Decatur Parks & Recreation Department – Decatur, Alabama
Updates – April 22nd:
MARCH 25 – COLOR VIBE 5K RUN
The Color Vibe 5K run at Point Mallard Park was a huge success as 754 registrants entered the run from 10 different states and one from Mexico! Runners from as far away as Arizona, Michigan and Minnesota came to Decatur for our first Color Vibe Run on a beautiful Saturday morning. The run benefited our very own Princess Theatre and raised $10,000 for them. If you missed the Color Run this year, plans are already in the works to bring the run back next summer, so be on the lookout!
APRIL 7-9 – GIRL’S OPEN CUP
65 teams came to Jack Allen Soccer Complex from all over the south to play in the Open Cup. Several age groups were represented and the weather was fantastic for Soccer!
APRIL 10-15 – MORGAN COUNTY SOCCER TOURNAMENT
8 boys teams and 8 girls teams showed up at Jack Allen but only one school came away a winner. Decatur Red Raiders won both Girls and Boys tournament championship. The Girls defeated Hartselle 2-1 for the championship and that was their 3rd year in a row winning the Morgan County Tournament. The Boys won their second tournament championship in a row with a 3-0 win over West Morgan. http://www.decaturdaily.com/sports/high_school/decatur-sweeps-county-soccer-with-championships-for-girls-and-boys/article_cf48e37f-1dff-5a52-b0a4-735a2002a27c.html
APRIL 13-15 – MORGAN COUNTY SOFTBALL TOURNAMENT
The Austin Black Bears went 6-0 in the tournament at Wilson Morgan Park and defeated Hartselle 5-3 to take home the Championship! http://www.decaturdaily.com/sports/high_school/austin-goes—in-county-softball-tournament/article_2af6de77-ec15-5b35-ae0b-caae41bebc01.html
News from Parks and Recreation:
TRAIL OF TEARS
You may have noticed some new Trail of Tears signs on Highway 31, Highway 20, Church Street and the Causeway coming across the bridge into Decatur. The National Park Service funded and officially recognized Rhodes Ferry Park as a Trail of Tears site along with other locations in Chattanooga, Tn., Ft. Payne, Guntersville and possible future site in Tuscumbia. Around 2,500 Cherokee were transferred from boat to rail at the location that is now Rhodes Ferry Park. This National designation was made possible by the Nation Park Service, National Trail of Tears Association, Alabama Trail of Tears Association, City of Decatur, Decatur Morgan County Convention & Visitors Bureau and Decatur Parks & Recreation. The Decatur Police Department sign shop and Parks & Recreation Department have installed the new Trail of Tears signs to guide visitors and residents to our beautiful Rhodes Ferry Park.
BIKE RACKS
The Parks & Recreation Department has installed several new artistic bike racks around town as part of a fundraising project for the Carnegie Arts Center. Several have already been installed at Mellow Mushroom and The Brick restaurants downtown, the CCC (Committee on Church Cooperation) and the corner of Bank Street and Church Street. Future locations include, Rhodes Ferry Park, Daikin Amphitheatre at Founders Park, Moe’s BBQ and The Railyard restaurants downtown and Magnolia River on Bank Street. These bike racks look like artwork and have really drawn attention as many of them have Decatur themes or business logos. This is an on-going project that the Carnegie Arts Center is spearheading and the Parks & Recreation Department is proud to be involved.
DELANO PARK
The Parks & Recreation Department will be installing some new Riverwild Garden Interpretive Signage depicting many of our native animal and reptile inhabitants. The Friends of Delano and the McComm Group have worked together to design these amazingly informative and visual kiosk that will depict life of some of our small friends like, Frogs, Rabbits, Turtles, Beavers and Dragonflies. The Riverwild Garden is located next to the playground and Splash Pad at the park and is well worth a visit.
DOWNTOWN TREES
A new project to plant trees on Johnston St., Grant St. and Moulton St. has begun with funding secured by Senator Arthur Orr and installed in a partnership between Decatur Parks & Recreation and Waters Brothers. The tree plan was developed by GBW Architects and with support from the Decatur Downtown Redevelopment Authority and the Decatur Chamber of Commerce, the project has begun on Johnston & Grant streets with the Moulton St. section to be completed after road re-surfacing is completed. Very large multi-trunked Natchez Crape Myrtles were selected and obtained from Rosewood Nursery for the project. This will add some much needed greenery and shade spots for much of the downtown area.
SOME OF THE PROGRAMS OFFERED BY DECATUR PARKS AND RECREATION
AQUADOME- 1202 5th Avenue SW Decatur, Al
Aquadome Fitness Club Package – is a program we offer to promote health and wellness through different activities such as water aerobics, gym aerobics, weight training, water walking and pickle ball.
