The Lake Services Section is responsible for operating and maintaining Lake Decatur. This includes shoreline erosion control and stabilization, debris removal, mowing of city property adjacent to the lake, maintenance of public boat ramps, Lake Patrol (which enforces City Code Chapter 66, Regulation of Lake Decatur), lake special events, and dredging operations.
The Lake Section supports large, free public events held in Nelson Park and Lake Decatur each year including the Fourth of July Celebration.
The City’s 2014 through 2019 dredging project removed lake sediment from Basins 1, 2, 3 & 4. 11,110,991 cubic yards of material (or 6,887 acre feet) was dredged to increase the lake’s storage capacity by 30%.
Lake Office
(Located in Nelson Park)
1101 S. Lake Front Rd., Decatur, IL 62521
(217) 424-2837
Lake Patrol Hours of Operation:
| Monday | 7am-3:30pm |
| Tuesday | 7am-3:30pm |
| Wednesday | 7am-3:30pm |
| Thursday | 7am-3:30pm |
| Friday | 7am-3:30pm |
Gas Sales (Boat) Hours of Operation:
(Pump located next to Nelson Park boat ramp)
| CLOSED FOR THE SEASON |
2023 Lake Events
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| OCTOBER 2023 | |
| Maroa Forsyth High School Bass Tournament | 14th, 15th |
| Shoreline Classic | 1st |
| Springfield Crappie Club | 14th |
| NOVEMBER 2023 | |
| Springfield Crappie Club | 4th |
