Last Monday, the City of Decatur was proud to welcome a dedicated group of 4-H Club volunteers who rolled up their sleeves to support environmental stewardship through park cleanup, invasive plant removal, and native plantings. The work was led by the City’s Urban Naturalist and Parks & Recreation staff, combining education, hands-on service, and community care.
Throughout the morning, volunteers worked together to remove invasive plant species that compete with native plants and disrupt local ecosystems. With guidance from staff, they also planted native species selected to support pollinators, strengthen habitat, and improve long-term sustainability. In addition, volunteers helped collect litter and debris, leaving the area cleaner and healthier for wildlife and community members alike.
This effort not only improved the health of the land but also gave students a deeper understanding of how thoughtful environmental practices directly benefit their community. The enthusiasm, teamwork, and commitment shown by the 4-H volunteers made a meaningful impact.
We are grateful to the 4-H Club for their service and to our Urban Naturalist and Parks & Recreation team for leading this important work. Partnerships like this help keep Decatur’s parks vibrant, resilient, and welcoming for generations to come.
If your group is interested in participating in a future cleanup, planting, or stewardship project, we encourage you to reach out to Parks & Recreation at DRPD@decaturga.com to get involved.
Last week, the City of Decatur celebrated Crossing Guard Appreciation Week, and on Friday, November 14, we held our annual Crossing Guard Appreciation Breakfast to recognize the incredible individuals who keep our streets safe every day.
Decatur is proud to have 50 crossing guards, which is more than the number of police officers in our city. Their presence reflects our strong commitment to walking, rolling, and community safety. These dedicated individuals do so much more than help students cross the street. They help create the safe, welcoming routes that make Decatur a Gold level Walk Friendly Community and a Silver level Bicycle Friendly Community.
More Than a Job: A Daily Source of Safety, Smiles, and Support
Crossing guards are often the first friendly faces students see in the morning and a reassuring presence as they head home. They are trusted adults, smiling neighbors, and watchful protectors who help children feel confident walking or biking to school.
Their work also supports festivals, parades, and community events where they help keep people moving safely in every corner of our city. Their service is essential to Decatur’s culture of active transportation.
A Community Celebration
This year’s breakfast was made extra special thanks to the talented students in the Decatur High School Culinary Arts Program, who prepared and catered the meal. Their involvement reflects the same spirit of community connection and collaboration that defines our Safe Routes to School program.
We were honored to celebrate two special recognitions:
Joyce Washington, who marked 20 years of service as a Decatur crossing guard. Her dedication, warmth, and steady presence have touched generations of students and families.
Larry McCrary, who was named Crossing Guard of the Year. We received 78 votes from the community, and Larry’s selection reflects the positive impact he has on students, families, and school staff every day.
Thank You, Crossing Guards
To all 50 of our crossing guards: thank you for everything you do to keep Decatur moving safely. Your work helps our children walk and bike with confidence, and your presence strengthens our community.
We appreciate you not only during Appreciation Week, but throughout the entire year.
The school day begins early and depending on how a child arrives to school the start of the day is served with fresh air and energy raising pedaling. Students can be seen bicycling to school with parents or alone or possibly riding with others– along with a bike bus. A bike bus is a sticky idea, an intervention supporting active transportation by bike. Other ways students can gain transportation bicycling skills is attending bike camp. Bike camp is a summer camp offered through Decatur Parks and Recreation since 2016 where elementary to high school young people gain knowledge of the “rules of the road” and develop stronger bike handling skills to ride on different terrain and environments. Rules of the road are the following:
Ride on the right side of the road in the direction of travel
Ride is a way that keeps you visible and that is predictable
Be visible using lights, lane position, hand signals
Ride is a straight line
These are a few of the basic principles proven by data to be smart strategies when riding on roadways and trails. It is key for non-motorized and motorized vehicle drivers alike to have the same expectations for where and how a person riding a bicycle will ride, where they have both the right and access to be, and how to maneuver past one another at proper speeds and distances. Wally shares what safety means to them, “[I] don’t have to worry about getting hit by cars.” Wally went on to express even when feel like they are visible, motor vehicle drivers are not making the conditions feel like a shared space and behave in a way that prevents crossing the road. According to Geogia law [40-1(14), 40-6-29(a)], all vehicles including bicycles have full rights to the road and motor vehicles are to provide a 3-feet buffer to bicyclist when passing them riding [40-294(g)]. Not everyone is most interested in biking for “practical” reasons. Lucas said that he likes riding as a “fun sport” or “fun activity”. And no matter how one rides, the bike handling skills and rules of the road taught in a hands-on manner, creates foundational understanding where one will have necessary tools to ride for life.
