Year-long process sets the stage for an evolving green oasis
In August, 2017, Decatur completed its purchase of the former United Methodist Children’s Home (UMCH) property, a 77 acre parcel adjacent to the city’s southeastern border. In doing so, the door was opened to a compelling and inspiring question: What should the property become over time?
The UMCH Visioning process was a year-long, community-driven effort to gain answers to that question and assemble them in the form of a master plan to guide implementation through the years ahead. The plan was adopted by the Decatur City Commission in December, 2018.
Review the Plan
The complete plan, 250 pages in length, contains a wealth of history and process information together with goals, comprehensive task list, timing, and general cost projections.
News Updates
All updates and announcements produced in conjunction with the UMCH process can be accessed here.
Schedule Archive
Hundreds of area residents and related interests (City of Decatur and beyond) participated. Here’s when and how:
Kick-Off Celebration and Visioning Workshop
Sunday, February 11 | 1-5pm
500 S. Columbia Drive, Decatur
Site Planning Workshop
Saturday, March 3 | 9-Noon
DINING HALL, 500 S. COLUMBIA DRIVE, DECATUR
Site Planning Workshop
Tuesday, March 6 | 6-8pm
DINING HALL, 500 S. COLUMBIA DRIVE, DECATUR
Site Planning Workshop
Saturday, March 10 | 2-5pm
DINING HALL, 500 S. COLUMBIA DRIVE, DECATUR
Options Presentation and Workshop
Monday, April 30 | 6-8pm
Ebster Recreation Center Gym
105 Electric Ave, Decatur
Repeat of Options Presentation
COMMISSION WORK SESSION
MONDAY, MAY 7, 2018 | 6:30PM
CITY HALL COMMISSION ROOM
509 NORTH MCDONOUGH STREET, DECATUR
Combined Concept Plan Presentation
Wednesday, June 27 | 6-8pm
Ebster Recreation Center Gym
105 Electric Ave, Decatur
City Commission Review and Consideration
Monday, December 3, 2018
City Hall Commission Room
509 North McDonough Street, Decatur
Civic Dinners
The conversation also took place in the form of Civic Dinners, where groups of 6 to 10 participants gathered over a meal for a host-facilitated conversation about the property and its future. Info on that here.