Park Board Awards Contracts for Design of Workman Center

The Effingham Park Board has awarded the contract for the design of the Workman Sports and Wellness Center.

Holabird and Root, the Chicago-based design firm that had helped with the design of a proposed sports center for Effingham when the idea was being promoted by the City, was awarded the design contract for $900,000.  Effingham native Greg Grunloh has headed the team working on the Center's design.

The Park Board also awarded a contract to Milano and Grunloh Engineers of Effingham for engineering work on the grounds, parking areas and landscaping of the facility.  The firm's pay is not to exceed $20,000.

Fundraising continues for the Wellness Center beyond the $5 million pledged by Dr. Richard Workman.  The project is estimated to have a $12 million price tag.

Park commissioners also got updates on the fixed assets acquired by the Park District during 2013 and a review of projects completed in the District during the past year.

Park District Director Jeff Althoff also reported on damage done from the heavy wet snowfall in January to the batting cages at Community Park and Evergreen Hollow Park.  Althoff said insurance should cover the replacement cost.