Park Board Authorizes Bonds for 2022

Effingham Park Board members Wednesday authorized the issuance of bonds to finance improvements in the district during 2022.

The bonds will generate $625,000 in revenue. $450,000 of that amount will go toward the retirement of the debt on the Workman Sports and Wellness Complex. The balance will go towards work underway to replace the fencing on a softball field at Hendelmeyer Park, the upgrades to establish pickleball courts at Hendelmeyer Park, improvements planned for the skate park at Hendelmeyer Park, and some fencing for the proposed dog park at Evergreen Hollow Park. 

Park District Director Jeff Althoff said the closing on the bonds is set for February 5. Washington Savings Bank was the winning bidder on the bonds.

Althoff said park commissioners heard that there was an increase in membership of more than 150 during December at the Workman Sports and Wellness Complex, that the kids basketball league had 125 people enrolled, and that swim lessons are already filled with registrations being taken for another section. He also reported that it's hoped the fence replacement work at Hendelmeyer Park will be completed in March. 

With the increase in the minimum wage for seasonal workers, Park commisioners voted to also increase fulltime employees pay by $1/hour.