Decatur Parks Foundation

Please Support the Foundation!

Your Decatur Park District and Decatur Parks Foundation continue to enjoy excitement and growth! Nelson Park has begun an amazing transformation with the completion of a disc golf course, dog park, and fitness trail. Last fall, construction was completed on the new promenade in front of the Beach House Restaurant, as well as beautiful new docks that will allow boaters to pull up and grab a bite to eat. Plans are also under way for a new miniature golf facility.

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About Us

Through the work of a committed board of directors, the Decatur Parks Foundation benefits park and recreation projects and programs by securing contributions from corporations and individuals.  We appreciate the generosity of all who have made the following projects possible:

• Anna Bethel Fisher Rock Garden
• Big Creek Riding Center Renovation (2008)
• Decatur Park District Bike Trail System
• Dreamland Lake
• Fairview Park Rose Garden (2012)
• Fido Fields Dog Park (2007)
• Project Playground I and II
• Rotary Park
• Schaub Floral Display Center & Greenhouse
• Scovill Zoo Shilling Environmental Education Center
• Scovill Zoo Endangered Species Carousel
• Scovill Zoo Zebra Exhibit (2007)
• Ursula Beck Tennis Center
• Wikoff Oriental Garden at Scovill Park

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Foundation Directors

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Foundation Winter Newsletter

To view the Winter Newsletter for the Decatur Parks Foundation, please click here.

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Projects

Jerry Menz Arts Scholarship

The Jerry Menz Arts Scholarship provides opportunities for talented youth to succeed at the highest possible levels in the arts by offering scholarships for the Park District’s programs in music, theatre, and dance. Awards are based upon staff recommendations, prior participation in Park District programs, and a demonstrated talent and passion for the performing arts. Gifts of any size are most appreciated and will keep the arts alive in the greater Decatur area.

To make a contribution, please call the Foundation office at 422-5911. For details information, visit the Arts Scholarship page.

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Fun for All Scholarships

Children grow and learn from recreation, sports, the arts, and play! The Fun for All Scholarship program ensures that all qualified Decatur residents are able to participate in Park District activities. To donate to this important program, call 422-5911.

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Fido Fields & Nelson Park Dog Parks

Looking for a fun place to exercise your pet? Visit Fido Fields in Fairview Park or Nelson Park! These multi-acre, fenced recreational spaces provide an exercise area for dogs and an opportunity for socialization for their owners. Both parks feature an electronic, double-gated entrance, with separate play areas for large and small dogs. To register your pet, call the DISC at 429-3472. To help fund future improvements, call the Park District office at 422-5911.

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Memorial Gifts

Living Tribute Program

Honor a loved one or commemorate a special event by having a tree planted through the Park Foundation’s Living Tribute Program. With your $500 donation, the Park District will plant and care for your tree. In addition, you will be presented a Living Tribute Certificate and a map highlighting the location of your tree. The trees are also linked via an online map here.

Select from a red maple, Norway maple, red oak, or dogwood. The Living Tribute program offers a natural gift that will beautify Decatur’s parks for years to come.

Park Bench Memorials

The park bench memorial program is not available at this time. The program will resume after the branding process at Nelson Park’s Lakeshore Landing is complete.

Download a request for Living Tribute trees here or call Jill Applebee at 422-5911.