The City of Atlanta Department of Parks and Recreation, in partnership with the Fulton County Board of Health (FCBOH), announced the launch of “Make Atlanta Your Own Gym”—a citywide public health initiative to promote active living and wellness through accessible, community-based fitness. 

Developed as part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Active People, Healthy Nation program, the campaign invites Atlantans to use every-day spaces—like parks, sidewalks, trails and community centers—as tools for improving health with no gym membership required.

With chronic disease and physical inactivity on the rise, the campaign aims to eliminate barriers and empower residents to embrace movement in ways that are affordable, inclusive, and sustainable.

“Atlanta has continuously ranked as one of the leading cities in the nation for parks and greenspaces, and science has proved that both exercise and the outdoors is beneficial for our physical and mental health,” said Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens. “The Make Atlanta Your Own Gym is a great tool for self-care and to connect with your community at the same time.”

According to the CDC:

• Only 23% of U.S. adults meet the recommended physical activity guidelines.

• Georgia ranks among the top 20 states for adult obesity, with over 35.7% of adults considered obese.

• One in five children in Georgia also face obesity-related health risks.

• Physical inactivity contributes to nearly $1 billion annually in healthcare costs for Georgia.

“Chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and obesity are among the leading causes of death in Georgia—and they are largely preventable through regular physical activity,” said Dr. Ammy Astacio, Healthcare Manager at the Fulton County Board of Health. “This campaign brings prevention to the streets, parks, and neighborhoods of Atlanta—making fitness easy, free, and a part of daily life.”

These numbers are especially troubling in urban areas like Atlanta, where communities face disparities in access to affordable, safe exercise options. These challenges are especially pronounced in urban areas like Atlanta, where many communities face inequitable access to safe, affordable exercise options. By reimagining how and where people get active, the campaign helps reduce those gaps—encouraging fitness that’s flexible, familiar, and free.

“Make Atlanta Your Own Gym” will launch a series of programs and events designed to encourage active lifestyles and community participation. Campaign elements include:

• Citywide Fitness Challenges – Friendly competitions and tracking tools to support consistent movement.

• Pop-Up Fitness Stations – Mobile workout setups in parks, transit hubs, and other public spaces.

• Awareness Campaigns – Social media, digital outreach, and local engagement to promote fitness as accessible and inclusive.

• Community Collaboration – Partnerships with schools, nonprofits, fitness instructors, and influencers to expand reach and impact.

The campaign will be supported by long-standing partners such as DPR, and Atlanta Beltline, leveraging Atlanta’s network of over 300 parks and recreational sites to host year-round, low- or no-cost fitness activities for residents of all ages and abilities.

“Accessible fitness is about more than exercise—it’s about equity, mental wellness, and building stronger neighborhoods,” said DPR Commissioner Justin Cutler. “This campaign brings those values to life in every community across Atlanta by promoting health and wellness to encourage physical activity in neighborhood parks and recreational facilities.”

More than just a fitness initiative, “Make Atlanta Your Own Gym” is a public health movement focused on long-term prevention. Regular physical activity is associated with:

• Lower risk of chronic diseases such as Type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease.

• Improved mental health and stress management.

• Better outcomes for healthy aging.

• Greater community engagement and trust.

Learn More

For more information, upcoming events, or how to get involved, please visit https://www.atlantaga.gov/government/departments/department-parks-recreation/make-atlanta-your-own-gym