Park Board Makes Tough Calls Regarding Summer Season

The Effingham Park Board Wednesday approved a series of changes that will dramatically curtail offerings this summer season.

The biggest decision was to not open the Kluthe Memorial Pool this summer. Park District Director Jeff Althoff said the restriction of 10 or less in a gathering was the big reason. Althoff said, "We don't know when Phase 4 (of the governor's Restore Illinois plan) will get here. A number of other park districts in Illinois are making that same decision."

Other decisions: the Ron Diehl Center at Hendelmeyer Park will be closed to the public for the summer; Itty Bitty Adventures is canceled; Special Recreation Baseball is canceled; Sports Clinics are canceled; and Cardinals Kids Clinic and Challengers Soccer Camp are canceled.

Althoff said baseball and softball leagues, for now, are postponed, not canceled. Althoff said, "We are delaying a decision in hopes that our region will reach Phase 4 (in the governor's plan) sooner than expected. A decision will be announced by the end of the month."

Also, Adventure Camp will have a delayed start of June 1. Althoff said the camp will move forward in Phase 3 with modifications and procedures to meet new standards and restrictions. Basically, kids could still participate in the camp in groups of 10 or fewer with the same instructor.

Althoff also said playgrounds will remain closed until our region reaches Phase 3, however, other outdoor facilities are open for public use. It is encouraged to keep groups to 10 people or less, and social distancing should be followed whenever possible in the parks.

Also Wednesday, Workman Complex Director Patti Smith said the center is ready to re-open whenever permitted; the fitness area first, then the pool area.

The Park Board reorganized for the next year. Russ Sehy will serve as President with Ron Mietzner as Vice-President. The budget committee will include Commissioners Jason Semple and Mike Cunningham, along with Althoff and Treasurer Anita Broom.

Other officers were retained: Tony Siemer as Park District Attorney, Althoff as Secretary, Broom as Treasurer, and Carole Frazier as Recording Secretary.