Nelson Park — Attraction in Decatur

We went to the playground/ put-put golf/ ropes course area. It was a fun day. We started with the put- put area the holes were fun, well laid out, and challenging enough even for the adults. But still quite easy enough for my six year old.

The ropes course was fun. 3 stories with 12-20 different types of crossings. Everything was extremely safe. Almost to the point of taking any fear out of it. That's my only ding. If you're a thill seeker, this won't tick many boxes for you. I'm an acrophobic. I still had no issues being on the third story or going on the zip line. It felt that safe. So a great place to introduce some one to the thrill of a ropes course. But without scaring them to where they don't want to try one more dedicated to thrills. Quite a fun time.

My wife took my son to the playground area while I was on the ropes course with my 15 yo daughter and her friend. My son had a ball. Quite an expensive playground. Lots to do so no kids will be waiting to do something. There were 30 or more kids on the thing the day we were there. And everyone was totally engaged and having a blast. Great place. We would definitely go back there if we get out...

One of the few places dtown has not trashed..... Lake Decatur borders two of Decatur's largest parks, Faries Park and Nelson Park, as well as Scovill Zoo. The Decatur Park District was founded in 1924 to take advantage of the opportunities arising from the creation of the lake.

Lake Decatur can be seen from U.S. Highway 36, which crosses the lake on a causeway bridge located on Decatur's southeast side. U.S. Route 51 also crosses the lake on the south side of the city.

City registration is required to boat on the lake: as of April 2010, day passes can be purchased in the Lake Patrol office in Nelson Park. Lake Patrol can also provide maps to the lake, along with rules information and fishing regulations. The Lake Patrol office is only open during regular business hours Monday through Friday in off-peak months but is staffed 24/7 during peak summer months. Many people fish on the lake, catching bass, crappie, and walleye. There are 5 public boat ramps located in Nelson Park, Faries Park, at the Sportsman's Club, on Lost Bridge and...

I really like the outdoor exercise equipment they have set up here. It’s called the Decatur Memorial Hospital Fitness Station, so I’m guessing it was DMH that paid for this. Unlike at Fairview Park, this fitness station is set up far away from a kids playground. There have often been kids around when I’ve been to the adult workout equipment at Fairview, and while kids are fine, I’d prefer for them to play on the kids’ equipment and let me workout. There’s a huge variety of outdoor equipment. Pull up/chin up bars, parallel bars, and loads of other things. I also like the platforms of varying heights, which I use to do step-ups. The park district here does a pretty good job as far...