EFFINGHAM, Ill. (WCIA) — Lake Sara is bringing the Effingham community together for boating, swimming and everything in between.
Why one woman is called Effingham’s ‘best-kept secret’ Boating, check. swimming, check. Pickleball, also check. They have it all in Our Town Effingham.
“Anything you want to do you can take advantage of at Lake Sara Beach Park!” Christo Schultz said.
It hasn’t always been shiny new equipment and freshly painted sidewalk games. And after seeing a need for it going unused for about 30 years, Schultz, with the Lake Sara Foundation, started something new.
‘They told people to jump’: Remembering Effingham’s devastating hospital fire, 75 years on “The project started in 2018, we put together a master plan to build up this park into what it is today,” he said.
It started with a couple playgrounds, with the first one geared for 5-12 year old kids, and grew into everything you see today.
“That includes a workout facility, four pickleball courts, a one quarter mile track and a volleyball court.”
One of the newer parts of the park is the nine-stage obstacle course where kids run through challenges.
“I absolutely love seeing the community get involved and utilizing it,” he said.
Danville street closed for Phase 1 of Downtown Revitalization project Schultz really has the community plus a couple of grants to thank for bringing the plan to life.
“Over the last five years, we’ve been able to raise right at about one million dollars for this project from local community individuals and businesses.”
The lake means a lot to him.
“I actually grew up on Lake Sara, it has a special place in my heart in that regard,” he said.
Especially as it impacts generations to come.
“I think it’s just a spot that Effingham has the ability to be proud of,” Schultz said.
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