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.