What’s Your New Year’s Resolution?

Finding a New Year’s resolution that sticks can be a challenge. To help you get started, we’ve compiled a list of resolutions inspired by downtown Hammond. These are simple, achievable goals that can bring a positive change to your life and help you connect more deeply with your community.

1. Get a Library Card

The Tangipahoa Parish Library Hammond Branch is conveniently located in downtown, making it easy to dive into reading. Whether you prefer physical books (regular or large print), DVDs, magazines, e-books, or streaming services, there’s something for everyone. It’s a great way to feed your mind and explore new ideas this year.

2. Join a Club

Hammond offers a variety of clubs for people with all kinds of interests. From hobby groups to special-interest organizations, there’s likely a club that aligns with your passions. Check out our Club Directory for a list of options. And if you know of a club that’s not listed, feel free to email us at downtownhammond@gmail.com and we’ll add it!

3. Get a Gym Membership

If fitness is part of your New Year’s resolution, consider joining one of the three gyms in downtown Hammond: Downtown Fitness, HOTWORX, or Downtown Yoga. All three offer excellent facilities to help you stay active and healthy throughout the year.

4. Spend More Time with Family

Looking for fun family-friendly activities? Bayou Bounce, the Louisiana Children’s Discovery Center, and the playground parks are all great places to make memories with your loved ones. The Columbia Theatre also offers family-friendly performances, so you can enjoy a night out with the whole family. For more ideas check out our Family Friendly Guide!

5. Volunteer

If you’re looking to give back to your community, volunteering is a wonderful resolution. Join us at the Farmers Market or get involved in one of our DDD Events as a volunteer. It’s a fulfilling way to contribute to the city while making a positive impact.

6. Recycle

The Farmers Market hosts a Glass Recycling event every third Saturday of the month. And, during the month of January you can bring your Christmas Tree to our market and have it recycled as an initiative lead by Southeastern Sustainability to restore our wetlands! If you’re looking for more frequent recycling options, Sherman’s Glass in Ponchatoula accepts glass during business hours, while Delatte's Recycling (19097 Weinberger Rd) in Ponchatoula and the Tangipahoa Parish Solid Waste Landfill in Independence accepts all other recyclables.

7. Make More Art

Fuel your creativity by taking a class at the Hammond Regional Arts Center, which offers classes for both adults and children. You can also create small art pieces and contribute to the Arts Center’s Free Little Art Gallery, located right next to the DDD office in Railroad Park. It’s a great way to get involved in the local arts scene!

8. Take Care of Your Mental Health

Mental health is crucial, and taking time to nurture your well-being is an important resolution. Whether you want to start journaling, you can find notebooks at Bayou Booksellers, or if you’re looking for therapy, Flourish Counseling and Hollander Counseling & Consulting offer mental health services right here in Hammond.

9. Spend More Time Outdoors

Hammond has plenty of beautiful parks and sidewalks where you can reconnect with nature. Within our district we have Cate Square Park, Railroad Park, Zemurray Park, Morrison Park and Clark Park. Whether you’re enjoying a morning walk or a night time stroll, there are plenty of places to get outside and clear your mind. There are a plethora of parks in Hammond and the Hammond Recreation website is a great resource to explore.

10. Eat More Vegetables and Fruit

Eating healthy has never been easier with the abundance of fresh produce available at the Farmers Market. You can also pick up fresh fruits and vegetables at Solt Provisions, a downtown grocery store. If you’re looking to grab a healthy lunch, smoothies or juices try at Tru Juice Bar & Healthy Café and Gyro’s N More.

11. Pick Up Litter

Join Keep Hammond Beautiful—a Keep America Beautiful affiliate—and make a difference in our community. They’re always looking for volunteers to help with community clean-ups and natural preservation efforts. It’s a simple way to give back and keep our city looking its best.

12. Get Involved in Your Community

If you want to make a difference and stay informed, attending City Council and DDD Committee Meetings is a great way to get involved. These meetings are open to the public and provide an opportunity for you to voice your opinions, share your ideas, and have a say in the future of Hammond.