Good Early Interest by Contractors on Workman Complex

If the pre-bid meeting is any indication, there could be several bidders on construction of the Richard E. Workman Sports and Wellness Complex.

Effingham Park District Director Jeff Althoff said 11 general contractors were on hand for the pre-bid meeting, which Althoff said was mandatory if a firm wants to bid on the project. A large number of contractors typically signals a good number of bids, which also typically indicates competitive bidding.

Althoff said bids on the project are to be opened on June 24. He hopes the research on the bids could be completed in time for the Park Board to vote on awarding bids at their meeting on July 2.

At this month's meeting, the Park Board reviewed a proposed budget slightly higher than last year's measure. Althoff said the increase is due to rising costs. A vote on the budget should come at the July meeting.

The Board also heard that work is moving ahead on construction of a pavilion at Community Park, funded by the Effingham Noon and Sunrise Rotary clubs. The shelter is pretty much in place, aside from benches and landscaping. Althoff said members of Sunrise Rotary said they want to help with landscaping the pavilion.

Althoff is also hopeful work will be completed soon on a parking lot being developed on the site of the old tennis courts at Evergreen Hollow Park.