Author: kmisner

The U.S. Department of Transportation selects SkyWest Airlines, Inc., branded as United Express, to provide Essential Air Service (EAS) at Decatur, Illinois, for a three-year term from February 1, 2022, through January 31, 2025.

SkyWest will provide Decatur with 12 nonstop round trips per week from Decatur Airport (DEC) to Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD), using 50-passenger Bombardier or Canadair CRJ-200 aircraft. SkyWest’s service will be branded as United Express, enabling Decatur passengers’ access to United Airlines’ extensive domestic and international network. ORD is a large-hub airport and is one of United’s largest connecting hubs, which will provide Decatur passengers excellent access to the national air transportation system.

In 2019, SkyWest was selected to provide EAS at Decatur for a two-year contract term. When the expiration of the current contract approached, the Department issued an order, requesting proposals from air carriers interested in providing EAS for a new contract term at the community. In response to that Order, Multi-Aero, Inc. d/b/a Air Choice One (Air Choice One) and SkyWest submitted proposals. When balancing the details of each proposal, relative subsidy requirements, and community feedback, the Department believes SkyWest’s selection will best meet the community’s EAS.

Ms. Stacey Young, President of the Decatur Park District, which owns and operates the Decatur Airport, stated: “After thorough review of airline submissions, the Decatur Park Board of Commissioners is recommending SkyWest Airlines as their selection for providing Essential Air Service beginning February 2022. In addition to the carrier recommendation, the Board also supports a three-year contract.”

SkyWest’s proposal meets the air carrier-selection criteria the Department is required to consider, and the Department finds its service and subsidy levels reasonable. SkyWest has been a reliable partner in the EAS program for over 20 years and during that time it has earned a solid reputation for providing reliable EAS to the communities it serves. 

The Decatur Park District welcomes Aly Delatte as Director of the Decatur Parks Foundation. Formerly working as Associate Attorney at Brown, Hay & Stephens, Aly holds a bachelor’s degree from Saint Louis University and a Juris Doctor from Saint Louis University School of Law. She is also the organizer of the local non-profit organization, Stone Thrown Forward.

“As a lifelong resident of the Decatur community, I appreciate and understand the impact that the Decatur Park District and its Foundation has upon the people living here. I have a passion for making Decatur an exceptional community and am excited to become the Director of the Foundation to effectively support and serve as the fundraising arm of the Park District. I look forward to connecting with supporters of the Foundation and grow awareness of its mission and impact on our community,” stated Aly.

Aly resides in Decatur with her husband, Pat, and children and serves on the Board of Directors for Macon Resources, Inc, past Board member of the Decatur Celebration and a member of the Bar Association.

She may be reached at the Decatur Park District Administrative office at 217-422-5911.

A check presentation is scheduled for 2:45 p.m. on Tuesday, October 26 at the Decatur Indoor Sports Center (DISC) to recognize the ongoing support of the Golden K service organization for the Elementary Basketball program in partnership with Decatur Public School District #61. Check presentation location will be Main Gym Court 2.

The Golden K contributes nearly five-thousand dollars annually to help fund Elementary Basketball, held at the Decatur Indoor Sports Center (DISC).  An estimated two-hundred sixth graders from Decatur Public Schools take part in the after-school program, representing fourteen different District #61 schools.  The program gives youth the chance to play league games in a positive sports environment at the DISC.  Funds from Golden K are used to provide court time on full-sized courts with spectator seating for each game, referees, scorekeepers, scoreboards, scorebooks, basketballs, and more.

Elementary Basketball is a joint partnership between District #61 and the Decatur Park District, designed to enhance students’ educational and recreational experiences.  The program begins in October, with students playing intramural basketball games within each respective school for a seven-week period. Teams practice twice a week and play league games weekly on Tuesday afternoons from late October through the middle of December at the DISC.  At the end of this season, teams play in Championship Saturday, hosted by the Decatur Indoor Sports Center on December 14^th.  For more information on the Elementary Basketball program, please call Tony Albertina at the DISC, 217-429-3472.

Video Tutorial:

The community is encouraged to give feedback for prioritizing efforts for the next 10-year Master Planning process for the Decatur Park District by responding to the Master Plan Survey and/or participate in the Master Plan Open House on August 2, at Nelson Park Pavilion #1.

