Parks Foundation
About Us
The Decatur Parks Foundation is an integral component of the Decatur Park District. Through the work of committed directors, the Foundation enhances park and recreation projects and programs through private and corporate support.
The Decatur Parks Foundation appreciates the generosity of the individuals and corporations that have made the following projects possible:
- Anna Bethel Fisher Rock Garden
- Big Creek Riding Center Renovation (2008)
- Decatur Park District Bike Trail System
- Dreamland Lake
- Fairview Park Rose Garden (2008)
- Fido Fields Dog Park (2007)
- Project Playground
- Project Playground Phase II
- Rotary Park
- Schaub Floral Display Center
- Scovill Zoo Shilling Environmental Education Center
- Scovill Zoo Endangered Species Carousel
- Scovill Zoo Zebra Exhibit (2007)
- Ursula Beck Tennis Center
- Wikoff Oriental Garden at Scovill Park
FOUNDATION DIRECTORS
Judith Locke, President
Erv Arends
Dale Arnold
Dr. Wendell Becton
Cindy Black
Brian Byers
Cindy A. Deadrick
Kara Demirjian-Huss
Larry Foster
Dr. Stephen Huss
Kara Johnston
Jack Kenny
Don Luy
Patrick Mohan
James Neff
Pete Paulin
Chris Riley
Cyndy Smith
Mark Tupper
Dr. William Van Alstine
Kathy Wiesemann
2008 Scovill Zoo Open 
Calling all golfers! Don’t miss the 2008 Scovill Zoo Open, an annual Decatur Parks Foundation fundraiser to benefit Scovill Zoo! The event will take place on Monday, April 28 at Red Tail Run Golf Club by Raymond Floyd, with a shotgun start at 12:30 p.m.
A pig roast catered by Great Boars of Fire and sponsored by Refreshment Services Pepsi will follow at 5:30 p.m. Entries are still available for teams of four; fee is $600.00. This year’s Zoo Open is being held in memory of Harriett Crannell, Millikin University’s first women’s basketball coach and a long-time, dedicated zoo volunteer. Millikin University Golf Team alumni will hit shots on par 3’s and long drives. To receive a team entry form, contact Rick Anderson, Decatur Park District Director of Golf, at 421-7468.
SUPPORT THE FOUNDATION
Please consider a gift to the Decatur Parks Foundation. You can help perpetuate the park tradition by remembering the parks and their impact on Decatur's quality of life as you consider your holiday giving. Together we will make a difference for today, tomorrow and the future. Donations may be mailed to: Decatur Parks Foundation, 620 E. Riverside Dr., Decatur, IL 62521. For more information, please call 422-5911.
Thank you to the following donors who have made gifts to the Foundation
(Annual Appeal and gifts since January 1, 2008):
Larry & Dheena Altenbaumer
Erv & Linda Arends
Duane & Joan Avis
Paul & Macy Barnett
Ritchie & Sandra Barnett
Charles & Mary Bayless
Kirk & Belva Joan Beyers
William & Marilyn Blank
Blank, Wesselink, Cook & Assoc.
