From leading fitness events to driving positive change in the Dunwoody Village, Lauren Sok is all about community connection. Through Active Dunwoody, she’s inspiring people of all ages to stay active and support local businesses. As part of the Dunwoody Village Business Merchants Alliance and Create Dunwoody, she’s helping revitalize the heart of the city. Don’t miss the upcoming Art Scavenger Hunt on Thursday, April 3rd at 6:30pm at Lazy Dog. Solve clues, explore local artwork, and enjoy prizes, food, and fun for all ages!
discoverdunwoody.com/event/active-dunwoody-scavenger-hunt/19434/
On this episode of What’s Up Dunwoody, brought to you by Dr. Bret Freedman with Village Orthodontics and Discover Dunwoody, I had the pleasure of chatting with Lauren Sok. If you’re thinking about moving to Dunwoody or are already living in Dunwoody, Lauren’s passion for the city is something you’ll want to hear about. She’s a local leader making a significant impact through her business, Functionize Health & Physical Therapy, and her community-driven initiatives like Active Dunwoody.
What is Active Dunwoody?
Lauren co-founded Active Dunwoody to bring people together through movement. It’s more than just a fitness group — it’s a way to explore the city, meet new people, and support local businesses. From run clubs and yoga classes to unique events like laughter yoga and Qigong, the group offers something for everyone. With a strong emphasis on collaboration, Lauren ensures that local wellness businesses have a platform to showcase their services.
Interested in checking it out? Active Dunwoody has an active presence on Facebook and Instagram where you can find updates on upcoming events. You’ll often find people gathering at locations like Brook Run Park or meeting up at popular restaurants like Velvet Taco for a post-run bite. Lauren explained how the group’s support for local businesses helps foster a sense of togetherness.
The Dunwoody Scavenger Hunt: A Community Favorite
One of the most anticipated events hosted by Active Dunwoody is the Dunwoody Scavenger Hunt, held twice a year in collaboration with Big Peach Running Company. Participants race to solve clues that lead them to hidden gems around the city, ranging from historic landmarks to local art installations. The latest event, themed around Dunwoody’s art scene, was sponsored by Create Dunwoody and highlighted the public art found in hotels and community spaces.
The scavenger hunt is a perfect blend of competition and fun. Runners may cover up to six miles, sprinting to solve clues and rack up points, while walkers can take a more leisurely approach and still enjoy most of the sights. From quirky tombstones to restaurant menu challenges, every scavenger hunt reveals something new about Dunwoody.
Supporting Local Through Functionize Health & Physical Therapy
Lauren’s impact on Dunwoody extends through her business, Functionize Health & Physical Therapy, located in the heart of Dunwoody Village. Specializing in helping active adults and athletes recover from injuries and maintain mobility, Functionize offers personalized care with a focus on long-term wellness.
Her approach is centered around empowering clients to stay active rather than discouraging movement. “We don’t tell people to stop moving,” Lauren says. “We want them to be healthy, well, and thriving as they age.”
Lauren’s dedication to promoting movement doesn’t stop in the clinic. Through partnerships with organizations like Big Peach Running Company and local events like Green Eggs and Kegs, she continues to champion an active lifestyle for everyone in the community.
Create Dunwoody: Elevating Arts and Culture
As a board member of Create Dunwoody, Lauren plays a vital role in supporting local artists and cultural initiatives. Create Dunwoody aims to enhance the city’s vibrancy through public art installations, cultural events, and community engagement. If you’ve ever admired the murals, sculptures, or local exhibitions around town, there’s a good chance Lauren and her colleagues had a hand in making it happen.
Lauren was instrumental in the success of the Dunwoody Comedy Festival, collaborating with fellow guest Marshall Chiles to bring laughter and entertainment to the city. Events like these not only entertain but also create lasting memories and a deeper appreciation for local culture.
Discover Dunwoody Board: Promoting the City
Lauren also serves on the Discover Dunwoody Board, which focuses on promoting the city as a destination for both tourists and nearby residents. Events like the Discover Dunwoody Trolley Tour offer an immersive way to explore the city’s landmarks, restaurants, and hidden treasures. I even joked with Lauren about my upcoming role as a tour guide for the trolley — wish me luck!
The board also focuses on bringing in visitors from surrounding cities like Brookhaven, Roswell, and Alpharetta, offering them a glimpse into what makes Dunwoody a special place to visit. Lauren’s enthusiasm and dedication to Dunwoody’s growth are evident in her involvement with these initiatives.
Connecting Businesses Through Collaboration
Beyond her role in health and wellness, Lauren is an advocate for small businesses in Dunwoody. She participates in the Dunwoody Village Business Merchants Alliance, where local business owners come together to host events and strengthen the community. The recent Holiday Celebration and partnerships for events like Green Eggs and Kegs demonstrate the power of collaboration within the city.
Lauren believes that supporting one another leads to a thriving local economy. “We’re better together,” she says, emphasizing how collective efforts lead to more vibrant and enjoyable community experiences.
Get Involved
If you’re looking to get active, connect with your neighbors, or simply explore all that Dunwoody has to offer, check out Active Dunwoody on Facebook or Instagram. You’ll find details on their next scavenger hunt, upcoming fitness events, and plenty of opportunities to meet like-minded members of the community.
And of course, for those dealing with injuries or looking to optimize their physical health, visit Functionize Health & Physical Therapy in Dunwoody Village.
Whether you’re moving to Dunwoody or have been living in Dunwoody for years, Lauren Sok’s dedication to our city is inspiring. Tune in to this episode of What’s Up Dunwoody to hear more about her story and how she’s making a difference.