About the Master Plan Survey

A sample of Decatur households will receive an invitation by mail. Most (about 8,000) receive a postcard with the survey website, plus an email and phone number to contact if they wish to complete the survey by phone or printed questionnaire.

In addition, about 2,000 households receive the printed questionnaire with a pre-paid return envelope, plus the cover letter including instructions to complete the survey online and a phone number to call for a phone interview. The first invitations started arriving at households and data collection is slated to continue until mid-August.

If you receive a survey, PLEASE RESPOND so that all neighborhoods are represented in the responses.

About the Master Plan Open House  

On Monday, August 2 from 5:30 – 7:00 p.m. the community is invited to join the Decatur Park District Master Plan Open House in Nelson Park Pavilion #1 (2475 Pavilion Drive) at any time during the session to hear progress on the planning process and to share ideas and suggestions with the Decatur Park District on current parks, facilities, and recreation programs. We will also be sharing preliminary survey results and draft Action Items of highest priority for the Decatur Park District Parks & Recreation Master Plan update. No reservation necessary.

The Devon Lakeshore Amphitheater in Decatur, Illinois, is proud to announce Kevin Costner & Modern West’s Tales from Yellowstone 2021 Tour concert Saturday, September 4 at 7:00 p.m. This show is produced in partnership with Grandstand Concerts.

This show IS INCLUDED in the 2021 Devon season ticket package. Season Ticket holders will automatically receive their season tickets for this show. Additional tickets can be purchased when they go on sale to the public. 

Tickets go on sale Friday, July 9 at 10:00 a.m. on the Devon Amphitheater website.

Ticket pricing is:

Reserved Pit Seating – $79 (+ taxes and fees)

Reserved Seating – $79 (+ taxes and fees)

Handicapped/ADA Seating and ADA Companion Seating- $59 (+ taxes and fees)

General Admission Terrace – $59 (+ taxes and fees)

General Admission Lawn – $39 (+ taxes and fees)
Reserved Parking $5 (+ taxes and fees)

IDPH, CDC and Macon County COVID-19 guidelines may affect show details. If the event is postponed/rescheduled related to COVID-19, tickets purchased for the original show date will be honored for the new date. Refund options may be available.

ABOUT KEVIN COSTNER & MODERN WEST’S TALES FROM YELLOWSTONE 2021 TOUR

Since their inception in 2007, Kevin Costner & Modern West have toured the globe sharing their music with fans. Four studio albums later, the band is on the road again with the Tales from Yellowstone 2021 Tour.

Don’t miss Kevin Costner & Modern West’s Tales From Yellowstone 2021 tour live at The Devon on Saturday, September 4, 2021!  Music and stories from one of TV’s biggest shows!

To keep up with announcements, follow The Devon on Facebook and subscribe to email updates at www.devonamphitheater.com.

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The Devon G. Buffett Amphitheater is operated by the Decatur Park District and sits along the shores of Lake Decatur as part of Lakeshore Lading in Historic Nelson Park located in Decatur, Illinois. It is a destination for live, outdoor entertainment during the summer months. With a capacity of 3,200, the venue offers a wide range of entertainment including music of many genres, comedians and community movie nights. 

South Side CC & Country Club of Decatur Red Tail Run & Hickory Point
July 17,18 & 24,25
2021 Men’s City Am Entry Form

EARLY ENTRIES CLOSE:
Sunday, July 11th at 5 p.m.  Payment MUST accompany entry.

ELIGIBILITY:                            

MUST have a recognized USGA handicap index to enter, through a Decatur Park District Golf Assoc., South Side C.C. or Country Club of Decatur (NO EXCEPTIONS).

MUST have joined an association BEFORE July 1, 2021 (NO EXCEPTIONS).

