8/11/20 UPDATE: FALL DAY CAMP OFFERED AT THE DISC!

The Decatur Park District is offering fall day camp at the Decatur Indoor Sports Center (DISC) to help meet the need of working parents with students who are attending school virtually this quarter.

The program provides a safe place for kids during their virtual e-learning school day. Campers can work on their required e-learning assignments and will also have the opportunity to participate in arts and crafts, group games and free play. A snack, quiet workspace and physical, nutritional and creative activities will be provided by camp counselors.

Campers will be required to bring their own mask, e-learning devices, headphones, lunch and a water bottle. All current CDC and IDPH guidelines for sanitation, social distancing and face coverings will be followed.

Pre-registration is required. Parent packets can be requested from danitad@decparks.com or picked up at DISC prior to first day of attendance. Go online to www.decatur-parks.org or call the DISC at 429-3472.

Fall Day Camp:

Dates:             Monday – Friday, August 17 – October 9 (no camp September 7)
Time:              7:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Age:                Day Camp, ages 5 – 14
Fee:                 $160/week ($140 with resident discount)
$40/day ($35 with resident discount)
(15% discount for each additional sibling)
Location:        DISC, 1295 W. Wood
Note:               Please bring a sack lunch, mask, e-learning device, headphones and water bottle.

 

8/11/20 UPDATE: DECATUR PARK DISTRICT TO OFFER P.E. IN THE PARK PROGRAM

To meet the need of physical activity during virtual e-learning school days, the Decatur Park District is offering P.E. in the Park at Fairview Park Pavilion #1 from August 17 – October 8.

This program provides a unique opportunity for students aged 5-13 to remain active during their virtual e-learning school days. The 8-week program offers outdoor fitness, running, soccer, whiffle ball, kickball and more. Students can attend on Mondays and Wednesdays or Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11:15 – noon for $69 ($62 with resident discount). If students want to attend both sessions for a total of four days per week, that is an additional option. Scholarships are available.

All current CDC and IDPH guidelines for sanitation, social distancing and face coverings will be followed. Students should wear athletic clothing, tennis shoes and bring their own water bottle and mask.

To register, call 217-429-3472 or go online to www.decatur-parks.org. Check out our online August/September Activity Guide for additional fall activity and program news.

P.E. in the Park:

Dates:              Monday – Thursday, August 17 – October 8 (not meeting September 7)
Time:               11:15 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Age:                 Grades K- 8
Fee:                 $69 for 2-days/week for 8 weeks ($62 with resident discount)
Location:        Fairview Park, Pavilion #1 (2095 W. Eldorado St.)
Note:               Please bring a mask and water bottle.

6/25/20 UPDATE: DECATUR PARK DISTRICT RE-OPENING PARK RESTROOMS AND PAVILION RENTALS

In guidance with the Governor’s Restore Illinois Plan, the Decatur Park District is re-opening some public restroom facilities and pavilion rentals in its high-use areas.

Currently Open

Nelson Dog Park Restrooms
Nelson Gas Dock Restrooms (formerly the snack shack restrooms)
Fairview Main Restrooms by Pavilion #1
Fairview Dog Park Restrooms

Opening July 1^st with a pavilion reservation only

Nelson Pavilion #1 Restrooms
Nelson Pavilion #2 Restrooms
Hess Park
Mueller Park
Kiwanis Park
Sinawik Park
Cresthaven Park
South Shores Park

Neighborhood pavilion rental options are limited to Hess, Mueller, Kiwanis, and Sinawik to allow our limited staff to focus on cleaning those restrooms well. Drinking fountains will remain inoperable at all locations until we receive updated guidance from the State of Illinois.

“As we take steps to slowly return to our summer operations, we are prioritizing our essential services at our most popular locations to focus on first,” stated Bill Clevenger, Executive Director of the Decatur Park District.

The Park District continues to urge everyone to keep abreast of the latest public health information via the CDC website at www.cdc.gov, Illinois Department of Public Health and the Macon County Health Department.

Visit www.decatur-parks.org for activity and program news related to program and facility re-openings and updates.

6/16/20 UPDATE: DEVON 2020 SEASON CANCELED

After much deliberation, The Decatur Park District has canceled all events that are part of the 2020 Season at The Devon Lakeshore Amphitheater due to the ongoing effects of COVID-19 and crowd restrictions as set forth by our Governor’s Restore Illinois phased re-opening plan. Rentals of The Devon for events following phased guidelines will be considered on a case by case basis.

