As Effingham Park District continues to expand offerings for both youth and adults, a major change may lie ahead for one popular attraction.
The Kluthe Memorial Pool is 30 years old, and aging infrastructure is forcing district board members to decide the future of the facility. Three options they are considering are to renovate the existing pool, replace it with a splash pad, or remove it entirely. The board anticipates making a decision by next summer, according to Effingham Park District Executive Director Jeff Althoff.
“Any option will require careful planning and fundraising to move forward,” he said.
If the board chooses to renovate the existing pool, it would involve a complete facelift of both pools, the bathhouse, and the pump room at an estimated cost of $2 million.
“If we wish to continue operating a pool, these upgrades are necessary,” said Althoff.
He said the pool facility is currently operating at a deficit of more than $25,000 each summer, due to rising minimum wage, chemical and utility costs. Board members have discussed replacing it with a splash pad that would not require staffing and be free for public use. Admission to use the current facility, which features a six-lane competition pool, water slide and kiddie pool, is $7 ($5 after 5 p.m.).
However, the upfront costs of such a project pose a challenge for the district. The removal of the current pools and the installation of a splash pad are estimated to cost over $5 million.
A third option is to remove the pool facility entirely, which would cost about $500,000. While residents would no longer have access to an outdoor public pool, Althoff notes residents would still have access to two indoor pools at the Workman Sports Complex, as well as Lake Sara’s free public beach. Funds not invested in a pool, he said, could instead be redirected to much-needed improvements to other park facilities, such as pavilions, restrooms and playgrounds.
As the board mulls the future of Kluthe Pool, the district is starting Phase 2 of the Skate Park. The project includes replacing the existing metal ramps with concrete ones spanning the east and west sides of the park. The project is estimated to cost $138,000. Phase 1, completed in 2023, included the addition of a middle concrete piece with railings and ramps.
Another project is resurfacing Community Park tennis courts. The courts were last resurfaced 20 years ago. That project is estimated to cost $168,000.
While those projects get underway this month, another one in the works will offer a new recreational activity, thanks to the city of Effingham.
The city is constructing a retention pond north of the Workman Sports Complex to help with flooding downstream as part of the city’s Santa Maria Avenue extension project.
The $5 million project is being paid for through the remaining Tax Increment Finance District 1 funds. Since TIF 1 expired, the funds need to be spent, and the project met approval.
“It provides a valuable collector street between Maple and Fourth, as well as sets up adjacent property for development with the necessary utilities of street, water and sewer,” said Effingham Public Works Director Jeremy Heuerman.
As part of the project, a separate 10-foot-wide concrete side path for bikes on the north side of the street will be constructed, along with a 5-foot-wide sidewalk on the south side.
While the pond’s primary purpose is to collect water from multiple sources and discharge at a reduced rate during large rain events, the city viewed it as a creative way to add an aesthetic feature to Effingham by making it habitable for fish and constructing a 5-foot-wide walking path around its entire length. They also added a lighted parking lot with 30 spaces and six parking spots at the dog park. The pond and path are expected to be completed by the end of the year, weather permitting. Once the project is finished, the park district will maintain the pond and parking lot.
While the pond will provide future opportunities for fishing, it will not be used for swimming, boating or paddleboarding. It will have three depths for fish habitat – 8, 12 and 15 feet. It will also have three aerators to help with the habitat. The park district plans to stock it with bass, bluegill and channel catfish, but Althoff said it will take a couple of years before the pond is ready for fishing. He notes anglers will have to follow Illinois fishing laws and requirements.
“It is expected to be a great asset for the community,” he said.