Big Creek Riding Center

The Decatur Park District's Big Creek Riding Center features horse boarding (50+ stalls) and indoor/outdoor show facilities, as well as picturesque, wooded riding trails.

Over the years, the Center has offered horse boarding, trail rides, riding lessons, Special Olympics events, lead-arounds, birthday parties, and field trips for visitors of all ages. The District has expanded the number of shows to include not only breed shows, but also rodeos, team penning, Special Olympics, and open shows. Big Creek is a quality equestrian facility that has provided numerous activities and programs to Decatur area residents.

revitalization under way

After facing the possibility of closure in the fall of 2007, Big Creek is being revitalized through the cooperative efforts of the Decatur Park District and the Big Creek Community Advisory Committee. Made up of concerned citizens, the Big Creek Community Advisory Committee was formed in September of 2007 to assess the feasibility of continuing to operate Big Creek as an equine facility.  After an extensive review of the operation’s financials and the regional market for boarding and shows, the committee made five recommendations to the Decatur Park Board – including that Big Creek remain open as a boarding and show facility, and that it form a cooperative agreement with a manager to capitalize on the strengths of each.  

The Park District continues to work with the Big Creek Community Advisory Committee to secure a landscape architect who will develop a long-term site plan for the facility. Renovations to the main barn have begun, including new stall fronts and rubber stallmats, restroom remodeling, and a new arena drag. Dust control products are being evaluated. New lighting in the indoor arena will be installed this spring, the outside of the building will be painted, and a new sign welcoming visitors and customers alike will soon be in place.

Big Creek spring Cleaning Day- april 12

The Park District and the Big Creek Community Advisory Committee have received inquiries from many community members who would like to help. A “Big Creek Spring Cleaning” day has been scheduled for April 12, starting at 8 a.m. Tasks include general cleaning of the grounds and barns, as well as some painting, fence repair and trail clearing. Lunch will be provided. Volunteers interested in helping are encouraged to contact the Park District at 217/422-5911 or jkiefer@decparks.com to sign up.

Interim manager hired - permanent proprietor sought

The Decatur Park District has hired an interim manager to operate Big Creek Riding Center while the search for a permanent proprietor continues. Charles (Chuck) Reynolds of Decatur is on-site and available to work with boarders and schedule events. Chuck has boarded horses and participated in events at Big Creek for nearly 10 years. His knowledge of the facility and the local horse community will greatly benefit the facility during this rebuilding phase.

The Decatur Park District continues to seek an energetic, entrepreneurial individual to manage Big Creek Riding Center. Qualified applicants should have extensive experience and/or education in the equestrian field as well as a strong business background and excellent customer service skills.  To apply for the Big Creek Manager position click here for the Request for Proposal.

2008 show schedule

The Decatur Park District encourages show groups to apply for dates on the 2008 Big Creek show schedule. For more information, please contact Jim Kiefer, Director of Operations, at 217/422-5911.

bike trails

Discover Decatur’s natural treasures in the abundant woodlands and rolling meadows of the Park District’s trail system. The trailways wind through Fairview Park, cross Stevens Creek, trace the historic Interurban Railway, wrap around Kiwanis Park to Lincoln Park Drive, and end at Macon County Conservation District’s Rock Springs Environmental Center. The trail follows natural greenways like the Sangamon River and Stevens Creek, allowing walkers and bikers to escape the urban environment and enjoy nature.

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