The enhancement of Decatur’s lakefront (Nelson Park basin) has been identified as a community priority since 1978, when it was included in the Park District’s Master Plan. Additional plans in the years to follow included the Chamber of Commerce Sangamon River Restoration Plan (1991), the Lohan Associates Lake Development Study (1993), the Sangamon River Greenway Study (1995), the 1996 Park District Master Plan, the 1998 Decatur Metro Area Greenway Plan, and the 2004 Park District Master Plan.

Goals for the current project led by AECOM are to provide a unique venue for open space and entertainment, to optimize and enhance community access to the lake, to provide linkages from Nelson Park to Scovill Park, and to create lakefront activities that will promote multi-generational and multi-seasonal use.

With leadership from the Decatur Park District and City of Decatur, as well as input from the community at large, AECOM is charged with completing a comprehensive plan that will attract visitors, spur economic development, and improve quality of life for all in the greater Decatur area.

Preliminary Design Concepts

Click on the link below to view the preliminary master plan that was presented at the lakefront meeting on August 10, 2010.
Preliminary Master Plan

Click on the links below to review the 2 new design concepts presented at the lakefront meeting on May 11, 2010.
Arboretum Village Concept
Adventure Fitness Concept

Click on the links below to review the original 3 design concepts presented on March 31, 2010.
Project Process
Passive Concept
Lakeside Village Concept
Adventure Fitness Concept