The re-design of the Sports Center project is nearly completed! In May 2009, the City Council approved a proposal from Chicago-based architectural and engineering firm, Holabird and Root. On Tuesday, November 17th at the City Council Meeting, Greg Grunloh & Rusty Walker presented the redesign of the sports center through a virtual 3D viewing of the building.
The re-design of the 50,000-square-foot building, boasts three tournament size Volleyball/Basketball courts, a twenty-five yard (eight lane) competitive swimming pool, an outdoor walking path, and three soccer fields. A second floor elevated running track that would look down on the first floor is also in the design as an alternate bid item. There will be pockets of space throughout the facility that can be used as workout stations with fitness equipment.
The new design also hosts party/conference rooms, offices, locker rooms, and spectator viewing. The pool has been created to not only be a competition pool, but a pool the whole community could use by having recreational swimming time and instructional class potential. The proposed outdoor grounds will be equipped to handle multiple community events and an outdoor theater.
The Community Foundation is reconvening the campaign committee immediately in an effort to complete the fundraising commitment for the endowment fund by mid-February. Because of your financial commitment, the Effingham County Community Foundation currently has approximately $2.3 million in pledges and an additional $640,000 in pending pledges toward the permanent operating endowment fund goal of $3 million dollars.
The next steps are:
- Forming an Advisory Board and Oversight Board.
- Recruiting and hiring a skilled third party for management of the facility
- Completing the fundraising for the endowment fund
Estimated Timeline:
- December 8 – Plan Commission Approval
- December 15 – Advertise for Bids
- Feb 2 – Bid openings
- Feb 16 – Council awards bid
- March – 18 month construction period begins
- Late Fall 2011 – Sports Center Open for use!