FORMAT:
54-Hole Stroke Play Competition.  Flight breakdown as follows:

 Index

4.2 – under                 Championship Flight              Gross & Net
4.3 – 8.8                      First Flight                               Gross & Net
8.9 – 13.4                    Second Flight                          Gross & Net
13.5 & Up                    Third Flight                                 Gross & Net

ENTRY FEE:
$30.00 (does not include green fee or golf car fees)

SITES:
Saturday July 17^th at South Side Country Club
Sunday July 18^th at Country Club of Decatur
Saturday July 24^th at Red Tail Run
Sunday July 25^th at Hickory Point

PRACTICE ROUNDS:
Practice Rounds can be set up at each respective course by calling the contacts listed below.  Practice Rounds days and times are subject to availability.  Practice Rounds at South Side CC will be $50 (cart included), and Country Club of Decatur will be $60 (cart included).

PAIRINGS:
Players will be grouped according to handicap within their flight.

TEE TIMES:
Tee times will begin at 9:30 a.m. on the 17^th, 9:00 a.m. 18^th, and 8:30 a.m. on the 24^th & 25^th.

CONTACT:
Andy Potts at Hickory Point at 421-7444
Ben Irwin at Red Tail Run at 422-2211
Nick Taute at SSCC at 423-7789 ext 105
Steve Orrick at CCD at 429-7823

WEATHER:                           

In the event of a weather delay, every effort will be made to complete the round that day.  In the event of a weather delay(s) that total more than two hours of time stopped, the round will be canceled and no scores will be posted.

The Devon Lakeshore Amphitheater in Decatur, Illinois, is proud to announce Justin Moore performing live Friday, September 3, 2021. This show is presented by Grandstand Concerts.

This show is not included in the 2021 Devon season ticket package. Season ticket holders can reserve their season tickets at additional cost by contacting Mike Wilcott at mwilcott@decparks.com by 5:00 p.m. Wednesday June 30, 2021. If you are a season ticket holder and you do not reserve your tickets by this deadline, they will be forfeited for sale to the general public.

Tickets go on sale Friday, July 2 at 10:00 a.m. on the Devon Amphitheater website.

Ticket pricing is:

General Admission Pit – $65 (+ taxes and fees)
Reserved Seating – $65 (+ taxes and fees)
Handicapped/ADA Seating and ADA Companion Seating- $65 (+ taxes and fees)
General Admission Terrace – $55 (+ taxes and fees)
General Admission Lawn – $40 (+ taxes and fees)
Reserved Parking $5 (+ taxes and fees)

IDPH, CDC and Macon County COVID-19 guidelines may affect show details. If the event is postponed/rescheduled related to COVID-19, tickets purchased for the original show date will be honored for the new date. Refund options may be available. ABOUT JUSTIN MOORE
Chart-topping powerhouse Justin Moore proves that, through all the fame and success, he’s still just the same country boy he’s always been on his stellar new album, ‘Late Nights and Longnecks.’ Tipping its cap to Alan Jackson and George Strait, the record is Moore’s most traditional-sounding collection to date, a no-frills portrait of small-town life and big-time dreams that’s not afraid to let its hair down and party at the end of a hard day’s work. Equal parts celebration and reflection, the album is a showcase for Moore’s evocative storytelling and unforgettable voice, complemented by an all-star band featuring GRAMMY and CMA Award-winning guitar icon Brent Mason ACM-winning pedal steel hero Paul Franklin among others.

The New York Times hailed Moore as proof that “old forms can stand even stronger with injections of new ideas,” while Billboard celebrated his “down-home personality and wry sense of humor,” and Rolling Stone praised the “upbeat mix of contemporary country and honest twang that he perfected.” Moore’s songs racked up more than a billion on-demand and programmed streams, and he performed everywhere from Kimmel to The Today Show in addition to headlining arenas and amphitheaters around the country.

Enjoy a night of Country Hits with Justin Moore in concert performing live at The Devon Lakeshore Amphitheater presented by Grandstand Concerts on Friday, September 3, 2021!

To keep up with announcements, follow The Devon on Facebook and subscribe to email updates at www.devonamphitheater.com.

This year marks the 38th year the Decatur Park District and Illinois State Board of Education have partnered to provide free meals at park and school locations across Decatur as part of the Summer Food Service Program. The Decatur Park District is also partnering with the Children’s Museum of Illinois to bring their free mobile STEAM program to follow lunch on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.

