Park District Hopes Kluthe Pool Will Be Open Again Next Week

Effingham Park District officials are hopeful the Kluthe Memorial Pool will be open again early next week.

Park District Director Jeff Althoff told the Park Board Wednesday night that the pumps are being repaired. The damage was done when a water line broke beyond the shutoff valve, and the water in the pool drained into the six pumps used at the pool. Althoff said the pumps had to be removed and taken to the nearest repair facility, which is located in Vandalia. The water had to be cooked out of the pumps before they can be regreased and put back together. Althoff said they are "really hopeful" that the pumps can be reinstalled and the pool open again by Monday or Tuesday of the coming week.

Also Wednesday, park commissioners heard about plans for a Grand Re-Opening of the Richard E. Workman Sports and Wellness Complex. The event comes in the wake of repairs to the two pools and the basketball floor in the complex and the aftermath of COVID-19. Activities are planned this Saturday between 8am and 2pm, complete with food trucks, half price guest passes that can be used for future visits, a Super Saturday event from 8-9am involving a mash-up of cardio, strength and yoga. Take along your own mat. From 9-10am, there will be Aqua Stix and Aqua Zumba. From 10-11, there will be a Fishing 101 Casting Competition for those ages 2 to 11, while those 12 and older can compete from noon to 1pm. Winners of each age group will win a fishing pole. HSHS St. Anthony's Rehab will have a duck pond for the kiddos and a Wheel of Fortune game for the adults. Prizes will be awarded.

The Board approved the prevailing wage rate for the coming year, and the appropriations ordinance for the new fiscal year. Althoff said income projections are set about the same as last year, but more return is hoped for since things are getting back to normal.