During summer bike camp, the practice of bike handling skills in both simulated and real life, on the road or trail is a focus to our camp day. The skills range in difficulty from easy to more challenging, riding is a straight line, and riding is a straight line while looking over one’s shoulder to look for faster moving vehicles is an important skill. It is easy to also turn one’s bicycle left when looking over the left shoulder, gaining hand strength and bodily movement to roll straight without looking is a practice. We learn and practice other skills like quick stop and rock doge which are emergency skills everyone needs. Riding a bicycle is a life skill– a skill that is useful across one’s life space for multiple reasons, including, supporting mental health and wellbeing, physical exercise and wellness, social connection and belongingness, and economic benefits to self and local small businesses. For new riders like Sydney who learned to ride during the Beginner Bike Camp and after camp goes out riding with her parents for fun.
The goal of camp is for each child to optimize their hours of fun in the saddle, the belief centers on the idea that more one rides, the more likely the person will fall in love with not only riding a bicycle but with everything that is connected to being on a bicycle. Once camper, Stephen, said he came to came to learn “how a group of cyclists stay safe while riding on the road with cars.” Bike camp fosters a deeper confidence in one’s body and self to achieve a huge learning goal such as biking from one’s chose destination to another. It builds physical and mental strength and stamina. It builds one’s connection to their environment including to people and places in their neighborhood or in proximity to chosen life centers. At the end of bike camp, Stephen reported, [he felt] safer riding; I have a lower chance to get ran over… understand how cars are moving and feel more visible.”
The young people riders are acting by riding in and out of camp, learning and practicing the information shared, and these budding everyday riders are also thinking about safety to ease travel by biking. Knowing that riding a bicycle is complex, Sydney, the newest rider named “sidewalks” as her choice of getting around with ease. Iulia shared, that she would redesign the community to be more” inclusive so that it is easier for people living with a disability” [for convenient travel]. Iulia wants “cars and buses to have more awareness to people riding”. Iulia emphasized that having awareness would increase bikeability and make roadway conditions such that young people can bike without an adult. Lucas and Stephen shared biking in other cultural contexts. Many young people have a broad understanding of bicycling for transportation and fun, the different types of infrastructure, and the flexibility it creates for them to choose their own adventure. Lucas shared that his dream infrastructure would be separated and elevated bicycle highways mirroring the interstate highways. Lucas believes this design would make biking a viable option and “people can truly go from any place in Atlanta they want.”
Bike camp offers other benefits, such as social connection. For campers, many of the friendships extend from the classroom to camp and beyond. Campers also share what we do in camp with their friends, inviting them to join the community we form together. Iulia shares first that she comes to camp to see “friends” and the coaches. Iulia also shared that bike camp has helped her to “be a better biker and become more aware” of traffic rules and how motor vehicles travel as demonstrated using hand signals and looking over her shoulder to maneuver along her chosen route. Wally shared the sense of independence that is created by having their own transportation. Youth riders communicated that curiosity and adventure is why they ride. Each rider either named “adventure”, shared an adventure done with their family, and an unintended adventure. They identified better signage and wayfinding so don’t need to rely on digital devices for a map, more trail or street maintenance as it relates to bicycle travel, moderated slower-moving motor vehicle, and separated infrastructure to create more meaningful experiences.
The City of Decatur continues building towards a more bikeable community through education. Bike Camps are supported by Rashawn Jackson, Center Supervisor and Gael Doyle, Marketing and Communication with Decatur Parks & Recreation. Gael Doyle shared about the effort of Parks and Recreation to support bicycling in the city, “We’ve made great progress this year in helping people feel safer and more connected when biking around Decatur. It’s been inspiring to see how education and community partnerships are building a stronger culture of active transportation. Bringing the League of American Bicyclists’ LCI Certification Seminar to Decatur was a big step forward for our community. The group we certified has already led bike education classes and safety trainings across the city, helping riders of all ages gain confidence on the road. Biking brings people together, it is transportation, recreation, and community all in one. We’re excited to keep that momentum going toward a safer, more bike-friendly Decatur for everyone.” Education for cyclists is only part of safer streets. Drivers must understand how to ride with all ages and bodies riding bicycles and infrastructure design must be put in place to create the goal of a more active, health, and connected community.
