Community

‘Glowing’ With Health

Published

2 years ago

June 22, 2023

Arlinda Smith Broady

Light Up The Corners returns for a 10^th year of fun and fitness at The Forum.

Keeping fit doesn’t have to be a chore. It can be a fun group activity. To drive this point home, Light Up The Corners began a decade ago as a fundraiser for the Robert D. Fowler YMCA, but also as a way to celebrate fitness and fun. This year the night race will take place Saturday, August 12 at The Forum.

“Each year this race has grown. We’ve had more participants, volunteers, spectators each year,” said Amy Massey, race coordinator. “It’s a labor of love for myself and our volunteer committee. It’s a 501c3, but it’s run entirely by volunteers who love running and who love our community and love the YMCA.”

Massey served on the Fowler board for about 10 years. When her term expired, she was looking for ways to continue to raise money for the programs that she found so impactful and important for the kids, teens and families in the community.

The event is geared to raise funds for a specific campaign at the Fowler Y called “Why It Matters.” The entire YMCA structure in metro Atlanta awards more than 36,000 scholarships that give kids and families the opportunity to experience great programs and services.

“The YMCA provides hunger relief through the backpack program, water safety training so kids can learn to swim. And something that’s near and dear to my heart is the leadership and civic responsibility training that they do for teens,” Massey said.

“It takes Pinckneyville and Summerour teens and really creates leaders out of them. I’ve seen myself the impact that they’ve had when they come back around. They stay involved, they want to give back to the YMCA and pay it forward,” she added.

Light Up The Corners 2022 – Photo by George Hunter

A running start

Massey said she got together with some of her running buddies, and they started the race. “The first year was a morning race and we had maybe 200 people or 150 people,” she explained. “We decided we wanted to try to do something different because in Atlanta on any given weekend, you’re competing with so many different 5Ks.”

So Light Up The Corners was born.

Organizers describe it as “a glowing, flashing, blinking, shining nighttime running party and fundraiser in one.” All proceeds from the event go to benefit less fortunate children and families in the community by giving them the chance to participate in life-enhancing programs and activities at the Fowler YMCA.

The first actual “glow run” at night was sponsored by The Forum, which was also the venue, and the City of Peachtree Corners came on board as a title sponsor. That was right around the time when Peachtree Corners was becoming a city.

And it really is a community event.

Glowing together

Light Up The Corners is actually two events — the 4 Mile Run and Twilight Trot, 1K (6/10 mile) that is a one-of-a-kind nighttime experience. It’s less about how fast you run or walk and more about much fun you have.

The course will be lined with blinking lights to illuminate the way and participants will be given glow sticks, a glow necklace and other glow bling to light up the course as they run and/or walk, according to the event website.

“The experience is just super fun and exciting,” said Massey. “We will have fire spinners, entertainers, jugglers, face painters, a professional DJ and food before and after the race. The Forum really puts on a fabulous event.”

She described it as kind of a dance party with anywhere from 20 to 35 sponsors promoting health, fitness and wellness.

There will also be contests for the “glowiest” men, women, boys, girls and teams. Participants are encouraged to strap on as much glowing bling as they can find and light up the course.

Massey encouraged everyone to experience the community spirit and family fun atmosphere.

“It is just so fun to see the community come together. People of all ages, all walks of life get together for a very family friendly health focused, exciting Peachtree Corners tradition,” she said.

And it’s for a fabulous cause, she stressed. “The focus this year is even more health and family focused. We’ve got a lot of schools participating and our goal is to get the greatest number of students out and running and participating.”

Related Topics:Light up the Corners Peachtree Corners The Forum at Peachtree

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Arlinda Smith Broady

Arlinda Smith Broady is part of the Boomerang Generation of Blacks that moved back to the South after their ancestors moved North. With approximately three decades of journalism experience (she doesn't look it), she's worked in tiny, minority-based newsrooms to major metropolitans. At every endeavor she brings professionalism, passion, pluck, and the desire to spread the news to the people.

City of Peachtree Corners

Our Growing Deer Population: What to Do?

Published

1 day ago

April 2, 2025

Mayor Mike Mason

I want to take a moment to address an issue that has been increasingly affecting our community — the growing deer population.

Over the past few years, we have observed a significant increase in the number of deer within Peachtree Corners, leading to heightened concerns about public safety, property damage and ecological impacts. I want to share what we are doing to address these challenges and how you can be part of the solution.

The surge in the deer population poses several threats to our community:

1. Landscape damage: Deer feeding on ornamental plants, shrubs and trees results in significant property damage and costly repairs for homeowners.

2. Increased risk of deer-vehicle collisions: Frequent road crossings, often under low-visibility conditions, pose serious safety risks to drivers and passengers.

3. Adverse ecological impacts: Excessive browsing by deer diminishes plant diversity, impacting the availability of food for other wildlife.

4. Public health concerns: High deer densities contribute to an increase in ticks, elevating the risk of Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses.

To address these challenges, the City of Peachtree Corners is collaborating with wildlife officials from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (GADNR) Urban Wildlife Program and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Wildlife Services.

