We’re Molly and Jodi from Mod Circus, the retro and modern style blog, and we both love living in the Decatur area! We met and became friends as students at Millikin University, and some years later, both of us still reside in Decatur’s West End. There’s a lot to like about our neighborhood, from the historic homes and quiet family-friendly streets to the unique restaurants and businesses of Oakwood. We love being active in the community and exploring Decatur and the surrounding areas, but one place that holds a special place in our hearts is the long-established Fairview Park.
As chance would have it, our houses are one street over from each other, and we’re lucky to live next door to the park and frequently use it for running, dog walking, bike riding, hiking on trails, picnics, events and just fun in general. It’s also where we shoot a lot of our blog posts. It’s a beautiful backdrop all year round, but especially in the fall when the leaves are falling and the air is crisp.
Did you know that Fairview Park was first planned out to be a fairground for the Macon County Agricultural society in 1857? The park today is part of the Decatur Park District and is home to the Fairview Pool which is open to the public. There are several trails, including part of the bike trail that goes from Rock Springs Conservation Area to Forsyth.
Numerous events are held in Fairview throughout the year, including several races. One such race is the Penguin in the Park 5K, which has grown exponentially in the past decade and now hosts almost 1,000 runners from all over every March. You can also participate in park runs every Tuesday evening during the summer sponsored by the Decatur Running Club.
Don’t feel like running? No problem! Stop by Dreamland Lake to feed the ducks or hit the Fairview Park Tennis Complex to practice your backhand. During the summer you can also rent tandem and quad bikes to spend quality time with your special someone riding the many trails. There are even free outdoor yoga classes offered on some Saturday mornings. The park is also a perfect spot for hosting a party or event. There are pavilions to rent and many areas to spread out a blanket and enjoy a picnic lunch with friends.
Be sure to stop and get your photo with the “Bikini Tree” that is mysteriously painted with a new bikini several times throughout the year. She’s pictured with us here donning a little gold number, but check her out to see if she’s changed by now!
From finding a relaxing respite in nature, to being social or keeping active, no matter what type of fun you are seeking, Fairview Park is sure to fit the bill. We hope to see you there!