The Devon is currently working with the performers originally scheduled for 2020 to determine which events can be rescheduled for the 2021 season. For events that are not rescheduled for the 2021 season, refunds will be issued as described.

Season ticket holders and sponsors will have the choice to roll their tickets to the 2021 season, request a full refund, or donate any portion to the Decatur Parks Foundation to support arts programming.

“We want our guests to have the experience they expect when they come to The Devon. With the current restrictions, we don’t feel that we could offer that in the time remaining left in the summer,” stated Mike Wilcott, General Manager of The Devon.

During this time of new beginnings, The Devon is available for rentals keeping in mind the IDPH and CDC guidelines.

With our sights set on 2021, our board and staff look forward to welcoming you back to The Devon with a renewed sense of enthusiasm as the health and safety of our community is restored. The continued patience, understanding and support is appreciated as The Devon works to offer more outstanding experiences in 2021.

If you have any questions, please contact Mike Wilcott at amp@decparks.com or call 422-5911.

SHOWS ALREADY RESCHEDULED FOR 2021

May 28 – $5 Friday – 90’s Daughter
June 5 – Leonid & Friends
June 18 – $5 Friday – Captain  Geech & The Shrimp Shack Shooters
June 19 – Dogs of Society: The Ultimate Eton Rock Tribute
June 25 – Oak Ridge Boys
July 4 – River Bottom Nightmare Band
July 10 – The Docksiders
July 16 – Hairball
August 28 – BritBeat

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

6/5/20 UPDATE: SCOVILL ZOO TO RE-OPEN JUNE 8

5/29/20 UPDATE: SUMMER DAY CAMP AT THE DISC RE-OPENING

Summer Day Camp at the Decatur Indoor Sports Center (DISC) is open for campers designed for kids aged 5 – 14 beginning Monday, June 1. To register your camper(s), please email danitad@decparks.com or call 217-917-3800 to reserve your spot.

The facility will open within the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) Phase 3 guidelines set for day camps. Camp groups will be limited to 10 campers per group and all groups will be spaced apart with proper distance between groups with campers reporting to the same group each day. Participants within the same household will be placed in the same group. Children will have temperature checks upon admission and will be asked to bring a mask. Parents are asked to wear a mask when picking up or dropping off children to camp. Campers are required to bring their own water bottle and lunch and are encouraged to bring hand sanitizer.

To support the health and safety of our staff and patrons additional precautions include: staff wearing face coverings and using sneeze guards at admission, enforcing social distancing guidelines in the DISC lobby at pick up and drop off of campers, displaying “6 feet apart” signage, following CDC cleaning and disinfecting protocols of all shared equipment and common areas, encouraging campers to avoid touching facility accessories.

Visit www.decatur-parks.org for pricing and more details.

5/27/20 UPDATE:Decatur Park District Offers Outdoor Dining Assistance to Small Businesses

5/19/20 UPDATE: Midstate Soccer Club Adjustments

5/19/20 UPDATE: Decatur Youth Baseball/Softball 2020 Season Cancelled

5/15/20 UPDATE: July 4 Activities and Fireworks Cancelled, Splash Cove Will Not Open

The Decatur Park District continues to monitor the CDC, IDPH and Macon County Health Department for guidance on reopening additional park amenities. Open greenspace, parks and trails, golf courses, disc golf courses, tennis/pickleball courts and dog parks continue to be accessible to the public at this time. Please note that users will find limited access to public restrooms and water fountains. Remember, do not use parks or trails if you are exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms or been in contact with anyone experiencing symptoms.

Due to the impact of COVID-19 and the Governor’s “5-Phase Restore Illinois Plan”, The Decatur Park District is cancelling its July 4^th activities including the community fireworks display. In addition, Splash Cove Water Park will not open for operation this summer.

“Following guidance provided in the Governor’s Restore Illinois Plan, we are looking at late summer before any large groups or public facilities will be able to safely open. With our community’s health and safety as our primary concern, we made the difficult decision to forgo opening Splash Cove this summer,” stated Bill Clevenger, Executive Director of the Decatur Park District.

This guidance is current as of today, but is a fluid and evolving situation changing by the day as incremental reopening guidelines are released. In accordance with safe practice, the District continues to explore programs and services that can be implemented for summer 2020. The District will continue to monitor any changes to the Restore Illinois Plan, CDC & IDPH guidelines that may affect these decisions.

