Park Board Passes Tax Levy; Reviews Possible Projects

Effingham Park Board members passed a tax levy for the new fiscal year at this month's meeting.

The measure totals $1,571,500. Park District Director Jeff Althoff said the levy is less than 5% over what was actually extended for taxes last year.

Althoff said a major item this year will be re-doing the tennis courts at Community Park. He said work is also getting underway on installing the new playground at Evergreen Hollow Park.

A local group is seeking lighting for the dog park at Evergreen Hollow. Althoff said the light poles would cost $6,500 and that three or four poles would be needed. He said the path to the dog park would also have to be lighted and he said the project is not feasible at this time.

Meanwhile, discussions continue on what to do as far as a water recreation project that would likely replace the Kluthe Memorial Pool at Evergreen Hollow Park. Althoff said the number of private pools continues to grow, the pool at the Workman Health and Wellness Complex is available, and the work to enhance the beach recreation area at Lake Sara has given residents other options. 

The pool is losing $20,000 to $30,000 annually and Althoff said that can't continue. Holabird and Root Architects is working on options. Althoff said a do-nothing option that would result in no water recreation is not an option. Renovation of the existing pool, bathhouse and pump room will also be considered. Another option would be to replace the pool with a splash pond along with a lazy river, or a small water park. Althoff hopes he will have more information on the options by this summer.

Work continues on the design of the final phase of the skate park at Hendelmeyer Park.

Park Commissioners also voted to annex Hidden Hills Subdivision along Evergreen Avenue into the park district.