These partnerships are vital, as GADNR holds primary authority over wildlife management, and USDA brings extensive experience in urban wildlife management. By working together, we aim to develop a comprehensive approach tailored to our community’s unique needs.

Based on recommendations from our partners, the City is actively developing a comprehensive deer management plan. The plan aims to mitigate the public safety, property damage, ecological and public health impacts caused by the growing deer population.

Here’s what we are doing:

1. Population surveys: Utilizing advanced tools like trail cameras and thermal imaging to accurately assess deer numbers.

2. Habitat assessments: Evaluating the impact of the deer population on local vegetation and biodiversity.

3. Community involvement: Updating the “PTC Report It” app to allow residents to report deer-related concerns and submit photographs.

4. Data analysis: Collaborating with federal and state partners to analyze data and determine a sustainable deer population for our community.

Once the assessment phase is complete, the city will adopt a deer management plan. Since many deer reside on private property, the plan will offer property owners city-supported options for managing deer. This includes educational programs, habitat modification techniques and access to targeted population reduction initiatives.

Our goal is to facilitate relationships between wildlife officials and residents to ensure a balanced approach that protects public safety, preserves property and maintains ecological integrity.

Here are a few ways you can help:

• Complete the Deer Impact Survey: Available online. Your input will help us gather valuable data on deer population densities and their impact.

• Report concerns: Use the “PTC Report It” app or go online to report deer-related issues and share photos.

• Stay informed: Follow our updates and participate in any upcoming GADNR workshops to stay informed about deer management efforts.

I truly appreciate your support and cooperation as we work together to address these challenges and protect the quality of life in Peachtree Corners. Thank you for being engaged and committed to our community.

City of Peachtree Corners

Public Notice: Scheduled Maintenance on Town Center Parking Deck

Published

1 week ago

March 25, 2025

Peachtree Corners Magazine staff

Maintenance and repairs will take place from March through July; the deck will remain open to the public throughout

Starting the week of March 24, the City of Peachtree Corners will begin scheduled maintenance and repairs on the Town Center Parking Deck. These improvements are expected to continue through July 2025 and are necessary to ensure the longevity of the structure.

During this period, the deck will remain open to the public, but the repair areas will be temporarily closed on a rolling basis. These closures will allow crews to efficiently complete the necessary work while minimizing disruption to tenants, customers and residents.

To assist with navigation, directional signage, barriers and other safety measures will be in place to guide drivers and pedestrians safely around work areas. For public safety, drivers must follow the directional signage and only park in the open sections of the deck.

The city appreciates the public’s patience and cooperation as they work to maintain a safe and well-functioning parking facility.

For project updates, visit peachtreecornersga.gov.

City of Peachtree Corners

Fun for a Good Cause at Curiosity Lab’s Inaugural 5K Run/Walk

Published

2 weeks ago

March 18, 2025

Peachtree Corners Magazine staff

The Charity Run/Walk will be part of Curiosity Lab’s annual Criterium event

Expect a day of thrilling races and family-friendly fun at the inaugural Curiosity Lab Charity 5K Run/Walk followed by the Curiosity Lab Criterium on Sunday, April 27.

The day-long community event will kick off at 8 a.m., when registration opens for the 5K. The race will start at 9 a.m. and end at 10:30 a.m., and the Criterium will begin at 11:15 a.m.

In addition to the running and cycling events, there will also be kid’s races, food & beverage vendors, a kids zone, a DJ spinning tunes and more fun throughout the day.

The Charity 5K Run/Walk

Presented by Werfen and Sidel, with additional support provided by Atlas Collaborative and the City of Peachtree Corners, the Charity 5K Run/Walk will benefit the American Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and 100% of the registration fees will be donated.

While no prizes will be given for the race, bib timing will be used for those who would like to see their times. And each registrant will receive a Curiosity Lab Charity 5K Run/Walk t-shirt for participating.

Registration for the 5K is open now.

Curiosity Lab Criterium

Following the 5K, hang around and experience the Curiosity Lab Criterium, part of U.S. Pro Cycling’s Speed Week.

Speed Week is a premiere week-long event on the U.S. Pro Cycling Circuit that draws cyclists from around the world, including Olympic medalists and world and national champions. In 2024, the professional men’s and women’s events drew cyclists from over 30 states and more than 20 countries.

A group of bikers at the starting line, competing in a bike race. — photo courtesy of City of Peachtree Corners

Join in the excitement and watch as some of the world’s top male and female Criterium Racers tackle the most challenging track on the circuit.

The details

The 2025 Curiosity Lab Criterium & 5K will take place on a course located within the world-famous Curiosity Lab at Peachtree Corners — a 5G-enabled, 500-acre living laboratory ecosystem designed specifically as a proving ground for IoT, mobility and smart city emerging technologies.

Location: Curiosity Lab at City Hall • 310 Technology Pkwy NW, Peachtree Corners

Date and time: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. The 5K starts at 9 a.m and ends at 10:30 a.m. The Criterium begins at 11:15 a.m.

Parking for the event will be located at 400 and 420 Technology Parkway, Peachtree Corners.

For more information, visit peachtreecornersga.gov.