Water Authority Gets First Look at Pearson Park Master Plan

(THE 30-ACRE TRACT PROPOSED FOR DEVELOPMENT AS "PEARSON PARK")

The Effingham Water Authority Board got their first look Thursday at a "master plan" for Pearson Park, a 30-acre recreational area proposed around Effingham Beach.

The beach area at the lake for many years was a going concern, with plenty of swimming, floating slides to climb and slide down into the water, concessions, a waterslide on the land, even a train to ride around the beach area.

Slowly, though, it went downhill until there was pretty much no activity. A few years ago, some developers wanted to put up condominium-style structures in the area, but that idea was shot down.

(THOSE GATHERED FOR THE PEARSON PARK MASTER PLAN AT THE WATER AUTHORITY OFFICES THURSDAY)

In recent years, though, a group known as the Lake Sara Parks and Recreation Committee has been overseeing development of the master plan by the Farnsworth Group. Parks and Recreation Committee members are Dale Fitzpatrick, Bob and Janet Kennedy, Jeff Brunoehler, Tom Ryan and Jack Schultz. The year-long development proceeded with two conditions; no night operation and allowing the annual 4th of July fireworks show to continue.

Lake Superintendent Mike Dirks said Thursday was the first time that all three members of the Water Authority Board had seen the complete plan.

The plan is proposed in five phases, with a total price tag of $14.2 million. Ryan said, "Obviously, the entire project can't be undertaken", mainly due to the price tag. Two goals taken into consideration: fun, fitness and tranquility, and activities for those of all ages.

There are 42 projects in the Master Plan. Those include doubling the size of the beach, a disc golf course, bike trails, pickle ball courts, benches, a beach house, playgrounds, a canoe launch, and boat docks.

Dirks said trustees Rob Brown, Chris Kabbes and Jim Boos will now take some time to digest the proposal before deciding how to proceed.