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🏞️ Historic Johns Homestead or Pickleball Complex? Tucker's $3M Decision

Tucker Fit Week kicks off, upcoming Spring events, and more

Good morning, Tucker!

In today’s edition:

  • John Homestead Group proposes alternative to Tucker's Pickleball Complex

  • Tucker Fit Week kicks off! (Upcoming events like Rubber Ducky Scavenger Hunt and Pi Day PIE-K 🥧 )

  • Spring events galore — mark your calendars now!

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Stay in the Loop 💫 

🏞️ John Homestead Group Proposes Alternative to Tucker's Pickleball Complex

As Tucker City Council considers a controversial $3 million pickleball complex, the Friends of Johns Homestead Park have suggested redirecting some of those funds toward preserving the historic Johns Homestead.

The homestead, built around 1829, is one of DeKalb County's oldest remaining homes but is deteriorating due to neglect. The nonprofit group estimates preservation costs would be significantly higher than a 15-year-old estimate of $100K.

If we have millions of dollars to spend on a pickleball facility that seemingly most people don't want, why not take some of that money and spend it on historic preservation of this very beloved historic site?"

Beth Ganga, chair of the the Friends of Johns Homestead board

Photo Source: Dean Hesse, Decaturish

City Councilmember Cara Schroeder maintains the city isn't neglecting the property. Tucker has invested $4.7 million in dam rehabilitation and other park improvements, including $51.7K for a preservation plan and $13K for a national registry application. Schroeder noted the city is waiting for the homestead to be added to the National Register of Historic Places to become eligible for additional funding.

Read more from the source: Decaturish

Tucker Treasures 💝 

Tucker Today partners with Dekalb County Animal Shelter. Every week, we highlight local animals looking for their forever home.

In this week’s edition of Tucker Treasures, we’re featuring Scales!

Scales (M); 1 year old, 55 lbs

“On a scale of 1 to 10, Scales gets an 11! Scales is a handsome dark gray and white boy with shiny fur and asymmetrical ears. He likes toys and jumps for treats but takes them gently. He is good on the leash, may be house-trained, and has low to medium energy. He is friendly with other dogs with an independent play style.

If you’re looking for a sweet, friendly guy with a great smile, Scales is your boy!”

Spread the word about Scales! Email [email protected] or call 404.294.2165 for more info.

Not sure if you want to adopt? Come take a pup for a fun day with the Dog for the Day program. This program is a great way to borrow a canine companion for a hike, a trip to the park, or a lazy day at home. Email [email protected] for more information.

Tucker Events 🎟️

📆 Upcoming Events

Hosting an event and want to get featured in Tucker Today? Don’t hesitate to reach out.

Event

Details

Location / Date

🌅 Sunset Hike @ Stone Mountain

Hike 2.2 miles round trip to take in stunning sunset views!

You can drive yourself or use group transportation for $5/person. More details here.

Location: Meet at Tucker Rec Center @ 4:10pm

Date: Friday, March 7th

🦆 Rubber Ducky Scavenger Hunt

Come search high and low for hidden rubber duckies throughout Kelley Cofer Park! This free family-friendly event is perfect for all ages. More details here.

Location: Kelley Cofer Park (4259 N. Park Drive)

Date/time: Saturday, March 8 @ 2-4pm

🩺 Wellness Walkers Kick Off

Emory Healthcare is partnering with Northlake Mall to create Wellness Walkers — a program to promote community wellness and physical activity.

Event will feature blood pressure screenings, wellness resources, and food giveaways.

Location: Northlake Mall

Date/time: Tuesday, March 11 @ 12-2pm

🥧 PI Day Pie-K

Celebrate PI day by getting in some steps and enjoying a slice or two of pie!

More details here.

Location: Tucker Recreation Center (4898 Lavista Road)

Date: Friday, March 14th @ 6-7pm

🥘 Tucker’s Chili Cook-off

Come taste all the delicious chili and vote for the People’s Choice award! Drinks (courtesy of The Local 7 and Ford’s BBQ) will be available for purchase.