Wayne & Mildred Bohlen
Douglas & Amanda Bowling
David & Kelly Brandon
David Brinkoetter
G.W. & Barbara Broadbear
Rod & Jane Bussell
Andrew & Staci Burtschi
Elaine Clark
Bill & Candi Clevenger
Craig Culp
Cynthia A. Deadrick
Dr. Jan Devore
Howard & Betty Dunham
Bill & Nancy Eichenauer
Dean & Lisa Engelman
Thomas & Shelly Faught
Warren & Mary Lou Ferriell
Jim & Betty Fletcher
Ed & Penny Flynn
Larry Foster
Ms. Jean and Ms. Sybil Foster
James & Cynthia Fuller
Dan & Lisa Gillen
Stephen Graliker
Bert Gray and Kathy Merner
Betty Hendrickson
Tom & Barbara Hostetler
Cynthia Hughes
John & Heather Hunter
Dr. Stephen & Carol Huss
David & Joan Jack
Dr. Bret & Tracey Jerger
Dunker Electric Supply
Joseph & Sue Kunzeman
Lamb Family & King-Lar Company
Christopher & Lisa Lange
Mark & Robin Leighton
Ray & Frances Livasy
Dr. Larry Livingston
Dr. Dick & Judy Locke
Dr. Jon & Kathy Locke
Jack & Barbara McCoy
Doug & Marcia Millar
Walter & Dorothy Morey
Thom & Judy Moss
Everett & Nikki Nicholas
Mark & Barbara O'Connor
Dr. Richard & Phyllis Pacholski
Mr. and Mrs. Jesse Parsons
Matthew & Laura Philips
Michael & Michelle Pierantoni
Roberta Pilcher
Mr. and Mrs. Leo Pondelick
Dr. William & Connie Requarth
Scott & Kimberly Roberts
Rodney T. Miller Foundation
Dr. Derin & Donna Rominger
Paul & Verlyn Rosenberger
Sandemac Kennel Club
Louis & Amy Sedivy
Bob & Lucy Smith
Cyndy Smith
Jim & Pamela Stewart
Herbert & Sharon Thompson
Richard & Judith Tilton
Vern & Joanne Torrens
David Turner
R. Lynn & Mary Turner
Frank Tyrolt
Richard & Nancy Waltermeyer
Bob & Kathy Wiesemann
Andrew & Esther Young
World Golf Foundation
Living Tribute Program
Honor a loved one or commemorate a special event by having a tree planted through the Park Foundation's Living Tribute Program. With your $500 donation, the Park District will plant and permanently care for your tree. In addition, you will be presented with a Living Tribute Certificate and a map highlighting the location of your tree. Select from a variety of trees: Red Maple, Norway Maple, Red Oak, or Dogwood. The Living Tribute Program offers a natural gift that will beautify Decatur's parks for the entire community to enjoy.
Park Bench Recognition Memorials
This special program is the perfect way to honor a loved one or commemorate a special event. With your donation of $750, an attractive, 6-foot bench will be placed in a Decatur park, complete with a plaque inscribed with your message or loved one's name. Your donation will make a lasting memory while providing park visitors a comfortable place to sit and enjoy the beauty of their surroundings.
Beautiful memorial benches provide a relaxing place to enjoy nature and commemorate an occasion or remember a loved one.
Projects
Project Playground - Phase II
The Decatur Parks Foundation is currently seeking funds to replace the popular Project Playground structure adjacent to Scovill Zoo. Constructed in 1991 with generous donations form many local organizations and service oups, Project Playground has been enjoyed by over 100,000 children and families each year. 
Over the years, playground design and materials have evolved and the current wooden structure must be updated to meet both safety and ADA requirements. The proposed new playground is comprised of sturdy steel and fiberglass components, with ramps to lead children to various towers featuring play panels and other imaginative games. The playground area will be equipped with standard and handicapped-accessible swings and will feature a modular climbing wall to build children's upper body strength. A synthetic rubber material will be utilized for the playground's base for ease of mobility for wheelchairs and walkers alike.
With a total estimated cost of over $300,000, the project will be assembled largely by Park District staff to help minimize expenses. The original Project Playground was a community effort, and we are hopeful the same individuals and organizations will beinterested in making financial and in-kind donations to support the exciting new structure. Park Board Commissioner Don Luy will be spearheading the effort to encourage community interest and involvement.
Project Playground is a unique, very popular play facility that has become a destination point for area families and schools. For more information, or to become involved with this exciting project, please contact Jim Kiefer, Decatur Park District Director of Operations, at 422-5911.
Fido Fields Dog Park 
If you’re seeking a fun new place to exercise your pet, visit Fido Fields in Decatur’s Fairview Park! This 2.5-acre, fenced recreational space is designed to provide an exercise area for dogs and an opportunity for socialization for their owners. Fido Fields features an electronic, double-gated entrance with separate play areas for large and small dogs. Security and maintenance of the facility are provided by the Park District.
The dog park committee, comprised of committed pet owners, needs your help! While generous sponsors and donors have already come forward, many needs remain. $500.00 will secure a Paw Paver with the donor’s name; $85,000.00 will establish Bark Park naming rights! For more information about making a donation to this exciting new pet play place, call the Decatur Park District at 422-5911.