OUR GENESIS
In recent years, a small group of citizens have engaged in conversations exploring strategies for how to make Crawford County a more attractive place to live and work. This effort has now developed into a large grassroots movement that involves both the labor force and leadership from some of the largest employers in the county. This group visited communities that are vibrant and growing and found three things that all these communities held in common:
THE NEED
Outmigration of residents is one of the biggest challenges confronting rural communities in Illinois. And local leaders understand the importance of providing resources and amenities that appeal to residents of all ages and backgrounds. These efforts not only improve quality of life for existing residents, but strengthen the ability of industry to recruit and retain a stronger workforce. The CCRC seeks to address three critical needs for Crawford County:
THE PROPOSAL
To address the recreational and quality of life needs of Crawford County, a county-wide recreation center will be built at Lincoln Trail College. The college is a logical site for several reasons. First, it is a location in which residents of Crawford County have a shared sense of ownership – this is not a project for Robinson, Hutsonville, Palestine, or Oblong, but rather for all of Crawford County. Second, the college is home to a large indoor pool and including it in the construction of the new center would significantly reduce construction costs. Finally, it is anticipated that a facility of this magnitude will assist area employers in their efforts to recruit and retain their workforce. The Crawford County Recreation Center will provide opportunities for sport, recreational, and social programs that prospective employees and their families need to see as employers promote Crawford County as a modern and livable community.