Workman Sports and Wellness Complex is a Go

The Effingham Park Board has voted to award the bid for construction of the Richard E. Workman Sports and Wellness Complex.

The Thursday night vote authorizes Park Board President Dave McDevitt to proceed with final negotiations and execution of the contract with Poettker Construction of Breese for an amount not to exceed $14.6 million. The contract is to be contingent upon financing through sales of debt certificates, private donations and a donation by the City of Effingham to pay for the project.

The biggest factor in the project moving ahead was a $5.1 million contribution by Dr. Rick Workman, but other private businesses and industries have also stepped up to the plate, as have many individuals.

The Complex will feature an eight-lane competitive swimming pool along with other water features, an elevated walking track, a fitness center, and various courts for a variety of sports.

Local attorney Hank Stephens was on hand for the vote. Stephens has worked on an indoor pool complex for Effingham for almost 40 years and he said it was a pretty emotional moment when the vote to award the contract was concluded.

McDevitt said they hope to have work underway on the Center sometime in September, with a goal of having the facility open and operating within one year.

Our Greg Sapp spoke with Hank Stephens on the impact of finally seeing the Complex become a reality, and with Dave McDevitt and Park District Director Jeff Althoff on what happens from here?...