Opening of Workman Sports Complex Likely to be End of January

The expected completion of the Richard E. Workman Sports and Wellness Complex is now likely to come at the end of January, rather than the first of the year.

Park District Director Jeff Althoff Monday said the holdup is chiefly due to completing the gym floor. Althoff said work on the floor really can't begin until the building is completed. Once in place, time is needed to let the floor set, followed by several coats of oil and stain that will need to dry.

Althoff said some parts of the complex could be opened while that work is going on, but it's felt the fumes will make it an unacceptable situation. He said he is disappointed, and so are some of his board members, but said it wouldn't be wise to rush the opening at the risk of problems down the line.

The Park Board voted at this month's meeting to approve a drainage easement agreement with the City. The agreement involves storm water drainage for the Workman Complex, with the City assuming maintenance of the drainage system that can be sized larger to provide better drainage for other properties in that area.

The Park Board also:

--approved Althoff and staff members Steve Boswell and Jamie Roy as delegates to the state park board conference

--heard that the tax levy for the coming fiscal year will be less than 5% larger than last year, so no Truth in Taxation hearing will be necessary

--learned that Park District crews have installed tile to improve drainage on the baseball diamond infield at Evergreen Hollow Park, as well as irrigation on Paul Smith Field at Community Park

--agreed to convert a former concession stand next to the front softball field at Hendelmeyer Park into a building for gardener Kathy Fuhr to store items and even start plants she will use on beautification projects at the park later in the season

--heard from Commissioner Chris Huelsbusch that Park District crews have done a good job staying on top of falling leaves at Community Park. In the past, leaves have blown from the park across Temple Avenue into neighboring yards