City of Atlanta Launches 'Make Atlanta Your Own Gym' to Transform Everyday Movement into a Healthy Citywide Habit

City of Atlanta Launches "Make Atlanta Your Own Gym" to Transform Everyday Movement into a Healthy Citywide Habit

ATLANTA-The City of Atlanta, in partnership with the Fulton County Board of Health and a growing network of healthcare, academic and community organizations, announced the launch of Make Atlanta Your Own Gym (MAYOG)-a citywide physical activity campaign designed to help Atlantans embrace movement as a free, accessible and enjoyable part of everyday life.

The campaign aligns with the CDC's Active People, Healthy Nation initiative and supports the national goal of helping 27 million Americans become more physically active by 2027.

MAYOG fosters health, wellness, nutritious living and community involvement by motivating residents to include physical activity in their everyday routines. By raising awareness, broadening access to parks and recreation, and strengthening community partnerships, the program aims to enhance health outcomes and cultivate a healthier, more united Atlanta.

"One of the best investments we can make is in the health of our people," said Mayor Andre Dickens. "Make Atlanta Your Own Gym is about giving every resident more opportunities to stay active by taking advantage of the parks, trails, and recreation spaces that connect our communities. That is how we build safe, healthy, connected neighborhoods and a stronger Atlanta."

The campaign is supported by an expanding coalition of partners, including the Atlanta Beltline, Emory Healthcare, Morehouse School of Medicine, Hight Health, Father Movement, Inc. Open Hand Atlanta, Peace in the Wild, Sickle Cell Foundation of Georgia, Inc., The Mental Wrap Practice, UGA Extension (Fulton County), The Wellness Navigator, community health workers, nonprofits and faith-based and community organizations. Together, these organizations will strengthen community outreach, expand access to preventive health resources and connect residents with opportunities to lead healthier lives.

"Creating opportunities for people to be physically active is an important part of supporting healthier communities," said Dr. Marcus Plescia, Director of the Fulton County Board of Health. "This campaign makes free, accessible wellness opportunities available in neighborhoods across Atlanta, helping residents find simple ways to stay active."

"Healthy communities begin with small decisions. By transforming daily spaces into opportunities for activity, we're supporting the development of a healthier, more resilient Atlanta, one step at a time," said Dr. Ja'Len Husband, Manager of Community Health Program at Emory Healthcare.

Through clinical referrals, wellness education, community outreach and neighborhood partnerships, residents will be connected to free resources that encourage healthier lifestyles. The campaign will activate Atlanta's parks, trails, recreation centers and public spaces through walking groups, fitness classes, wellness workshops, pop-up events and seasonal programming.

The City of Atlanta Department of Parks and Recreation manages more than 400 parks and trails, 31 recreation centers, 15 outdoor pools, four natatoriums and numerous cultural and specialty facilities. Through Make Atlanta Your Own Gym, the city continues its commitment to expanding equitable access to recreation, wellness resources and family-centered programming while inspiring every Atlantan to make movement a part of daily life.

For more information, upcoming events, or ways to get involved, visit:

https://www.atlantaga.gov/government/departments/department-parks-recreation/make-atlanta-your-own-gym

Media Contact
Phillip E. Smith, Community Outreach Coordinator
City of Atlanta Department of Parks and Recreation
[email protected] | (404) 330-6723 (Office)