DELANO PARK
CONSERVANCY
On September 24, 2000, a pioneering organization was founded by volunteers with a premise that believed that “Delano Park is a legacy for everyone.” Friends of Delano Park was formed with a mission to preserve, improve, promote, and maintain historic Delano Park in partnership with the City of Decatur. This public-private partnership made possible a comeback decade of building for a cherished public space in the heart of our city. In 2000, the city’s expanded park system, with its more organized recreational facilities, had left Delano Park behind-neglected and well-worn. But neglect could not hide the park’s architectural and landscape design significance, its charm, or its potential. The development of a master plan and its implementation began the restoration of the park’s historic structures and the enhancement of its beautification and recreation.
In 2010, the Delano Park Conservancy was incorporated to help secure the future and maintain the level of excellence in preservation in which we take such great pride. Since 2000, we have planted more than 200 trees, restored many of Delano Park’s major landscapes, historic stone structures, walkways, Rose Garden, signage, and facilities for children. The Delano Park Conservancy’s commitment to a beautifully restored and preserved Delano Park is possible due to an unprecedented investment of over $2,000,000 in the park-over a million of which was raised from private sources, individuals, corporations, and foundations and over a million from grants. Park use has soared. Indeed, the transformation of Delano Park has been remarkable, but the hard work is not over. Please join us in this second decade of preservation as the Conservancy continues to restore this community treasure in partnership with the City of Decatur for the enjoyment of all people.
OUR MISSION
Our mission is to preserve, protect, enhance, restore, and maintain Delano Park in partnership with the City and the people of Decatur. We strive to educate the public through programs and exhibits as well as offer a venue for people with a passion for history, the arts, and our region’s cultural heritage.