Meals are available free of charge Monday – Friday, June 1 – July 30 for children aged 18 and under. A listing of locations and times appear below. For more information, call Jamie Gower, Decatur Park District Director of Recreation and Facilities, at 217-422-5911.

Yellow Hat park leaders lead creative, educational programs in Decatur’s parks. Teams of Yellow Hat park leaders will be in 9 neighborhood parks during the lunch hour each weekday playing fun games, and leading educational activities.                                          

Location                                              Lunch

Garfield Park                                       1 – 2 p.m. | STEAM 1:30 – 2:30 Thursdays
Grant Park                                           10:30 – 11:30 a.m. | STEAM 11- 11:45 Wednesdays
Hess Park                                            1 – 2 p.m. | STEAM 1:30 – 2:30 Wednesdays
Johns Hill Park                                    1 – 2 p.m. | STEAM 1:30 – 2:30 Tuesdays
Monroe Park                                       11:45 a.m. – 12:45 p.m. | STEAM 12:15- 1:15 Thursdays
Mueller Park                                       11:45 a.m. – 12:45 p.m. | STEAM 12:15- 1:15 Tuesdays
Oak Grove Park                                  10:30 – 11:30 a.m. | STEAM 11- 11:45 Thursdays
South Shores Park                               10:30 – 11:30 a.m. | STEAM 11- 11:45 Tuesdays
Torrence Park                                     11:45 a.m. – 12:45 p.m. | STEAM 12:15- 1:15 Wednesdays

In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA.

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g. Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.), should contact the Agency (State or local) where they applied for benefits. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.

To file a program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form (AD-3027) found online at https://www.ascr.usda.gov/how-file-program-discrimination-complaint, and at any USDA office, or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by:

1. Mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture
   Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
   1400 Independence Avenue, SW
   Washington, D.C. 20250-9410;
2. Fax: (202) 690-7442; or
3. Email: program.intake@usda.gov.

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

Decatur Park District identification now REQUIRED for pool admission.
Download, complete and bring the ID Registration Form to speed up the process!

6/19/21 STATEMENT FROM THE DECATUR PARK DISTRICT

Splash Cove Update

Splash Cove  is committed to working through solutions to create a safe and fun environment for our employees and patrons.

The following Splash Cove policies will go into effect as of Monday, June 21, 2021. These policies are put in place for the safety of our community. Additional security will be present at the facility during operating hours moving forward.

Splash Cove updated policies:

• All minors 15 and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian 18 and older to be admitted into Splash Cove.
• All visitors age 5 and older will require a Splash Cove-issued identification card. Splash Cove identification can be obtained at Splash Cove or the Decatur Indoor Sports Center front desk beginning June 21, 2021.
• Completed registration form and signed acknowledgement of our code of conduct required when obtaining identification. Forms can be found online at Decatur-parks.org.
• No re-entry allowed.
• Open swim will now close at 6:30 p.m. daily. Passholders admitted at 11:30 a.m. Non-passholders will be admitted at 12:00 p.m.
• Capacity will be voluntarily reduced by 25%.

Current policies will also continue to be strictly enforced including:

• No running, dunking, horseplay, rough housing or foul language will be tolerated. Any person deemed as not following this rule will be asked to leave the facility with possibility of being banned.
• No outside food or drink allowed. There are two water stations available for filling of empty bottles.
• Bag check required upon entry.
• Only Coast Guard approved flotation devices are allowed.
• Riders must be at least 48” to ride water slides and zip line. Experienced swimmers age 5 and up may utilize the diving boards and rock wall.
• Only official swimwear may be worn in the pool and is up to manager’s discretion.
• No smoking of any kind, including vaping, is allowed inside pool fence.
• All purchased food and drink must stay in concession area.
• No refunds regardless of weather, attire or length of stay.
• Lock up your valuables. The Decatur Park District is not responsible for lost, stolen or damaged items.

About Splash Cove

Splash Cove features a lazy river, zero-depth entry leisure pool with an interactive play structure, wet deck, lily pad crossing feature, and vortex, an 8-lane lap pool with zip line, rock climbing wall, 3-meter diving board, 6 meter high dive, 4 body slides, and a zero-depth entry baby pool. A full service concession stand will also be available.