Decatur Square is a popular place, which is a great thing in almost all respects.

But not where growing grass is concerned. For many years the city has struggled to get grass to grow to the east of the Bandstand, where foot traffic is the most frequent.

Back in 2011, the city budgeted a lot of money to replace the drainage and irrigation system on the Square in an effort to make grass and shoes live in greater harmony with one another.  Unfortunately, the new grass wasn’t much better than the old grass at withstanding the feet of our many residents and festival-goes.

So now it seems like the City is taking another go at it.  On the agenda for tonight’s Commission meeting…

The purpose of this memorandum is to recommend establishment of a project budget of $36,000 and approval of a contract in the amount of $32,792.51 with Plants Creative Landscape for the installation of a new porous underlayment system, new sod and landscape areas in the two lawn areas located east of the Bandstand. This work is designed to reduce the impact of foot traffic in this area. The recommended system, GrassPave2, is a porous underlayment that allows grass to grow up through it while protecting the grass roots from being crushed by foot traffic. The result is a comfortable, grassy lawn that is able to withstand large public gatherings and recover quickly. This system has been successfully used by other municipalities for similar park and outdoor event installations. It also is used by churches and other institutions to provide grassed parking areas.

Photo courtesy of Al

Decatur Square, Decatur GA (pic submitted by Al)

We received some questions from readers about some new sculptures spotted around Decatur Square today.  Here’s the lowdown from the Decatur Arts Alliance…

​The Decatur Artway kicks off this year as Decatur’s outdoor art gallery, featuring five selected sculptures scattered throughout the downtown square. Sculptures will be displayed on temporary loan for two years, creating a dynamic rotating collection of public art around town. The Artway will include a printed walking, biking, and/or driving tour of the sculptures, a mobile-friendly online tour, and interactive community programming.

The Decatur Artway is presented by the Decatur Arts Alliance in partnership with the Decatur Tourism Bureau and the Decatur Downtown Development Authority.

Community reception of The Decatur Artway is Sunday, October 11, 2 p.m. in a downtown square area.

The photo above are:

• Top photo: Awesome COD Public Works crew – Work by Ira Hill
• Bottom photo: Awesome COD Public Works crew – Work by Scott Garrard

Three more sculptures will be installed Thursday – Monday

Take a walk downtown on this lovely, sunny Wednesday and check it out!  And you can read more about new The Decatur Artway HERE.

DM has learned that the city is looking to add more shade to Decatur Square.

Asst. City Manager Lyn Menne confirmed the city is working with local architect and artist Amy Landesberg to design a shade structure for the eastern end of the MARTA plaza.

Shade seems to be on the minds of event organizers of late.  Sun-shades were put up around the bandstand at this past weekend’s Art Festival.  It will be quite interesting to see what this structure looks like once plans are unveiled.

According to their website, Landesberg’s architecture firm, LP3 Architecture, also designed the plans for Fire Station #2 in Oakhurst and the renovations to the Decatur Recreation Center.

Decatur MARTA Plaza Piratepalooza photo courtesy of Christine (circa 2011)

Remember when we reported back in late July that an “ice cream store” would be opening in the old Froyolo location on Decatur Square next to Best Time (545 N. McDonough)?

Well, Atlanta Magazine reports that Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams will be opening up in the space by late October.  A bit more…

Both locations will serve grass-grazed ice creams, frozen yogurts, and sorbet, often made with local ingredients. Signature Jeni’s flavors include Coffee with Cream & Sugar ice cream made with Batdorf & Bronson coffee and Sweet Cream Biscuits & Peach Jam made with fresh Georgia peaches from the Peach Truck. Flavors change seasonally but favorites include Brown Butter Almond Brittle, Brambleberry Crisp, and Goat Cheese with Red Cherries.

In Decatur, Jeni’s will also serve Batsdorf & Bronson coffee. The Krog Street location will not.

A free ice cream party will be held to celebrate the Decatur location’s opening. The date has not been announced.

Ummm…I like Decatur Square as much as the next guy but…

5 Town Squares You Have To See To Believe

Thanks to Billy for pointing it out!

Photo courtesy of Kate

UPDATED: Santa actually won’t be at the Bonfire this evening according to The Decatur Minute.

The Decatur Business Association’s annual bonfire and marshmallow roast on Decatur Square is tonight from 7p-8p.  And Santa will be in attendance!

And then of course, stroll the streets of Decatur for another Terrific Thursdays.  Wondering where to encounter discounts (and perhaps even complementary alcohol) at Decatur shops?  Click HERE!

Photo courtesy of DBA website