In 2007, the City of Effingham, Illinois solicited a local architect to design a sports and recreation center for the community. The facility was designed with three basketball courts, four volleyball courts, an overhead running track, an ice hockey rink, a fitness area, an eight lane competitive swimming pool and family fun leisure pool. This project was released for bid in 2008, but came in substantially over the City's budget.
In 2010, Holabird & Root issued a revised Effingham Sports Center set for bid. With a completely new design tailored to suit the revised construction budget of $10 million, the 2010 bid included three basketball courts, three volleyball courts, an overhead running track, an eight lane competitive swimming pool, and fitness area. Despite the favorable bidding, the city council voted not to proceed with the project at that time.
Refusing to let the project die, the Effingham Community Foundation, the Effingham Park District, and major donor Dr. Richard Workman revived the project in 2014. Leading with a $5 million donation, Dr. Workman led an effort for an almost completely privately funded facility.
The City of Effingham Park District's Richard E. Workman Sports and Wellness Complex includes a gymnasium, running track, fitness facility, lobby, multipurpose rooms, kitchen, concession area, vending, administration offices, support facilities, and more. Additionally, and very importantly, the recently completed project also houses tenant space for the local hospital. The St. Anthony Hospital Wellness Center within the Workman Complex allows for medical rehabilitation and wellness within the larger fitness setting, making a perfect neighbor for the sports complex, and providing additional revenue for the facility.
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