Ellinwood Recreation Commission, the City of Ellinwood and Sunflower Bank announce the recent grant they received from the Golden Belt Community Foundation. The Ellinwood Community has been awarded The CPI Qualify of Life Barton County grant in the amount of $4,300, which will go toward new basketball goals at the city park. The money received will go toward two ultimate HangTime adjustable basketball systems with moveable extension arms to allow rim height adjustment from 7 ½ to 10 feet. Rim height adjustment can be accomplished by means of hand operated bevel gear crank located on the pole.   

The grant was written on behalf of the Ellinwood Rec and City of Ellinwood as part of Sunflower Bank’s community development program that supports local organizations that strive to better the lives of those in the communities it serves.

“At Sunflower Bank, we create possibility by encouraging community involvement through employee volunteerism and even assisting in the grant writing process when we see an opportunity to help local organizations strive to better the lives of those that live in our community we serve,” said Becca Maxwell, vice president and senior branch officer in Ellinwood/Great Bend. “We are pleased to be able to support and partner with the Ellinwood Recreation and City of Ellinwood to strengthen our community by improving our city parks and overall wellness.”  While exercise and fitness are the primary goals for the city parks in small towns and communities, they are often excellent central areas for youth in the community to congregate and spend time, whether to hang out with friends, play a quick pickup game of basketball or watch others. The benefit to the Ellinwood city courts is a well-lit and very safe, enjoyable location for all ages to socialize and exercise. With the increase of recreational programming for youth and adults through the Ellinwood rec program, this gives an updated court for the entire community or teams of all ages to use.   

“We are grateful to Sunflower Bank and CPI for its contribution and its commitment to organizations like the Ellinwood Recreation Commission and our mission to create safe and fun programs for our community,” said Stephen Richter, executive director of the Ellinwood Recreation Commission. “By adding these new basketball goals, it will give the city courts an upgrade and hopefully generate more community use of all ages, since they are adjustable.”