We continue to urge everyone to keep abreast of the latest public health information via the CDC website at www.cdc.gov, Illinois Department of Public Health and the Macon County Health Department.

Please visit www.decatur-parks.org for activity and program news related to program and facility re-open updates.

5/12/20 UPDATE: Statement from The Devon

5/7/20 UPDATE: Dog parks to Re-Open May 8

The Decatur Park District will reopen the dog parks in Nelson Park and Fairview Parks with restricted use rules as of Friday, May 8.

Users are encouraged to practice social distancing minimums of at least 6 feet and follow the specific rules and guidelines for use posted at the parks and online at https://www.decatur-parks.org/dog-park/. We urge users to be respectful of others and make responsible choices while utilizing dog parks.

If you would like to purchase a dog park membership, complete the dog park registration form online. Drop form and payment off and pick up membership cards at the Decatur Indoor Sports Center (DISC) from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Monday – Friday.

The District continues to monitor the CDC, IDPH and Macon County Health Department for guidance on reopening additional park amenities. Open greenspace, parks and trails, golf courses, disc golf courses and tennis/pickleball courts continue to be accessible to the public at this time. Please note that users may find limited access to public restrooms and water fountains. Do not use parks or trails if you are exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms or been in contact with anyone experiencing symptoms.

This guidance is current as of today, but is a fluid and evolving situation changing by the day as incremental reopening guidelines are released.

We continue to urge everyone to keep abreast of the latest public health information via the CDC website at www.cdc.gov, Illinois Department of Public Health and the Macon County Health Department.

Please visit www.decatur-parks.org for activity and program news related to program and facility re-open updates.

5/5/20 UPDATE: Disc golf course, Tennis & Pickle Ball Courts to Re-Open May 6

The Decatur Park District will reopen the disc golf course in Nelson Park and all outdoor tennis and pickleball courts with restricted play rules as of Wednesday, May 6.

Players are encouraged to practice social distancing minimums of at least 6 feet and follow the specific rules and guidelines for play recommended by the United States Tennis Association, Disc Golf and Pickleball organizations listed on www.decatur-parks.org. We urge players to be respectful of others and make responsible choices while utilizing park courses and courts.

The District continues to monitor the CDC, IDPH and Macon County Health Department for guidance on reopening additional park amenities. Open greenspace, parks and trails continue to be accessible to the public at this time. Please note that users may find limited access to public restrooms and water fountains. Do not use parks or trails if you are exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms.

This guidance is current as of today, but is a fluid and evolving situation changing by the day as incremental reopening guidelines are released.

We continue to urge everyone to keep abreast of the latest public health information via the CDC website at www.cdc.gov, Illinois Department of Public Health and the Macon County Health Department.

Please visit www.decatur-parks.org for activity and program news related to program and facility re-open updates.

4/26/20 UPDATE: Restricted Golf Rules

For a full list of golf with restriction rules from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) click here.

With the precautions and operational restrictions outlined below, golf shall be permitted as a recreational activity, effective 6:00AM, May 1st, 2020. In addition to the general social distancing standards set forth in the Stay at Home Order, golf courses and golfers need to abide by the following controls.

Player Restrictions:
• Any players with any symptoms of COVID-19, should not play
• In addition, any players from a household with someone with symptoms of COVID-19 shouldnot play
• Golfers must walk and carry own clubs; no caddies.
• Bring your own supply of balls, tees, ball markers, and any other equipment needed to play golf.
• Insist on social distancing on tees, greens, and throughout the round
• Players shall maintain adequate physical distancing between other twosomes.
• Golfers should pick up their own ball
• Handle your own scorecard
• Bring your own water/sports drink, towel, and snack
• Do not use the public drinking fountain or ball cleaner
• Leave the flag in place while putting
• Sort out the sand in the bunker with a club
• Put on your golf shoes at your vehicle
• Bring hand sanitizer with you and use during your round and at the end
• No handshakes at the beginning of the round or at the 18th hole

 

4/24/20 UPDATE: Golf to Re-Open May 1

According to the Governor’s press release, beginning May 1 golf will be permitted under strict safety guidelines provided by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) and when ensuring that social distancing is followed.

As soon as these details are released, we will be preparing to follow them to allow safe play at our courses.

