New ‘Clubhouse at Scovill Acres’ breaks ground, expanding services for Decatur seniors

DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) — A long-awaited project aimed at keeping older adults active, connected and supported is officially moving forward in Decatur.

Leaders broke ground on the new senior facility, now named the Clubhouse at Scovill Acres, marking what officials call a major investment in the community’s growing population of residents age 55 and older.

The new clubhouse will replace and expand on existing services offered through the park district programming.

“This is certainly a project that has long been in the making,” one park district official said during the groundbreaking. “It’s something very exciting and very much a need in the community.”

The facility will sit at Scovill Park West and is designed to be much more than a traditional senior center. Leaders intentionally chose the name “clubhouse” to reflect a welcoming, active environment focused on connection rather than age.

“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 Decatur Park District.

The $10.3 million project will be roughly five times larger than the current facility, growing from about 7,000 square feet to nearly 37,000 square feet.

State and local leaders helped secure millions in funding, including $2.8 million in state grant support and an additional $500,000 secured through legislative efforts.

"I have to give a big thank you to my peers at the Capitol who voted for the budget to give this money to our community," said State Rep. Sue Scherer (D).

Community partnerships and private donations have also played a major role in bringing the project to life. During Tuesday's ceremony, the Decatur Park District announced that the Andreas Foundation had pledged $1.5 million toward the project.

"This expansion is going to be a tremendous success and it will be really exciting to see more people come out here to use this facility," said State Rep. Regan Deering (R).

Leaders in the park district said the clubhouse will expand far beyond simple programming and games.

The new space will include areas for fitness, crafts, billiards and social gatherings, along with dedicated rooms for activities like cards, mahjong and bunco. It will also feature a walking track, pickleball courts and even a golf simulator.

“We now will have separate spaces … a billiards room, craft room and flex spaces,” said Mickey McNaughton, senior programming manager. “It’s the little things that are really exciting and will make a big impact.”

The center will also continue to offer key services such as meals, transportation assistance, Medicare counseling, and access to community resources. It will all be aimed at helping seniors stay independent longer.

“Our goal is to provide as much opportunity for connection as we possibly can,” McNaughton said.

During Tuesday's announcement, leaders said the expansion comes as demand continues to rise. Programs have reached capacity in recent years, resulting in waiting lists due to limited space.

“Our community is changing,” Gerhard said. “Adults 55 and older now represent nearly one-third of the population, and that number continues to grow.”

For many, the new facility represents a shift in how communities support aging populations and focus on activity, wellness, and social connection.

“Seniors are the new fun generation,” Mayor Julie Moore Wolfe said. “This is such a great day for Decatur.”

For longtime users of senior programming, the new clubhouse brings excitement and anticipation.

“I think it’s fantastic,” said Bill Hebenstreit, who previously attended the 22nd Street senior center. “It’s going to be a lot of good things to do here.”

He said he’s especially looking forward to the indoor walking track, which will allow him to track his distance year-round.

Construction is expected to begin soon, with the facility projected to open by late summer 2027.

While the $10 million covers construction costs, the Decatur Park District said it still needs $600,000 to purchase items for the building, such as fitness equipment and furniture. To support the park district, click here.