Parks
Nelson Park Lakefront Enhancement Project
Project
The enhancement of Decatur’s lakefront area in the Nelson Park basin is expected to attract visitors to Decatur, spur economic development, and improve quality of life for all in our community. This project will integrate Nelson Park with the existing attractions located in Scovill Park (Scovill Zoo and Children’s Museum of Central Illinois).
Committee
A committee comprised of representatives from the Decatur Park District, City of Decatur, Chamber of Commerce, labor, and the Council of Neighborhood Organizations (CONO) met on a number of occasions to discuss selection of a firm to formulate long-range plans for the Nelson Park lakefront area.
RFQ
June 15, 2009 was the deadline for firms to submit an RFQ (Request for Qualifications -View the RFQ ) and express their interest in providing master planning services.
The committee selected four firms as finalists:
EDAW/AECOM, Chicago
JJR Landscape Architecture & Urban Design, Chicago
SWT Design, St. Louis
Thompson Dyke & Associates, Chicago
At the Park Board meeting on November 18, commissioners selected AECOM for the project upon recommendation by the Lakefront Committee.
Community Involvement
Community engagement meetings will be scheduled to gather input and suggestions from individuals throughout the greater Decatur area. If you have questions or comments, please call Bill Clevenger, Decatur Park District Executive Director (422-5911), at any time.
Trail Map
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PDF of this map (1.2 MB)
park Features
Download a PDF of this Amenities grid (24
KB)
Summer in the Parks
Children learn while they play with the Decatur Park District’s Summer in the Parks program, presented by ADM. Our caring park leaders provide supervised, educational activities, games, and fun for kids throughout the summer. A free lunch and snack program is also provided as a service of the Illinois State Board of Education. Please call the Decatur Park District at 422-5911 for more information about activities scheduled for 2010.
Skate Park
D-town Skatepark, located in Fairview
Park, has great features to interest the extreme sport athlete, including
half pipes, banked wedges, a one-quarter pipe, a ramp with a
double kinked
grind rail and a rectangle grind rail. This community-based
project is available for use year round, 8:00 a.m. to dusk. The facility is not supervised, and individuals
use it at their own risk.
SKATE PARK HOURS: 8:00 a.m. to dusk
Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday Skateboards & Inline Skates Only
Tuesday & Thursday – Bicycles Only (No Pegs & No Mountain Bikes)
SAFETY RULES & WARNINGS
- CAUTION – Inline skating, skateboarding and bicycling are high-risk recreational activities with inherent risks of serious injury.
- The skateboarding area is unsupervised and participants skate at their own risk.
- Skaters are responsible for inspecting skate park equipment prior to use to ensure that it has not been vandalized and is safe for skating. Do not use equipment if broken or wet. Please contact the Decatur Park District if equipment is damaged at 422-5911.
- It is required that proper protective equipment such as helmets, elbow pads, kneepads, etc. be used during skating activities.
- Use of personally owned ramps, boxes or other devices is prohibited.
- Mountain bikes and persons not riding or skating are prohibited from using the skate park and/or skating structures.
- Bicycle pegs and kickstands are not allowed.
- Food, drinks, glass objects and containers are not allowed in the skating area.
- Smoking and use of tobacco are prohibited.
Skate Friendly. Skate Hard. Skate Safe.
- Watch out for smaller people
- Respect your fellow skaters
- Respect your neighbors
FIDO FIELDS DOG PARK
Fido Fields Customer Survey
The Fido Fields Committee would like to hear from you! Please take a moment to complete a brief survey by clicking on the "Fido Fields Survey" button below. All responses are confidential.
Fido Fields Dog Park
Fido Fields is a 2.5 acre, fenced, off-leash dog park located in Fairview Park. The park is designed to provide a recreational community space for dogs and their owners to exercise and socialize throughout the year. Fido Fields features an electronic, double-gated entrance with a separate area for small dogs and large dogs.
Dog owners may gain access to Fido Fields by registering at the Decatur Indoor Sports Center (DISC) at 1295 West Wood Street. Registration is $25 for one dog and $15 for each additional dog per year.
HOURS: Sunrise to 10 p.m., Year Round
Future plans include the addition of a gazebo and restroom facilities. For more information about Fido Fields or to learn more about sponsorship and donation opportunities, please call the Park District at (217) 422-5911.
Fido Fields Information Brochure
Registration Expires December 31; Renew Your Membership Today!
Registration for Fido Fields Dog Park must be renewed annually. 2009 memberships expire on December 31, 2009. To register your pet (or renew your membership), complete the form available via the link below and take to the DISC (1295 West Wood), along with proof of current registration, veterinarian certification of current rabies, Bordetella, distemper and parvo vaccinations, and proof of spay/neuter.
Please read the registration form completely for information on the registration process.