living.

Virginia receiving her 10 year pin from City Manager, Peggy Merriss at a recent staff meeting. Virginia Atchison is the administrative assistant for Decatur Active Living.

Glenlake Park Update

Glenlake Park

Glenlake Tennis Center Update

The old lights have been removed and the new lights have gone up at Glenlake Tennis Center. There will now be 18 shoebox style energy efficient lights instead of the 11 unshielded lights that were removed. Check back here for more updates.