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GBRC looks at goals, budget
GBRC carl soden center

The Great Bend Recreation Commission’s board of directors discussed its 2017-2018 strategic plan goals and budget on Monday.
The goals that where discussed included; online registration and facility usage, new exercise equipment, equipment replacement and facility improvements.
Board members also discussed 2017-2018 budget timeline. The Great Bend Recreation Commission budget must be certified so that it can be filed with the USD 428 clerk and the county clerk by Aug. 1.
“There must be at least 10 days between the publication and the hearing and 10 days between the hearing and the certifying of the budget to the USD/County Clerk,” Executive Recreation Director
Diann Henderson said. “If the publication notice is made at least 10 days prior to a regular meeting date of the (Recreation) Commission, the budget hearing can be a part of a regular commission meeting.”
To perform the necessary budget work and accounting processes to complete the required budget documents, the budget work session will be at 4 p.m. on Monday, June 26, at the Carl Soden Recreation Center.

GBRC program reports
Program directors reported on May activities.
Megan Hammeke said bowling continues to be popular with the special needs clients, with 248 participants in May. She also noted that there will be a Bowling Tournament for special needs on June 26. Participants will compete for a trophy.
For the senior programs, Fit for Life exercise class met 12 times and had 317 participants.
Garet Fitzpatrick reported on leisure programs, noting that Kids Day Out programs will be offered throughout the summer. These programs run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
This year’s programs are: Fishing Fun Day – Friday, June 16; Aquatic Camp - Friday, June 23; Kids Games and Skating – Friday, June 30; Pirate Treasure Hunt - Friday, July 7; Day At The Beach – Friday, July 14; Zoo Day Out – Thursday, July 20; Crafts In The Wild – Friday, July 21; Play Like A Pioneer – Tuesday, July 25; C.S.I./Kids Safety – Wednesday, July 26; and Wetland Survivor, Thursday, July 27.
Chris Umphres reported on sports, noting that adult softball started May 30 and the one league is running smoothly.
“Overall the players are following the rules,” he said “We are continuing the three game a night schedule this year in adult softball and the response so far has been great.”
Game times are: 7, 8 and 9 p.m. at the Veterans Memorial Park complex.

Director's report
Henderson reported that in the month of May, there were 3,445 people enrolled in programs sponsored by the Recreation Commission. The total participation for the month was 8,745; of that total, 1,902 were spectators. This month the commission offered a total of 1,182.75 hours of supervised activities.