Park Board Commissioners Review Participation Numbers

Effingham Park District commissioners were updated at this month's meeting on this year's Adventure Camp for young people.

This was the third year for the summer program. Numbers were down this year from the previous year by 10 to 15 participants most weeks.

Changes this year included swimming every day, in the morning before the Kluthe Pool opened; certified members of the staff serving as lifeguards; no field trips outside Effingham; worked with the Chamber workforce board; and looked at adding a Benchworx class and possibly other next year.

Changes decided on for next year included eliminating the final week, when low staff and camper numbers were seen; utilizing lower staffing numbers; and working with local businesses and organizations for more activities.

The Board was also updated on numbers at the Workman Sports and Wellness Complex. September regular memberships are up from August, Silver Sneakers and Prime memberships are up 15, frozen memberships are about the same as the month before, and total memberships in September are up about 60 from August.

Board members also reviewed youth league numbers. As far as baseball numbers, Junior Babe Ruth league participation was down from 2022, but other leagues were the same or participation was greater than the year before. When softball league numbers are considered, 2023 numbers were equal or down from the previous year. Where soccer is concerned, Little Kickers and Midfielders leagues had about the same participation, but Strikers league this year is much higher than in 2022. Where fall soccer is concerned, numbers are about the same as in 2022. Flag Football were slightly up from the previous year.