In September and October, 2023, four visitors from El Dorado came to Great Bend as part of a community First Impressions program.
The secret shopper style program connects two communities within the state to help assess strengths and weaknesses from the eyes of first time visitors.
The impressions of these visitors were presented Jan. 19. Great Bend asked for First Impressions, El Dorado agreed to be its partner with visitors from Great Bend assessing El Dorado which has not been presented yet.
How it helps
First Impressions increases awareness of a community’s strengths and highlights areas of concern. The program helps communities:
• Evaluate the success of current development initiatives
• Set goals and priorities for new development
• Identify ways to strengthen community services
• Identify initiatives for community support agencies, civic groups, city/county leaders, or community economic development organizations.
Great Bend Data
2022 KS Certified Population: 14,489 (-9.4 % since 2010)
• 2020 U.S. Census: 14,733
• 2010 U.S. Census: 15,995
• Median household income: $53,885
• High school or GED 85%
• At least a B.S. Degree 22.2%
• Median Age: 36.5 years
• Persons 65 and Over 18.6%
(Source: Kansas Secretary of State Division of the Budget Certified Population Data 2022; Census. gov)
• Occupied Housing Units: 5,774
• Owner Occupied: 59.3%
• Renter Occupied: 40.7%
• Vacant Housing Units 1,257
- For rent: 341
- Rented, not occupied: 43
- For sale: 132
- Sold, not occupied: 115
- Seasonal/recreational: 99
- All other vacants: 527
• Average Household Size: 2.5
(Data Source: Census.gov 2020 Census & ACS Narrative Profile - data retrieved 11/29/23)
How it works
K-State Research and Extension’s Community Vitality program aims to help communities assess and develop opportunities and strategies for community improvement. The First Impressions program helps communities learn about existing strengths and weaknesses The results from the program can serve as the basis for community action.
A volunteer visitation team from a similar community agrees to make the visit. Teams are trained and follow clear guidelines as they evaluate appearances, access to services; friendliness, and other community attributes.
Findings
While exploring downtown Great Bend visitors said, “It was a comfortable, easy walk through downtown with mostly good sidewalks.”
Some visitors struggled to find the downtown business area. They claimed signage wasn’t easily apparent but was eventually seen on top of the light poles. Once downtown, visitors enjoyed the area saying, “the buildings were in really nice shape with some getting face lifts.”
Visitors appreciated displays in vacant storefronts as it made it feel like the buildings were full. Visitors were greeted by friendly people at most of the shops they went to. “Everyone was helpful and answered questions about the city.”
One fault in downtown visitors found was that there were no public restrooms or Wi-Fi access.
Across town guests noticed there are a lot of fast food options on the west end of 10th street.
Industrial/commercial areas exists at all entrances to the city and visitors thought it looked like more businesses could probably locate or expand in those areas, although, “It didn’t give a ‘warm fuzzy feeling’ encountering the industrial areas when entering town,” they said.
Of the many neighborhoods guests observed, most appear to be middle-income level houses. “All looked to be well maintained but there were not many homes for sale at the time.”
It was also noted that schools were older buildings but looked to be in good shape and taken care of and seemed adequate for the size of the community.
Many churches were seen with a variety of denominations and they had nice appearance and “facilities looked inviting.”
Guests noted area attractions include: Cheyenne Bottoms and the Wetlands Education Center, B-29 Plaza, the “beautiful” Courthouse and plaza, Zoo, water park, and murals, but that “nothing else was noted that might bring people to town.”
Most memorable
First Impression visitors shared what they deemed most memorable about their visit.
How welcomed visitors felt walking around. The Chamber and City offices also made them feel well invited. The zoo was relaxing. “The courthouse!” Great Bend Coffee and its atmosphere also received high praise, “Such a cozy, family-friendly place with people playing games and enjoying their time with others. The food was great, too!”
Visitors could tell that Great Bend has “strong family and community pride and spirit. Business owners and residents obviously care about the city.”
Links to the reports are available here.
