Gardens

Anna Bethel Fisher Rock Garden

Enjoy the tranquility of the gardens alongside Lake Decatur with a visit to the Anna Bethel Fisher Rock Garden. Built in 1927, the garden was renovated in 1992. Today, the area is home to stately cypress trees that provide shade for a variety of flowering plants nestled among the boulders. A waterfall was built and dedicated in 2006. The Anna Bethel Fisher Rock Garden, located in Nelson Park, is open from 7:30 a.m. until dusk in season.

Scovill Oriental Garden

This beautiful Chinese-inspired garden was built by Guy and Rose Scovill in the 1920’s and ’30s. In 1948, the Scovill Family deeded their farm to the Decatur Park District. Today, the garden also features the Wikoff Oriental Garden Terrace. Located in Scovill Park (71 S. Country Club Rd.), the garden is open from 7:30 until dusk.

Scovill Sculpture Park

The Decatur Parks Foundation, along with the Decatur Park District, Children’s Museum of Illinois, Decatur Area Arts Council, and Neuhoff Media, began conversations in October 2015 for an exciting, accessible, outdoor art development
in Scovill Park. Shortly thereafter, the idea was proposed to a private philanthropist, who invested $250,000 to fund the project in its entirety.

The Scovill Sculpture Park lies between Scovill Zoo and the Children’s Museum of Illinois. Every year, the zoo hosts 100,000 visitors, and the Children’s Museum of Illinois sees 65,000.  We hope that these visitors, and many more, will take advantage of the unique, thought-provoking sculptures positioned along 800’ of walkways connecting the zoo and Children’s Museum.  If you haven’t yet visited the Sculpture Park, stop by! This beautiful venue is free and open year-round.

Schaub Floral Display Center, Greenhouse & Memorial Garden

Located in Sportsman’s Park (3415 E. Lost Bridge Rd.), the Schaub Floral Display Center & Greenhouse features beautiful
seasonal plantings and serves as the propagation and storage center for trees, shrubs and flowers planted in parks across
our community. The center and greenhouse were made possible through grants and a generous gift from the former Lindsay-Schaub newspapers, along with Robert D. Schaub, whose grandfather, Howard C. Schaub, was the first president of the Decatur Park Board of Commissioners. In 2013, Alesia and Howard Schaub made a gift of $50,000 to create an outdoor garden in memory of Norma Schaub that is now a destination place for small gatherings, photo opportunities, and weddings. Hours are 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. daily.

For more information about the center, including volunteer opportunities, please call 421-7550.

Gazebo Garden

The flowers bloom from May 1st through the season’s first frost. Situated among towering trees and beautiful flower beds, the gazebo is a popular site for weddings. Call 421-7435 for information about reserving the gazebo.

Fairview Park Rose Garden

The rose garden in Fairview Park has benefited from the generosity of the Morey family. Horticulture staff has renovated
and restored the garden that now includes roses, low hedges, and a variety of Ball Seed Company flowers cultivated at the Schaub Floral Display Center greenhouse.