Welcome to Oakhurst’s neighborhood gem. Owned and maintained by The Community Center of South Decatur, The Solarium serves the community through accessible amenities and voluntary passion. Their board consists of multi-talented neighbors dedicated to honoring this piece of Oakhurst history while serving the community they love. As new families move in and generations continue to grow, preserving historic spaces like this is vital for the depth, charm, and services they offer the area.
The sun-filled space, once the Historic Scottish Rite Children’s Hospital, was saved from demolition by a generous grant and loan. Advocacy for this land and the idea of turning the center into a hub for events led to its renovation and ultimate rebirth in 2003. Now, the board doles out grants to Decatur-based nonprofits as a full-circle tradition of compassionate care - and this year’s grant application is now open. The criteria are listed on their website and applications are open to all nonprofits that serve the Decatur community.
Hosting an event at The Solarium or Elizabeth Wilson Community House directly supports the charitable aims of Decatur’s nonprofit community, which contributes immeasurable value and heart-centered services. This space strives to be the great equalizer. It hosts community events like Girl Scouts and Chess Clubs while also serving as a local favorite for milestone celebrations. The venue is discounted for Decatur residents and nonprofit organizations, providing a stunning space at an affordable price, with the freedom to customize your events to foster authentic expression.
The Community Center of South Decatur encourages, supports, and promotes diversity. They are the host location for MLK weekend in partnership with the MLK Service Project. It’s a powerful collaboration honing in on their mission to be community-focused and minded. Everyone is welcome, invited, and celebrated.
Find a sense of belonging at their Jazz Nights, presented alongside the Oakhurst Neighborhood Association and Anne Clarke, every Thursday in September and April. It's a great way to commune with the delightful families that make up our city. You can also directly support the center by attending their BBQ & Bands Festival Fundraiser on October 26th!
Sitting down with three key members of The Community Center of South Decatur, Leah Manley, Amy Wilson, and Carrie Eingurt, I am astonished by the depth of their dedication and commitment to this space and neighborhood. Are you looking to get involved and make a positive impact on Oakhurst? Consider becoming a board member, where heartfelt neighbors with varying perspectives and areas of expertise join together to actively advocate for and engage the community. There are monthly board meetings where everyone has an opportunity to give based on their talents and interests. They are on a mission to nurture the space’s sustainability and integrity while documenting a guidebook for generations to come.
In the words of Board President Leah Manley, “We want folks who are going to ask questions or look through a different lens. Failure to do things differently and evolve is where you meet your demise and do not have a successful future…We’ve [made] so much change over the years for the betterment of the space and the board, and we want to continue that. We don’t want to be insular...Decatur is growing and evolving, and we want to be right there with it.”
Apply for a grant here: communitycenterofsouthdecatur.org/grant-application-form/