June 21, 2022 – The Decatur City Council has designated the green space at the 300th block of North Water St as Preston Jackson park.
The green space downtown Decatur between William St. and North St. will now be known as Preston Jackson Park following a unanimous vote from the Decatur City Council. Jackson is a native of Decatur who grew up here and has since established himself as a successful sculptor and teacher. One of his sculptures is currently on display in the middle of the green space – now named the Preston Jackson Park. A formal park dedication will be planned for a later date.
The Council also accepted a bid for interior modifications of the second floor of the Decatur Public Library, which will ultimately support workforce development for the community. The contract with Interior Specialty Construction, Inc. of Decatur, IL will fund the addition of classrooms, offices, and other improvements.
The project is supported by Workforce Investment Solutions and Richland Community College, and is synergistic with earlier council decisions to co-locate a future Thinkwell Makerspace, Project Read Plus, and the offices of the Community Investment Corporation of Decatur all together in the library building. All of the agencies are to use the new classrooms and offices. Funding for these improvements comes from American Rescue Plan (ARP) revenues.
Also on Monday night, the City Council approved an agreement with Teska Associates, Inc. for the Jasper Street Corridor Great Streets, Great Neighborhoods Plan. The background of this project was discussed with City Council and the public during the June 13, 2022 study session. The total funding of this project will come from Decatur Urbanized Area Transportation Study (DUATS) planning funds. Teska will also assist with financial plans, including grant opportunities for implementing final recommendations.
In addition to investing in infrastructure and neighborhoods, the Mayor and City Council approved an agreement with the Tjaty Group to implement a youth leadership, intervention, and development program, which will be managed by Kyle Risby. The program will target young people in 6th through 8th grades in Decatur, with the goal of changing behaviors to mitigate disharmony and violence in the community. It begins summer 2022.
