Decatur, Georgia, a city of nearly 20,000 people in the greater Atlanta area, is using social networking to help get the word out about the Active Living Division’s programs.  The Active Living Division has as its mission “to provide leisure and support services that contribute to the quality of life of the citizens of Decatur.” It is “committed to enhancing the lives of individuals and families, contributing to the city’s economic development, preserving and promoting an appreciation for our green spaces and celebrating diversity while bringing [Decatur] together as a community.” The city has a wide range of active living programs, targeting residents of all ages, from Safe Routes to School programs that encourage children to walk or ride their bikes to school to classes and programs designed specifically for senior citizens.

In addition to the programs offered by the Active Living Division, the city has incorporated the idea of active living into other aspects of its operations, notably it’s Community Transportation Plan. The plan states the goal of making Decatur an “active living community,” with a multi-modal transportation system that encourages walking and biking, as well as other forms of active transportation.  

The city has started using Facebook to help keep residents up to date on active living opportunities. Residents can “friend” Decatur Active Living on Facebook and receive updates about events in their newsfeed. The city maintains a calendar of events on Facebook, and “friends” of the program can also post information about other events, such as local 5Ks.   Decatur Active Living currently has 40 friends.

To see Decatur Active Living on Facebook, click here.