Park Board Looking to Make Improvements at Hendelmeyer Skate Park

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Published on September 3 2020 3:03 pm
Last Updated on September 3 2020 3:03 pm
Written by Greg Sapp

(AN IMPROVEMENT KNOWN AS A CHINA BANK IS ONE OF THE IMPROVEMENTS PLANNED AT THE SKATE PARK AT HENDELMEYER PARK IN EFFINGHAM)

A project that has been in development for several years is ready to move ahead at Hendelmeyer Park in Effingham.

The Effingham Park Board Wednesday heard from Park District Director Jeff Althoff about plans for an expansion of the Effingham Skate Park. Althoff said the project is estimated to cost between $90,000 and $100,000. He said the Park District can earmark $50,000 in bond funds toward the project, with private fundraising taking care of the balance.

(THIS IS WHAT IS KNOWN AS A MINI HALF PIPE TO BE A PART OF THE SKATE PARK EXPANSION AT HENDELMEYER PARK)

Althoff said he has been working with skater Deano Tull on the project. Tull competes in skating events throughout the region and organizes the Ham City Jam each year that attracts skaters from throughout the state. Althoff has also been talking with a St. Louis designer who has worked with X Games events on what can be included in the Effingham project.

Althoff also reported that the Park District budget is in pretty good shape, although revenue is down since fewer summer activities were offered and since soccer and flag football were canceled. He said the Workman Sports and Wellness Complex is doing alright revenue-wise, but memberships are down due to the pandemic.

In addition to the skate park project, other improvements were discussed. New signs have been placed at Community Park and Evergreen Hollow Park, and the stairway in Community Park leading up to St. Louis Avenue has been replaced. Althoff said the tennis courts at Evergreen Hollow Park have been re-sealed and re-painted, and said that through an incentive program from AmerenIllinois, all light bulbs have been replace in facilities with LEDs that should provide brighter lighting at a lower cost.

Althoff also reported that the Park District's after-school program is underway. He said they are hosting 15 kids, but have room for another 15 to 20 more. Contact the Park District office at 342-4415 for more information. The program runs from 2pm to 5:30pm weekdays.