Location: Main Street

Date: Saturday, March 15th @ 1-5pm

Cost: $10 entry

⛰️ Scenic Hike at Arabia Mountain

Enjoy a 3.3-mile round-trip trail featuring breathtaking open vistas. This will be a moderate but rewarding adventure.

You can drive yourself or use group transportation for $5/person. More details here.

Location: Meet at Tucker Rec Center @ 10am

Date: Saturday, March 23rd

🔨 Spring Into Action Workday

Help refresh and restore our local green spaces by raking, planting, and cleaning up to keep our parks beautiful. Tools + refreshments provided. More details here.

Location: Johns Homestead Park

Date: Saturday, March 23 @ 2-4pm

🖼️ Senior Outing to the Booth Western Art Museum

See America’s story through contemporary Western Artwork and Presidential Gallery! Includes private tour. More details here - register now!

Location: Depart from Tucker Rec Center @ 10am; tour begins at 11:30am

Date: Thursday, March 27th @10am

Cost: $20/person

🌸 Spring Fling

Join us for Tucker’s annual Spring Fling — enjoy the candy dash, youth sports parade, and witness the grand opening & ribbon cutting for the park!

Location: Fitzgerald Park (4877 Lawrenceville Highway)

Date: March 29th (9:30am - 1pm)

🎨 ARTucker

ARTucker’s 10th Anniversary celebration — a family-friendly, free, one-day arts and crafts show! Free art activities, interactive chalk towers, food trucks, live entertainment, and more!

Location: Church Street Green Space (4316 Church Street)

Date: April 19th (10am - 4pm)

🪴 Plant Swap

It’s that time of year again — come ready to swap some plants! More details coming.

Location: Church Street Park

Date: April 26th

☀️ Tucker Day 2025

Mark your calendars now for Tucker Day 2025! More details to come.

Location: Main Street

Date: Saturday, May 3

🔁 Recurring Events

Event

Details

Location / Date

🍃 Just a Walk in the Park (formerly Wild Walks)

Stay active and enjoy the outdoors!

Beginning March 5 - program will take place every Wednesday w/ 2 morning and 2 eventing walks. Click here for details.

🀄️Tucker Mahjong Club

A brand new event series to occur every Thursday! For beginners and advanced players. 4 mahjong sets will be provided.

Join the Facebook group here.

Location: Tucker Recreational Center

Date/time: Thursdays @ 1:30pm - 3:30pm

♟️Tucker Chess Club

100% free and open to all skill levels! Bring chess gear, snacks, dinner, and friends!

Contact [email protected] with any q’s.

Location: 2317 Main St

Date/time: Every 2nd and 4th Wednesday @ 7pm

🎧️Podcast Club

Join the Podcast Club every 1st Tuesday of the month!

Questions? Email Elizabeth at [email protected]

Location: Tucker-Reid Cofer Library

Date/time: next meeting is March 11th @ 6:30-7:30pm; recurring every 2nd Tuesday of the month

Tucker Tunes - Live Music 🎵

Monday

  • Napoleon's Grill | Jazz Jam Session & Open Mic | 7:30pm - 11:00pm

Wednesday

  • Moonshadow Tavern | Open Mic Night | 8:00pm - 11:30pm

Thursday

  • Tucker Brewing Company | Live Music | 4:00pm - 9:00pm

Friday

  • Moonshadow Tavern | Live Music | 8:00pm - 11:30pm

  • Tucker Brewing Company | Live Music | 4:00pm - 10:00pm

  • The Mad Italian | Live Music | 6:00pm - 8:00pm

Saturday

  • Moonshadow Tavern | Live Music | 8:00pm - 11:30pm

  • Tucker Brewing Company | Live Music | 4:00pm - 10:00pm

Thank you, Tucker!

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Thanks for being part of our Tucker Today community!✌🏼

Angela Ahn & David Choe

Founders + Editors-in-Chief of Tucker Today and DOA Media Group

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