SR1164 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR1164 LRB103 42333 ECR 75557 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, For a century, the Decatur Park District has served the Decatur community by offering green spaces, recreational activities, and opportunities for people of all ages; and

WHEREAS, The Decatur Park District is a unit of local government founded in 1924, with the aid of a donation from the Faries family, and the District has since evolved to include parks, activity centers, a zoo, an airport, and other facilities; and

WHEREAS, Decatur Park District facilities now include an administrative office, the Decatur Airport, the Decatur Indoor Sports Center, the Fairview Tennis Center, Hickory Point Golf Course, the Scovill Activity Center, Overlook Adventure Park, the Poage Arts & Recreation Center, Red Tail Run Golf Club by Raymond Floyd, the Schaub Floral Display Center, the Devon G. Buffett Lakeshore Amphitheater, Splash Cove Aquatic Center, and the Scovill Zoo; and

WHEREAS, Millions of people have utilized Decatur Park District facilities; since 1961, people have played nine million rounds of golf, and since 1967, more than four million people have visited the Scovill Zoo; and

WHEREAS, Recent grants and donations have allowed the Decatur Park District to make major renovations; the Scovill Zoo recently started work on a new puma exhibit, Garfield Park is planned to be renovated, and the District plans to build a new playground, a new pavilion, a new parking lot, and an interactive ball wall; and

WHEREAS, The members of the Board of Commissioners that govern the Decatur Park District include Chris Harrison, Stacey Young, Bob Brilley II, Dr. Kristin White, and Shelith Hansbro; and

WHEREAS, The Decatur Park District employs approximately 100 full-time employees and 500 part-time and seasonal employees; and

WHEREAS, The mission of the Decatur Park District is to enrich the community's quality of life, health and wellness, education, and economic vitality by providing outstanding parks, facilities, and recreational opportunities; and

WHEREAS, The Decatur Park District is celebrating its 100th anniversary with a year-long series of exciting events and activities, including a community breakfast, the "Hardy's Highway…Race For the Lake" powerboat racing event, and a Wings and Wheels event at the Decatur Airport featuring live music, a car and plane show. fireworks and more; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate the Decatur Park District on its 100-year anniversary; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the Decatur Park District as a symbol of our esteem and respect.