DECATUR - Big Creek is coming back.

Just a few months ago, the sprawling 110-acre stable and riding center at the city's southeastern edge was a lonely place, with just three horses living on the premises.

But since the Decatur Park District hired experienced horseman Chuck Reynolds last month as its interim manager, its barns steadily have been filling up with horses and those who love them.

Reynolds, 69, whose equine experience includes winning a barrel race at a national event two years ago, said there is so much concern about Big Creek that he keeps hearing the same question over and over.

"Any place you go, they ask, 'How's Big Creek doing?' " Reynolds said.

"They want to see it succeed," said Rod Bussell, member of the Big Creek Advisory Committee, the driving force behind recent improvements and the changes to come.

The park district, the facility's owner, is moving forward on two fronts.

A search is being conducted for a permanent manager who will contract with the park district to operate Big Creek. The manager will live onsite or employ someone to do so.

Park District director Bill Clevenger said having Reynolds fill in on a temporary basis is helping to keep the center open while providing time for a patient, careful search for the right individual to take the center's reins.

At the same time, the district has been interviewing landscape architects to draft a long-term plan to create a modern, model, full-service facility. The two stables and the indoor arena likely will be rehabbed, with a new clubhouse built for various activities, including classes and social events.

Dr. Bill Van Alstine, veterinarian and district commissioner, said it is likely the winning candidate will be an Oklahoma-based architect who does nothing but horse facilities all over the world. He predicts an announcement within 30 days.

"His experience and knowledge is fantastic," said Van Alstine, who also serves on the advisory committee. "We will have local people doing all they can to keep the costs down."

Big Creek, which includes indoor and outdoor arenas, riding trails and pastures, underwent a disruption in services in August, when a manager who had leased the premises was terminated for nonpayment of rent.

Most boarders withdrew their horses, and many people wondered if the facility, which has been used exclusively for equine activities for decades, would be shuttered.

But an aggressive group of horse enthusiasts stepped forward, pleading with park district commissioners to keep the unique facility open so a new generation can reap the benefits of riding and caring for the animals.

Since the ejection of the previous manager, the park district has been completing projects, including new restrooms, refurbished stalls and extensive repairs to aging water pipes.

On Saturday, Big Creek is holding a cleanup day to draft volunteers to paint walls in the indoor arena and help clean up the grounds. Committee member Lucy Smith said people interested in the facility are invited to visit and look it over. She said future workdays may include sprucing up the grounds with ornamental plants and flowers.

Several events are scheduled for Big Creek this year, including some Ponies of America shows and a 4-H show. Committee leaders said that in the future, the facility also may host a rodeo, speed events, a Special Olympics competition and a pleasure show.

There have been riding lessons in the past, and that is a possibility for the future once a new manager is found. Presently, horse owners who do not board at Big Creek may use the facility on a daily basis for a fee.

Clevenger credits the advisory committee, seven volunteers who have been meeting weekly since September, for working diligently to transform the aging facility.

"I've been really excited about the progress they've made," Clevenger said. "The committee has made a tremendous effort in helping Big Creek to a bright future."

Huey Freeman can be reached at hfreeman@herald-review.com or 421-6985.