All Together for The Alligators

All Together for the Alligators!

Help Scovill Zoo develop the expansion and improvement of the alligator exhibit and holding building.

All Donations Matter! With the help of a generous donor, each dollar will be matched up to $250,000!

How to Donate

• donation box at the zoo alligator exhibit
• Online at decatur-parks.org (Click HERE!)
• Purchase a T-shirt (available in November)
• Mailing a check to the Decatur Parks Foundation
• In-person at the Decatur Park District Administration office or Scovill Zoo
• Over the phone by calling 217-422-5911

Click here to view G and Elle’s swim at Splash Cove!

Zoorific Evening at Scovill Zoo

Zoorific Evening Benefiting Scovill Zoo

September 16, 2023 at 5 p.m.

Exclusive Animal Encounters, Food from Bistro Five Thirty Seven, Beer & Wine, Live & Silent Auction with can’t miss items!
Tickets are $100 per person and can be purchased HERE! 

For tickets and sponsorship information, call the Decatur Parks Foundation at 217-422-5911.

Click here for sponsorship information!

Sponsor A Bench

Through the Memorial Program, you have the opportunity to dedicate a bench or tree at a Decatur Park District park or facility. Memorial benches and trees have become an increasingly popular way to remember and pay tribute to loved ones while also making a meaningful contribution to the community. The Decatur Parks Foundation’s Memorial Program honors significant loved ones and memories in a way that all park and facility patrons can enjoy. Your tax-deductible contribution supports the Decatur Parks Foundation’s work as the 501(c)3 partner of the Decatur Park District, and its mission to enhance park and recreation projects.

Commemorative Bench

A bench is the perfect way to commemorate a birth, anniversary, special event, or the passing of a loved one in a special, unique way. Their legacy lives on because of a commemorative park bench, installed in a public place for all to see, take notice, and remember. Each donor bench will include a 2”x10” cast bronze plaque which allows you to memorialize a person, place or date. Plaques larger than this size will have an increased plaque price.

Commemorative Tree

Planting a tree as a commemorative gift is a thoughtful way to allow the memory of someone special to live on for generations. Staff will provide a list of trees acceptable for planting in our parks and will work with you in selecting the appropriate tree and park location for your donation. Certain tree species are preferred due to their adaptability to our climate and maintenance requirements.

Program Information

Once a bench or tree is donated it becomes the property of the Decatur Park District. The Parks Foundation is not responsible for the replacement of any damaged or deteriorated benches or trees and the Park District reserves the right to remove them as needed. The Park District also does not guarantee the lifespan of a bench or a tree. When the lifespan of a bench or tree has been reached and requires replacement, the donor will have the opportunity to fund a new bench or tree at the current replacement costs. If the donor chooses not to replace the bench, it will be made available for a new donor. Final tree selection/bench placement will be determined by Decatur Park District  staff. The Decatur Parks Foundation will work with you and the Decatur Park District to choose your park location and identify the perfect on-site spot for installation. Some restrictions apply.

Your support of the Foundation and its projects will enable us to improve the quality of life for all in our community. To get started, contact Aly Delatte at adelatte@decparks.com for inquiries.

Herpaquarium Renovations

The Herpaquarium is now open at Scovill Zoo!

We are excited to provide new state of the art habitats for the reptiles and amphibians that call Scovill Zoo home, with a spectacular viewing experience for the guests of the Zoo!
Special thanks to the family of Robert and Louise Bear for the generous donation that made the renovations possible.
Come visit Scovill Zoo’s newest addition, open daily.

 

 

Zoo-rific Tickets on Sale!

A Zoorific Evening is back in 2022 and we couldn’t be more excited! The Decatur Parks Foundation is hosting a Zoorific Evening on September 10th, beginning at 5 p.m. at Scovill Zoo. We invite you to take in the beautiful aviary exhibits and enjoy all of the sights and experiences Scovill Zoo can offer.  The evening will include food, drink, animal encounters, train rides, live music as well as silent and live auctions items.   We hope you can join us for Zoorific, Flight of Fancy, for an unforgettable evening at Scovill Zoo.

Tickets are $75.00 and all proceeds benefit Scovill Zoo. For more information, call the Foundation office at 422-5911. It’s all happening on September 10th at 5 p.m. — reserve your ticket today.

To purchase tickets: https://www.etix.com/ticket/p/7375212/zooriffic-eveningflight-of-fancy-decatur-the-devon-lakeshore-amphitheater

Can’t make it to the event? Simply donate by donating online at behindeveryexperience.com

Follow Decatur Parks Foundation for news and updates or contact Foundation Director, Aly Delatte with questions.

2020 People’s Choice Award

2020 People’s Choice Award – Vote for your favorite sculpture!

The winning artist will receive an award of $2,500! What’s in it for you? Two randomly selected people will win $250! Contest limited to one entry per person. People’s Choice selection will be made from all entries submitted by October 30. Questions regarding this survey may be directed to the Decatur Parks Foundation 217-422-5911 or Foundation@decparks.com.

Click HERE to take the Survey!

Pave The Way – Scovill Zoo Nature Pavers

PAVE THE WAY. SCOVILL ZOO NATURE PAVERS!

Construction of the Nature Paver Plaza at Scovill Zoo is complete and ready for your special paver to be inserted!

A commemorative paver can be purchased in honor or memory of a loved one, to commemorate a special occasion, or simply proclaim your family’s love for the zoo.

Three types of bricks are available:

  1. 3” x 12”             2 lines with 16 characters on each line            $100
  2. 6” x 12”             3 lines with 16 characters on each line            $150
  3. 12” x 12”         4 lines with 16 characters on each line              $250

All text will be in capital letters and centered on the paver. If you are interested in multiple pavers, please purchase each one individually. The 12” x 12” paver has space for an image or logo (additional cost applies).

Orders Due February 28!

Click here to download a Nature Paver Purchase Form or purchase your nature paver online below. Please refer questions to Jill Applebee at the Decatur Parks Foundation: 217-422-5911 or japplebee@decparks.com. View the Nature Paver flyer for more information.

Click HERE to purchase online!