Are you ready for summer? To learn more about bicycling in Decatur including signing up for camp, visit: decaturga.com/biking
Yogic breathing, also known as pranayama, is a controlled breathing technique that utilizes rhythm and repetition to achieve inner calm and lower stress levels. Consciously channeling the body’s natural cycle of inhalation/exhalation can have both immediate and long-term benefits, supporting physical, mental, and emotional health. Research shows that deep breathing can positively impact lung function, pain management, and digestion, as well as lower stress levels, improve focus, and help regulate emotion. There are many types of deep breathing techniques (you may already be familiar with a few), each with its own utility and advantages. Three-part yogic breathing requires special attention to the intake of air and the expansion of the diaphragm, resulting in a deeper, fuller inhalation. This technique is well-suited for both beginners and those with more experience with deep breathing exercises. Use it for when you’re feeling tense, unfocused, or depleted. Here’s how to get started.
Step 1: Preparation
Find a comfortable position. You can be standing, lying, or sitting. Place your right hand on your naval and your left hand across your chest. Now, close your eyes and breathe gently for 1-2 minutes, increasing awareness with each breath.
Step 2: Focus on the Diaphragm
After your lungs are warm, take a deep inhale through your nose, allowing the breath to fill the diaphragm and cause the lower belly to rise and expand fully. As you exhale through your nose, contract your abdominal muscles and draw in your belly toward your spine. Try to expel as much air from your lungs as possible, but be careful not to strain your abdominals or obliques.
Step 3: Add Thoracic Breathing
Repeat Step 2 with an added focus on the thoracic region or ribcage. Take a deep inhalation through your nose and channel this air into the ribcage so that it’s fully expanded. When you exhale, squeeze the air out of your ribcage and belly until they are empty.
Step 4: Put It All Together
Now, as you inhale through your nose, let your abdomen expand, followed by your ribcage, and finally, your upper chest around the pectoral muscles. As you exhale through the nose, remember to expel the air in reverse order, starting with your upper chest, then ribcage, and then the belly. The entire sequence should be cycled through around 10-15 times in a row per day.
Performing yogic breathing will immediately help oxygenate the blood and improve circulation, but more importantly, it will physically and mentally ground you in the moment. After a few cycles, the process of inhalation and exhalation will be second nature. Practice makes perfect.
Moderate resistance training helps strengthen bones, manage weight, and improve posture, sleep, mood, and endurance. The challenge is that fitting it in isn’t always easy — especially when you need to get dinner on the table.
The good news is that you don’t need a gym to fit in a workout; you’ve got all the equipment you need right in your home kitchen. Even a brief kitchen workout can help you maintain a consistent fitness regimen that you can later expand upon. And you might be surprised at just how effective some of these simple moves can be.
Kitchen Workouts You Can Try Today
Countertop pushups target your triceps, chest, and upper back. Face the counter, place hands shoulder-width apart, step feet backward into a plank, then slowly lower and push back up.
Stove squats work your quadriceps, glutes, and hamstrings. Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, interlace fingers behind your head, and squat as close to a 90-degree angle as possible before rising back up.
Lateral pan raises strengthen your back and shoulders. Hold a pan at your side with palms facing in, then slowly raise it to shoulder height and lower. Switch hands after each set.
Forearm plate lifts target hard-to-reach forearms. Hold a small plate, raise your arm to shoulder level with a bent elbow, and move your wrist up and down. Switch hands after each set. (If you feel the burn, you’re doing it right!)
Even a short round of these exercises can make a difference in strength and energy — no gym required.
Take the Next Step With Decatur Parks & Recreation
Once you’ve built some momentum at home, consider joining a Decatur Parks & Recreation class to keep the routine going strong. We offer a variety of programs that help build strength, flexibility, and balance in fun, supportive environments, including:
Senior Functional Exercise classes that focus on safe, effective strength-building
Tai Chi/Qigong for balance, relaxation, and gentle movement
Aerobic Dance and Group Exercise classes to keep your energy up while connecting with others
Whether you’re squeezing in countertop pushups while dinner simmers or joining neighbors for a class at one of our centers, fitness in Decatur is always within reach.
