Dirtwork at the former Stoneridge Country Club is underway, and the Great Bend Recreation Commission is preparing for a busy spring while reviewing winter activities. The commission met Monday afternoon.
Board Chair Dr. Jonathan Pike said what’s being done in Great Bend is influencing recreation projects elsewhere in the state.
Pike said that he had seen a Feb. 4 article describing a Ninja Warrior-style obstacle course in the works for the City of Lenexa’s Central Green in the Lenexa City Center.
“They commented that it was going to be the second course in Kansas and the first in the Kansas City region. They didn’t mention what the other one was, but I thought it was cool that what we’ve done here has an influence on the Kansas City area,” he said.
Great Bend opened its Ninja Course and rock-climbing area June 5, 2024, at the Rec’s My Backyard playground at the Activity Center as the first such outdoor activity in the state.
Meeting agenda
The lone new business item in the otherwise brief meeting concerned a progress report on the golf course dirtwork.
Executive Director Chris Umphres said other aspects of the project will begin as dirtwork continues.
“The irrigation company is working on the design process to keep us on schedule. We’re still moving dirt. Demo of the clubhouse building is next week, and prior to that we had more than 100 bidders at the auction Feb. 28 and sold about 99% of everything, that included ceiling tiles, light fixtures off the walls. Everything is out of there.”
Department reports
Enrichment report — Enrichment Director Garet Fitzpatrick reported on family, preschool, elementary, and adult activities in February.
“We offered half a day of Winter Crafts on Thursday, Feb. 19 for students in grades first through sixth. We had 14 students registered. We hosted a Salina Sky Trampoline Park Kids Day Out on Friday, Feb. 20, for students in grades 1-6. They spent the day at the Salina Sky Trampoline Park and then returned to the Activity Center around 3:30 p.m. Students were required to bring their own lunch.
“The golf course project is also an ongoing project I’ve been helping Chris with. It’s a lot of excitement for myself and the community, but we have a lot of work ahead of us to see this project be successful. Summer is in full planning swing. Instructors are secured (as of now), and classes are getting finalized so I can have the information to Megan on March 27. I’ve started touching base with past aides to see who is interested in returning and will be finalizing aides early this month.”
Aquatic and Adaptive report — Director Megan Hammeke reviewed February activities that included the Valentine Dance with King and Queen and a Valentine Party, as well as various fitness activities.
Looking ahead, Hammeke noted, “Lifeguard training will be huge for me next week over spring break and then we have all of our Easter egg hunts coming up.”
Sports report — Director Shane Sandberg reported on the current status of adult and youth basketball leagues, eSports, and Lil’ Ballers, which resumes play March 24.
“Adult Pickleball continues on with drop-in league on Sunday night. We have also had beginner level classes being taught by Debbie Munz, with this new group being one of the larger classes she has seen over the past few years.”
Attendance
Business Director Joe Henry reported that in February, 2,497 people were enrolled in programs sponsored by the Recreation Commission. Total participation for the month was 11,883, including 3,191 spectators.
A total of 1,544 hours of supervised activities were offered during the month.
Last year, 2,238 people were enrolled in programs, with total participation of 10,534, including 3,957 spectators.
