May 5, 2026 – The Decatur Park District has officially broken ground on a transformative new facility designed to serve the community’s growing population of older adults. “The Clubhouse at Scovill Acres,” located at Scovill Park West, will be a dedicated Senior Center Activity Center for residents age 55 and older—reimagined as a vibrant, welcoming space built around connection, activity, and independence.
Leaders say the name itself reflects that vision.
“When people hear the word ‘clubhouse,’ they think about a place to gather, a place to relax and a place to be active,” said Clay Gerhard, executive director of the Park District.
The $10.3 million project represents a significant expansion—growing from the current 7,000-square-foot facility to nearly 37,000 square feet, about five times larger. The investment is backed by a mix of state funding, local support, and private donations, including $2.8 million in state grant funding, and a $1.5 million contribution from the Andreas Foundation.
The need for the new facility is clear. According to the U.S. Department on Aging, adults age 55 and older are expected to outnumber those under 18 nationwide by 2040. Locally, that shift is already being felt.
“Our community is changing,” Gerhard said. “Adults 55 and older now represent nearly one-third of the population, and that number continues to grow.”
Participation in programs has surged in recent years, with many reaching capacity and creating waiting lists due to limited space. The new clubhouse aims to meet that demand while also addressing a broader issue: social isolation among older adults, which research links to declines in mental and physical health.
Once complete, the facility will go far beyond a traditional senior center. It will feature dedicated spaces for fitness, crafts, billiards, and social gatherings, along with rooms for card games, a walking track, pickleball courts, and a golf simulator—along with flexible spaces designed to support a wide range of programming.
The center will also continue to provide essential services such as a congregant meal, transportation assistance, Medicare counseling, and access to community resources—all aimed at helping older adults remain independent longer.
City leaders say the project reflects a broader shift in how communities support aging populations—focusing on wellness, engagement, and quality of life.
Construction is expected to begin soon, with the Clubhouse at Scovill Acres projected to open by late summer 2027.
