Editor’s Note: Great Bend Economic Development plans to announce its 2026 IGNITE winner Oct. 8 at the historic Crest Theater. Five finalists were recently named and include Great Bend Play Place; Little Window Restaurant Group; Sugar Co.; The Book Cellar; and The Zarah Coffee Shop. This is part three in a series showcasing the finalists. Since the first publication, Little Window Restaurant Group has withdrawn from competition.
Billy and Kassandra Eldridge noticed a missing piece of the community – a space where families could gather, kids could play and special moments celebrated. With the help of the IGNITE program, they hope to fill that void.
“We want to bring a family-focused entertainment destination created to give children and families in Great Bend and surrounding communities a fun, safe place to play, connect, and make memories,” Kassandra Eldridge said.
Once finished, the business will feature large indoor play structures, arcade and party rooms.
“Our goal is to bring something new to our community while supporting active play, childhood development and quality family time, all under one roof,” Kassandra said.
Feeling that Barton County needs more year-around activities where kids can be active, play and just be kids, regardless of the weather, the Eldridge’s want to make sure families didn’t have to leave the community to find it.
“We are creating an all-in-one family entertainment destination right here in our community,” Kassandra said. “What makes us especially unique is our purposeful play, giving kids a place to move, explore, build confidence, socialize and have fun year around, while giving families something exciting to enjoy right here in Barton County.”
The Eldridge’s said funding is the biggest challenge they’ve faced in bringing their vision to life, in addition to finding the right place to make it possible.
“A project of this size takes a lot of planning, patience and persistence,” Kassandra said. “We had to think outside the box, explore different opportunities and keep pushing forward. We truly believe Barton County needs a space like this and that has kept us motivated every step of the way.”
This is the second year the Eldridge’s applied for the IGNITE funding. After not bringing home a prize last year, Kassandra said that while the funding would make a huge difference in bringing their dream to fruition, IGNITE is more than that.
Being part of something that celebrates local businesses, big ideas and the future of our community is incredibly special,” she said. “We truly believe in what we're bringing to Barton County and we weren't ready to give up on the opportunity to share that vision.”
The Eldridge’s said they are surprised by the amount of support, direction and encouragement they’ve received throughout the process.
“Great Bend Economic Development truly cares about the success of the businesses they work with and the growth of our community as a whole,” Kassandra said. “They helped guide us every step of the way, gone above and beyond to provide helpful resources and leads, and made us feel like they genuinely believe in what we're trying to accomplish. It has shown us just how special it is to build a business in a community that wants to see you succeed.”
Kassandra said if awarded the grand prize, funding would go directly toward purchasing the large indoor play structure.
“This would be an incredible step toward turning our vision into a reality for the families of Barton County,” she said. “We also plan to honor the impact IGNITE had on making it possible with signage on the play structure that reads ‘IGNITE YOUR PLAY’.”
The Eldridge’s hope Great Bend Play Place has an impact that reaches beyond its doors.
“We want to fill a much-needed gap for local families, but also to create 14-16 jobs, attract families from surrounding communities and bring more visitors into Barton County who will also eat, shop, stay and support other local businesses,” Kassandra said. “Most of all, we want to be part of making Barton County an even better place for families to live, grow and raise their children.
Billy and Kassandra Eldridge are the parents of three, as well as business owners. They said they believe community is built by people showing up for one another.
“Barton county is where we are raising our three children, growing our businesses, volunteering and building our lives,” she said. “We are proud to call Great Bend our home and giving back to the community that supports us is incredibly important to our family.”