Tee times will be available for reservation beginning Monday, April 27th at 8:00 AM by calling either pro shop, (Hickory: 217-421-7444 or Red Tail: 217-422-2211)

3/30/20 UPDATE: Closure of Outdoor Courts

We can’t stress often enough, the importance of observing guidelines from the CDC, Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) and Macon County Health Department (Decatur, IL) during this health crisis.

Given the current situation and the guidance from public health officials on physical/social distancing, limiting in-person social interactions, avoiding spaces where people congregate in close quarters, and the concerns around transmission of the Coronavirus being spread through surfaces, all playgrounds, dog parks, golf courses, driving ranges, tennis, pickleball and basketball courts are temporarily closed in an effort to reduce community spread.

Currently, all parks, trails, and green spaces that provide adequate room for physical/social distancing are open for the public to use in responsible ways that protect public health.

3/20/20 UPDATE: Closure of Golf Courses, Playgrounds and Dog Parks.

In observation of Governor Pritzker’s Stay At Home Order and our continued efforts to protect the health and safety of our patrons and staff while monitoring the recent COVID-19 (coronavirus) outbreak, the Decatur Park District is closing its golf courses, dog parks and all public playgrounds on District property until further notice.

The District continues to press the public follow the CDC, IDPH and Macon County Health Department guidance on personal hygiene and to observe social distancing minimums of 6 feet at all times.

Open greenspace, parks and trails continue to be accessible to the public at this time. If anyone chooses to use parks and trails during the coronavirus outbreak, we urge them to be respectful of others and make responsible choices. Note that trail and park users may find limited access to public restrooms and water fountains. Do not use parks or trails if you are exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms.

This guidance is current as of today, but is a fluid and evolving situation changing by the hour.

We continue to urge everyone to keep abreast of the latest public health information via the CDC website at www.cdc.gov, Illinois Department of Public Health and the Macon County Health Department.

Please visit www.decatur-parks.org for activity and program news related to program suspensions and facility closure updates.

3/18/20 UPDATE: Restricting Offices to Essential Access Only

In its continued efforts to protect the health and safety of our patrons and staff while monitoring the recent COVID-19 (coronavirus) outbreak, the Decatur Park District is restricting District offices to essential access only.

This includes the Decatur Park District Administration offices, Poage Arts & Recreation offices and Scovill Zoo offices. The Decatur Airport office will be restricted; however, the terminal building is still open with flights running according to schedule. This is in addition to the announcement (3/17) of the closure of the DISC until further notice. The District’s golf courses at Red Tail Run and Hickory Point Golf Club remain open for play, but are not hosting any events or tournaments during this time.

There will be drop boxes for mail and paper registrations at the Administration office and Decatur Indoor Sports Center (DISC) available until 6 p.m. on weekdays. Staff is available by phone to answer questions at 217-422-5911, completing our “contact us form” at www.decatur-parks.org/contact/ or by email. Emergencies can still be reported

Early observations have shown that there has been a surge of public use of trails and open outdoor areas of parks. While we have closed facilities and canceled programs, we have not closed parks and trails at this time.

We recommend if anyone chooses to use the parks, playgrounds and trails during the coronavirus outbreak, we urge them to be respectful of others and make responsible choices. Observe social distancing minimums, follow the CDC, IDPH and Macon County Health Department guidance on personal hygiene.  People can carry the virus from 2-14 days without showing any symptoms and it can be shed and live on surfaces exposing others.

Note that trail and park users may find public restrooms closed — be prepared before you leave and time outings so that you are not dependent on public restrooms. Bring water or drinks — public drinking fountains may be disabled and should not be used, even if operable. Bring a suitable trash bag. Leave no trash, take everything out to protect park patrons and workers.

This guidance is current as of today, but is a fluid and evolving situation changing by the hour.

We continue to urge everyone to keep abreast of the latest public health information via the CDC website at www.cdc.gov, Illinois Department of Public Health and the Macon County Health Department.

Please visit www.decatur-parks.org for activity and program news related to program suspensions and facility closure updates.

3/17/20 UPDATE: DISC Closing to public

The Decatur Park District is committed to protecting the health and safety of our patrons and staff while monitoring the recent COVID-19 (coronavirus) outbreak. Due to Governor Pritzker’s Executive Order limiting crowd sizes to under 50, the Decatur Indoor Sports Center (DISC) will be closed to the public beginning Wednesday, March 18 until further notice.

