Michigan winters make the summers here that much more enjoyable. That's why the Village of Decatur is proud to offer its residents and visitors a number of public parks in which to enjoy the balmy days of spring, the sun-filled days of summer, and the crisp afternoons of fall. And, if you like to get out in the snow, there's ample time to enjoy snowmobile trails, cross-country skiing and more! Maintained by the Village, the parks provide a variety of recreational opportunities with continuous improvements for added enjoyment.

Baseball diamonds and football fields are located between Edgar Bergen Blvd. and Austin Blvd. in the back of the school complex. The fields are owned and maintained by the school with help in the summer from the youth program.

Co-ed Softball for adults is available in the summer months. Contact Bob Leheigh at (269) 782-8359.

Men's Softball is available in the summer months. Contact Rick Athey at (269) 674-3298 or Carl Wickett at (269) 423-7254.

The Decatur Youth Group sponsors sports programs in baseball and rocket football for children ages 5 to 12. Contact Brian Southworth at (269) 423-4421 or visit their website.

The Downtown Development Authority Park is located at the north edge of the downtown area on the corner of North Phelps and West St. Marys Streets. It is a pocket park, equipped with park benches, a Gazebo and a drinking fountain. A great place to sit and relax. The Park is also the home of the Farmer's Market, every Saturday morning from July to October.

Fire Station Park is located between M-51 (Deleware Street) at the West Village Limits, next to the Decatur-Hamilton Fire Station and St. Mary's Street at the West Village Limits. The entrance and parking is located on West St. Marys Street. From the Village Hall, turn 1/2 block onto W. St. Marys Street. The Park is four blocks west on W. St. Marys Street on the left.

This park has a small pavilion, picnic tables, playground equipment, a two net tennis court (paved) and a bathroom that is open to the public.

Raider Romp Park is located on Veterans Memorial Drive in back of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6248 Outdoor Pavilion (open to the public) at 540 N. Phelps Street. It has a fenced in "Mega" playground with many pieces of play equipment. The park is open year round. Bathrooms are locked at dusk.

Red Woolfe Park & Beach is owned and maintained by the Village of Decatur and is located on Lake of the Woods at the end of Pine Street. The Park is open from noon to 8:00 PM, Memorial Day through Labor Day and offers swings and playground equipment as well as a pavilion, picnic tables, stationery bar-b-que grills, a horseshoe pit, volleyball net and swimming. The area is fenced in for safety. Public bathrooms and water are also available, as is a concession stand (hours are posted by management).

Lifeguards are on duty at the beach during open hours (noon to 8:00 PM). The Beach telephone number is 269-423-8488.

The pavilion can be reserved by calling the Village Office (269-423-6114), Monday through Friday 9:00 AM to noon and 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM. The pavilion is cemented, but has no electrical outlets. The gate is locked before and after hours and no admittance after hours is allowed.

Swimming Lessons are offered in June by the Lifeguards at the Park. Morning classes from 8:00 AM to noon, in age categories. Call the Village Hall for times and costs at (269) 423-6114.

Located on the corner of S. Williams and Beers Streets, progress is being made on the Southside Skate Park. The cement is in, the fence is up and the ramps are ready to be installed as soon as the weather warms up. Completion is slated for Spring 2007. Future plans will include a Pavilion and basketball court.