October 21, 2026 – The Howard G. Buffett Foundation is gifting $7.685 million to the Decatur Park District for a major expansion and series of improvements at The Devon Lakeshore Amphitheater, including additional lawn seating, improved accessibility, new concession and restroom facilities, expanded artist support space and a video system.
The Park District announced the gift, saying the investment will increase the venue’s capacity, improve the experience for concertgoers and help attract nationally recognized performers.
The project includes approximately 1,600 additional seats in the lawn section and a new accessible, at-grade entrance connecting the upper parking lot directly to the lawn. The entrance is intended to improve access for guests with varying mobility needs while addressing demand for accessible seating.
A new concession and restroom building will also be constructed near the lawn seating area to accommodate larger audiences and provide additional amenities.
The expansion will include improvements to facilities used by performers and production crews. Expanded dressing rooms and green room facilities, along with a new artist support building, will provide additional space for catering, meetings and other production needs associated with larger touring acts.
The project also calls for a video system featuring large video walls on both sides of the stage and professional camera equipment. The system is intended to give concertgoers a closer view of performances, particularly those seated farther from the stage. The video system is expected to be operational for the start of the 2027 concert season.
Construction of three new support buildings and the expanded lawn seating area is scheduled to take place throughout 2027, with completion anticipated before the start of the 2028 season.
Decatur Park District Executive Director Clay Gerhard said the foundation’s support has had a significant impact on the district and the community.
“We cannot adequately express our gratitude to the Howard G. Buffett Foundation for this extraordinary gift and its continued generosity toward The Devon, the Decatur Park District, and our entire community,” Gerhard said.
“The Foundation has once again demonstrated an incredible commitment to making Decatur a better place to live, work, play, and visit. When you look at the remarkable projects the Foundation has made possible over the years, the impact is truly extraordinary. These are investments that have fundamentally transformed our facilities, enriched the lives of countless families, and created experiences that simply would not have been possible without their generosity. We are exceptionally fortunate to have a philanthropic partner with such a profound and lasting commitment to our community.”
The foundation previously funded construction of The Devon G. Buffett Lakeshore Amphitheater and has also supported numerous improvements at Scovill Zoo.
Decatur Park Board President Chris Harrison said the amphitheater has grown into a regional destination, drawing visitors from Central Illinois, neighboring states and beyond.
“The Devon has become much more than a concert venue. It is a regional destination that attracts visitors from throughout Central Illinois, surrounding states, and beyond. Those visitors support our hotels, restaurants, gas stations, and local businesses, making The Devon an important economic driver for Decatur,” Harrison said.
“This remarkable gift will allow us to build upon that success, attract even larger performers, and provide an exceptional entertainment experience for generations to come. The Howard G. Buffett Foundation’s generosity is not simply an investment in facilities; it is an investment in Decatur’s future, and for that, we are deeply grateful.”
The Park District expects some visible construction activity and occasional minor inconveniences during the 2027 concert season. Officials say they will work with contractors to minimize disruptions while continuing to host concerts.
“Meaningful progress sometimes requires a little patience along the way,” Gerhard said. “We will be balancing an active concert season with a significant construction project, and there may be times when guests notice the work taking place around them. We appreciate everyone’s patience and understanding as we make these exciting improvements. The temporary inconveniences of 2027 will lead to an even more remarkable Devon experience in 2028 and for many years to come.”
The Park District said construction schedules remain subject to weather conditions and other factors that could affect the timeline.
