Brent recently wrote in regarding the ever-popular City of Decatur-themed merchandise. You know, the ol’ primary-colored house (with chimney), school (with bell) and non-denominational place of worship?

While I’m sure we’re all quite aware of the auto tags, mugs and t-shirts, Brent’s curious to know if anyone at city hall has ever considered creating a City of Decatur house flag, much like the ones found down in Oakhurst or over in Inman Park (The Inman Park ones are for noting historic rehab). If not, he’d like to contact someone at the city to promote his idea. I’m at a loss for who specifically to contact, so I’m throwing it out there for comment/discussion.

Has the city ever considered a flag with the city logo? What other items would you purchase if they had a CoD logo on them? Carrot peeler? Tennis shoe? Cupcake?

For a list of the 4 merchants that currently carry existing City of Decatur merchandise, click the continuation. [Also see Carl's comment] Read the rest of this entry »

InDecatur notes that the city is now seeking proposals for improvements to the Rec Center, which is another bond fund project.

According to the city’s website, here’s the gist of what will be done…

1. Develop a master plan to upgrade the Decatur Recreation Center, fund design documents and construct improvements. $2.05 million
The Decatur Recreation Center was designed and constructed in the late 1950s. Recreational programming has changed dramatically in the past 50 years. A master plan will identify changes needed in the building to meet current and future recreational program needs.

Renovation of the building will provide for expanded programming rooms, upgraded mechanical systems, an air conditioned gym and more efficient office space. The master planning process will allow input from a variety of stakeholders in the community to assure that we develop an efficient space that meets a wide variety of recreational needs in the community.

David also notes in his post that he took ballroom dancing at an old building that once functioned as the Rec Center for the city. I’m not sure if this is what he refering to, but here’s a 1940 pic of the Murphy Scott Cooper House, which was torn down to make room for the lovely Rec Center back in the 50′s.

Looks a bit like its High House neighbor, huh? What an absolute tragedy. Thanks a whole heck of a lot urban renewal!

From a Decatur Book Festival Press Release…

July 17, 2008 (Decatur) – Laughing Pizza, an Atlanta-based family band,
will perform at the Atlanta Journal-Constitution Decatur Book Festival
Presented by DeKalb Medical (DBF). The festival will be held Labor Day
weekend, August 29-31, in downtown Decatur.

The renowned children’s band has been featured on the Today Show,
performs daily on PBS TV stations across the nation, and has won six
Parents’ Choice Awards. The trio, composed of a mother, father, and
daughter, sing pop-rock songs about family, food, and life. The band has
released three audio CDs as well as two DVDs featuring music videos of
the group’s original songs.

Laughing Pizza will perform Saturday, August 30, at 12:00 p.m. on the
Target Children’s Stage.

“We’ve been after Laughing Pizza since we started the festival, and
we’re excited to have them join our exceptional lineup of children’s
activities,” said Daren Wang, DBF Executive Director.