Decatur City Council Candidates Talk About Recreation

This question was created by Eisenhower High School students during Illinois Public Media’s YES! Civics: Youth Engagement Summit in Urbana on March 13th.

What can you do to bring more recreational activities to Decatur?

Shavon Francis: To create more recreational activities in Decatur we should work with the park district to refresh our current recreational spaces we have now, which usually are our local parks. I remember spending majority of my summers at the parks in my neighborhood. We need to fix up the older equipment and bring in new features. There has to be something people can come and see. This will attract more people to actually use the space. The more people we have using the spaces the best way to foster ideas. Once people know what they want, it's time to create actual programs. The programs must be targeted to what the citizens want. If people want to do yoga, play kickball, or ping pong they should be able to do this in their community. The programs could be hosted in the empty lots we have in the neighborhoods. We can repurpose the empty lots as recreational spaces. I think it would be amazing to experience an outdoor painting class or archery course in the inner city. Having different recreational activities in the residential areas will produce comfortable social hubs for each neighborhood.

Shelith Hansbro: The park district is doing a great job but there is more that can be done.    I am also a member of the Decatur Celebration Board of Directors. I am actively involved in bringing recreation and entertainment to our area.  However, surveying the community and involving young people will help us get a better understanding of what the community wants.

Rodney Walker: Since I have never done anything alone, (WE) must first understand the wants of our youth and continue to bridge the gap between the City and community through effective COMMUNICATION.  Fortunately I/We have been in a position to develop our youth through athletics and life training skills at SkyWalker International Sports Complex from ages 3 until high school. Also while being the varsity boys basketball coach and my wife being a teacher for over 15 years in the district, gives us a direct connect to our youth wants and needs. With the youth being our future, we are always looking for new outlets for our community.  Activities for social and educational purposes. Things that I’m excited about are: Intramural sports , Trade training and a multi purpose facility that has room for : Arcades, Go Karts, Jumping castles , Birthday party area, etc......I believe a idled mind is a devils play ground. As your future Councilman I will continue to assist in the positive growth and development of our youth. If there’s one future Councilman that has been in tuned with the youth , it’s Rodney SKY Walker! Bless you all️.

Mary Watkins: In the City of Decatur there are several activities for people to enjoy from various age groups. We have the Overlook Adventure park, Spare Time Lanes Family Fun center, Rock Springs Conservation area and Nature center, Scovill Zoo, Children's Museum of Illinois, Decatur YMCA, Decatur Indoor Sports Center ( DISC), Avon Theater. These are just a few good activities in our community.

As your city councilman I would continue the Intergovernmental cooperation with our Parks and Recreation to encourage them to continue to invest in our community with more Activities and Entertainment for all ages.

Note: All council candidates were reached out to. Three did not respond.