Contract on Workman Complex Ready Within a Week

Effingham Park Board President Dave McDevitt told his fellow board members Wednesday that the contract for the Richard E. Workman Sports and Wellness Complex should be executed within a week.

The Board voted in August to award the contract to build the complex to Poettker Construction of Breese. Members also authorized McDevitt to complete negotiations on the contract for a price not to exceed $14.6 million. McDevitt said, at present, the price is right at that mark, but said savings are being finalized that will keep the total cost below the maximum.

McDevitt said the total contract as of Wednesday was at $14,603,268. He said the additional price reductions should be forthcoming in the next couple of weeks.

McDevitt said Park District Attorney Tony Siemer is still working on the purchase of Get Fit Family Fitness, which will be located in the Complex, and is finalizing the contract with Rink Management, the firm that will oversee day-to-day operation of the Complex. Despite their name, there is no ice rink in the project. Also still to be finalized is the contract with St. Anthony's Memorial Hospital, which plans to lease some of the Complex space for rehabilitative services.

McDevitt anticipates a groundbreaking by the end of September.

Park Board members also Wednesday awarded a contract for $124,480 to Effingham Asphalt for the reconstruction of the road around the back of Community Park. The road is used for motorists to view the Wonderland in Lights display at Christmastime.

The roadway has fallen on hard times, and Park District Director Jeff Althoff said he wouldn't recommend rebuilding the road except for the use to view the light display. With that in mind, the Park District is securing a $50,000 contribution from the City to help with the project cost. 

The plan is to chew up the old surface, put in a rock base, and put on an asphalt surface. Workers will also replace the rip rap and replace the old storm water drainage system. Althoff said posts will be placed on either of the roadway at Sehy Field and at the Small Fry diamond to restrict vehicular traffic except during the holidays.

Also Wednesday, the Park Board learned "B" League Flag Football numbers are up, while "A" league numbers are down slightly. Soccer numbers are up or even at all levels.