The cost for this program is $25/month and $10/month for adults ages 62 and older. Contact Rochelle Darnell or Delandrion Woods at the Aquadome @ 256-341-4950 for times and days for various programs offered in this package.
Line Dancing Classes – Come join us for a fun, free and friendly community line dance class that includes a variety of music to dance to. Classes are taught by Delandrion Woods and is a fun and upbeat class that you are sure to enjoy. A great way to get up and moving, meet new people and have a fun and safe atmosphere to dance. Contact Delandrion Woods at the Aquadome @ 256-341-4950 for more information on days and times.
The Aquadome Lunch Bunch Club – is a group of older adults who meet throughout the week for exercise, food, fun and fellowship. Most of the activities are scheduled at noon thus the name The Lunch Bunch Club. Participants are encouraged to bring a sack lunch to class and enjoy an afternoon of crafting, games and other events. This group has transcended into a very tight Lunch Bunch that is always looking to expand its membership. There is no cost to be a member of the Lunch Bunch Club; however, individuals are responsible for all costs associated with scheduled activities, such as crafts and outings. There are many activities that are 100% free or have a small fee to cover expenses. At least once per month the group will venture away from the Aquadome for a day trip or to try a new restaurant. Other activities include arts and crafts, games, nutrition, seminars, potluck, Bingo and a ladies movie night. Contact Rochelle Darnell at the Aquadome @ 256-341-4950.
Healthy Lifestyles / Aquatics – A lap swim program designed to help encourage an active lifestyle through swimming. Fins, kickboards and paddles are available for use at the pool. Swimmers are to circle swim and share lanes during this time. Annual Fees are $200, $100 for students or Seniors (62+) Quarterly $50, $25 for Students or Seniors (62+). Guest Fee is $5 per visit. For days and times contact the Aquadome Pool at 256-341-4953
Swim Lessons – Aquadome Pool conducts swim lessons throughout the year. Contact the Aquadome Pool @ 256-341-4953 for cost and times associated with swim lessons.
TC ALMON RECREATION CENTER- 2900-C Point Mallard Circle SE Decatur, Alabama
Archery Classes – These classes are open to homeschoolers and the general public. The cost is $20 for three classes and open to anyone 8yrs through adult. This is a concentrated course covering basics, and suitable for those who have never shot an arrow, or those with some previous experience. Class covers: Range set up and rules, eye dominance, anatomy of equipment (recurve, compound and crossbow), warm up exercises, alignment and body position, aiming and scoring. For more information contact TC Almon @ 256-341-4944.
Body Rock Boot Camp – This class combines strength training and high intensity cardio bursts to give your body a complete workout from your head to your toes. Classes will be 45 minutes long and will consist of short, high energy, cardio bursts alternated with body weight exercises and fitness equipment. Fee $20.00 a month or $5.00 per class. The $20 fee includes access to our weight and fitness room during center hours. Please call TC Almon @ 256-341-4944 to register as spaces are limited.
FORT DECATUR RECREATION CENTER- 604 4th Avenue SE, Decatur, Al
Beyond The Bell After School Program – A safe and fun environment for students to attend after school. Activities will include: snack time, homework/study time, group activities, crafts and free play. The cost for this program is $25 for 3-5 days per week and $15 for 1-2 days a week. For more information contact Fort Decatur @ 256-341-4940.
Healthy Lifestyles Basketball – This program allows individuals to pay a membership fee of $100 that will give them exclusive times set aside to play basketball with other members. For more information concerning times and days contact Fort Decatur Center @ 256-341-4940.
TURNER SURLES SENIOR CENTER-702 Sycamore Street NW Decatur, Al
Turner Surles Senior Center is a facility for Senior Citizens 60 years and older. Join us for food, fun and games. We offer a variety of classes including computer class, Bible study, line dancing, exercise classes, bingo and various classes and special events throughout the year. Transportation provided through M-Cats and lunch is served Monday through Friday at 1130am. Contact Turner Surles at 256-341-4980 for more information.
Therapeutics Program – provides recreational activities to assist special needs individuals with social skills, behavioral rehabilitation, speech, motor skills and many areas of emotional support in order to improve their quality of life. The staff of the Therapeutics Program of the Decatur Parks and Recreation Department are educated and trained to engage special needs individuals with a variety of recreational activities. Contact Skylar Cooley @ 256-341-4958 for more information
UPCOMING EVENTS OF INTEREST
April 21-23 … Boys Open Cup Soccer Tournament (Jack Allen Soccer Complex)
April 27-29 … SSAC Softball Conference Championships (Wilson Morgan softball Complex)
(Call or visit Parks & Recreation at 256-341-4930 for more information)