Every year, communities around the world take part in Car Free Day to reimagine what our streets and neighborhoods could look like with fewer cars and more people walking, biking, or using public transit. Here in the City of Decatur, this day is a perfect opportunity to highlight the many ways our community supports active transportation and the environmental benefits that come with it.
Decatur is a city designed with people in mind. With an extensive sidewalk network, bike lanes, multi-use paths, and three MARTA stations, getting around without a car is easier than ever. Many of our neighborhoods are part of Decatur’s “10-minute community” vision, where schools, parks, shops, and restaurants are all within a short walk or bike ride. Choosing these options for even a few trips a week can make a meaningful impact.
Going car-free, even for a day, has real benefits. Every mile walked, biked, or taken by transit helps reduce air pollution, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and ease traffic congestion. On top of the environmental impact, active transportation supports personal health, encourages social connections, and creates safer, more vibrant streets for everyone.
Whether you walk your child to school, ride your bike to work, or hop on MARTA to meet a friend, Car Free Day is a reminder that the choices we make about how we travel matter. By embracing active transportation in Decatur, we not only help protect our environment but also strengthen the sense of community that makes our city unique.
So this Car Free Day, leave your car at home and take advantage of all the ways Decatur makes it easy to get around sustainably. Together, we can create a cleaner, healthier, and more connected city.
The City of Decatur has recently submitted its application to the League of American Bicyclists to renew our status as a Bicycle Friendly Community (BFC)—and this year, we’re aiming higher. Decatur currently holds a Silver-level designation, and we are working toward achieving Gold.
As part of the review process, we want to hear directly from those who ride—or want to ride—here in Decatur. To better understand local bicyclists’ experiences, we’ve developed a public survey open to anyone familiar with or interested in bicycling in our community. Whether you’re a daily commuter, a weekend rider, or a parent biking with your kids, your input matters. Your feedback will help the League and the City identify strengths, challenges, and opportunities to improve bicycling conditions in Decatur.
Survey closes: Sunday, October 5 BFC award results announced: December Time commitment: 10–15 minutes (all questions optional)
Repair Stations: Free public bike repair stands located at key spots around the city.
If you have any questions about the survey or Decatur’s bicycling programs, please contact Gael Doyle, City of Decatur Parks & Recreation Department, at gael.doyle@decaturga.com.
Thank you for sharing your input and helping us move toward Gold and create a Bicycle Friendly Community for everyone.
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.
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.
Looking for a fun and social way to explore Decatur on two wheels? Join us this Friday, July 18, for Bikes & Brews, our monthly group ride that brings together community members for a casual ride followed by conversation and refreshments at a local establishment.
Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or simply curious about Decatur’s growing bike culture, this is a great way to get involved, connect with fellow riders, and enjoy the city from a new perspective.
Event Details
Date: Friday, July 18 Time: Meet at 6:30 p.m. Starting Location: Guild + Journeyman, 115 Clairemont Ave Ride Length: Approximately 6 miles, at a relaxed, no-drop pace Post-Ride Meetup: Local establishment
No registration is required. Just bring your bike, your helmet, and a sense of adventure. This event is open to adults only.
Supporting Safe and Active Transportation in Decatur
Decatur is committed to making biking a safe, accessible, and enjoyable option for residents and visitors. Our community has invested in expanding bike infrastructure—like bike lanes, shared-use paths, and improved signage—to support cyclists of all levels. Recent updates to the city’s transportation and mobility plans have emphasized safety, connectivity, and equity, helping more people feel confident choosing active transportation.
Bikes & Brews provides a welcoming space for riders to experience this network firsthand, while exploring neighborhood streets in a fun and supportive group setting.
Safety First
While this ride is casual and social, safety is our top priority. Please review the following before you join:
Helmets are required for all riders
Check your bike before arriving—ensure tires are inflated, brakes are working, and lights are charged if you’ll be riding home after dark
Follow the rules of the road—ride predictably, signal turns, and stay alert
Ride respectfully in the group and in the community
Our team will be on hand to help guide the ride and ensure everyone feels comfortable and safe throughout.
Why It Matters
Bikes & Brews isn’t just about cycling—it’s about building community. It’s an opportunity to strengthen connections, share knowledge, and advocate for safer streets for everyone. Whether you ride to work, ride for fun, or are just getting started, your participation helps shape a more active and vibrant Decatur.
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