“We have been vigilant with precautions to keep our patrons and employees safe while continuing to make our facility available for the community,” stated Bill Clevenger, Executive Director of the Decatur Park District. “It has reached a point that closing the DISC facility and Schools Out Day Camp is the right thing to do as the situation continues to evolve.”

DISC users and pass holders can call the DISC at 429-3472 with any questions. Decisions are still being reviewed regarding freezing and/or extending memberships.

We continue to urge everyone to keep abreast of the latest public health information via the CDC website at www.cdc.gov, Illinois Department of Public Health and the Macon County Health Department.

Please visit www.decatur-parks.org for activity and program news related to program suspensions and facility closure updates.

 

3/13/20 UPDATE: DISC offering Schools Out Day Camp during School Closures

The Decatur Park District is committed to protecting the health and safety of our patrons and staff while monitoring the recent COVID-19 (coronavirus) outbreak. Due to the State of Illinois mandate to close all k-12 schools and the increased demand it places on local families; we will be opening our Schools Out Day Camp at the Decatur Indoor Sports Center (DISC) in order to help meet the needs of our community.

Students aged 5-14 can be registered to attend Schools Out Day Camp online at www.decatur-parks.org, in person at the DISC or if a returning enrollment, registration can be completed over the phone by calling the DISC 217-429-3472. Scholarships are available for those who cannot pay for camp. Camp attendees will need to bring their own lunch. Attendance will be limited to 75 total participants per day with groups being divided into 3 different cohorts of 25 participants each.

“We realize we have an important role in slowing the spread of diseases and protecting vulnerable students and staff, but we also want to be part of the solution by providing students with a safe and healthy environment/place during this unprecedented time,” stated Bill Clevenger, Executive Director of the Decatur Park District.

In accordance with the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) recommendation, any child who has severe underlying chronic medical conditions that may put them at a higher risk for developing more serious complications from COVID-19 illness or are showing symptoms of illness should stay home.

We urge everyone to keep abreast of the latest public health information via the CDC website at www.cdc.gov, Illinois Department of Public Health and the Macon County Health Department.

Please visit www.decatur-parks.org for activity and program news related to program suspensions and facility closure updates.

Decatur Park District COVID-19 Response

The Decatur Park District is committed to protecting the health and safety of our patrons and staff. The District continues to monitor the recent COVID-19 (coronavirus) outbreak, along with the guidelines and safety information released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Illinois Department of Public Health, the Macon County Health Department and The Park District Risk Management Association (PDRMA).

In accordance with recent CDC and State of Illinois guidelines that have been released and supporting social distancing, we will be taking the following precautions:

• All group programming, classes, events, trips and tournaments hosted by the Decatur Park District are suspended until April 15. This includes: Midstate soccer, Perform! show (postponed until further notice), Little League baseball/softball, lacrosse, dance, volleyball, tumbling, pickleball tournament, special recreation association (SRA), seniors, umpire clinic, adult basketball and volleyball leagues, Greater Decatur Chorale and preschool programs.
• The Decatur Indoor Sports Center (DISC) will remain open for individual fitness access, but all group fitness classes and activities will be suspended until April 15.
• Our golf courses will remain open for golfers.
• In an effort to protect our seniors, all programming at the Scovill Activity Center will be suspended until April 15.
• The Decatur Airport follows the recommendations of the FAA and is currently operating flights as scheduled.
• All pavilion and facility rentals will be at the discretion of the renter. If you are renting from the Decatur Park District, you can choose to maintain your rental, reschedule your rental at no charge for another open date, or cancel your event for a full refund.
• All outdoor parks and facilities will remain on track for their opening date at this time.
• Our administrative office will remain open to continue fully serving our community.

We will be addressing all requests for refunds and credits due to our cancellation or postponement per program.

Rest assured; we will be continually monitoring the news as information develops on a daily basis for updated procedures that may need to be taken.

In order to help limit the spread of the virus, The Decatur Park District has implemented an accelerated cleaning regimen at all facilities.

For your personal safety and the safety of others, we ask that you refrain from visiting park areas and facilities if you and/or your immediate family are not feeling well or have travelled to an area that has had positive findings of COVID-19.

We urge you to keep abreast of the latest public health information via the CDC website at www.cdc.gov.

Please visit www.decatur-parks.org for activity and program suspension and facility closure updates.