Park District Close to Skate Park Improvements, Work on Dog Park

Effingham Park District officials are getting close to seeking bids on improvements to the Effingham Skate Park.

Park District Director Jeff Althoff told Park Board members Wednesday that the bids on the work at Hendelmeyer Park should be let in the next week or so. Althoff said the plan at this point is to replace all of the metal and wood ramps with concrete ramps. He said there will also be additional ramps.

Althoff said most of the skate park ramps have been there since he came to the Park District in 2006 and that the wear and tear is starting to show.

Althoff also discussed the dog park that has been long sought for Evergreen Hollow Park. He said he is getting costs on the fencing for the project and said the project could be undertaken this year. Althoff anticipates Park District forces doing the work.

Althoff also discussed the summer recreation season. Baseball and softball leagues are approaching their close, and Althoff said the Kluthe Memorial Pool will close on August 14, a couple of days before the start of the school year when most pool employees will no longer be available.

Park Board members voted to pass the budget and appropriations ordinance for the coming fiscal year, and also voted to pass a prevailing wage rate for the next year.