Busy Time for Park District

Effingham Park District Director Jeff Althoff said it's a busy time for the District, and that's how he likes things.

Althoff told park commissioners at this week's meeting that baseball and softball leagues getting underway, and that Day Camp is seeing more than 100 kids most weeks. The report from Workman Sports and Wellness Complex is that enrollment was up slightly for the month.

A lot of work is going at the Complex, particularly at the pools. The heaters in both pools needed replacing. Althoff said while the heaters were being replaced, the pools were drained and repainted. The rec pool should re-open next week, while the lap pool should be ready to go the week of May 17.

Speaking of pools, the Kluthe Memorial Pool at Evergreen Hollow Park will re-open for the first time since before the pandemic. The re-opening date is Saturday, May 29.

Althoff also reported that resurfacing work is to begin Monday on the gym floor at the Workman Complex. He said the work will take about a week. 

Althoff said with the gym floor work and the work on the pools, as well as the effects of COVID-19 lessening, the Park District is looking at the possibility of a Grand Reopening sometime in June.

Althoff also shared that work will begin once the weather warms to refurbish the tennis courts at Hendelmeyer Park to convert them to pickleball courts. He thinks there will be eight courts available there. The nighttime temperatures need to be warmer for the painting to be done properly.

The Board reorganized following the April election. Kevin Palmer, who was elected to succeed Ron Mietzner on the board, was sworn in and will work with Jason Semple on the budget committee. Russ Sehy was re-elected Board President, while Mike Cunningham was elected vice president.

The question of employee pay was tabled earlier this year due to COVID uncertainties. The Board voted this week to grant every regular Park District employee a $1/hour pay increase, including landscaper Kathy Fuhr. 

There was also discussion about vehicle needs. Althoff said they will be trading in a 3/4 ton truck a mower, a diamond machine, and maybe a golf cart if the budget will alllow.