Reactions were positive to the on-site experience of the new Great Bend Sports Complex when City Administrator Howard Partington led tours Monday.
Partington said the council members and other city officials were concerned when the project wasn’t done in time for this baseball season, however he noted that as work is continuing on the grounds, it was probably best that they were not trying to get players and fans into the area for this season.
In addition to the impressive fields, concessions area, press boxes, restrooms and more, the facility will also require parking and access, so that those who come and go from games can do so safely, and Partington noted that before the next season the city staff are hoping that arrangements can be made to have access from Railroad Avenue, using footage that the city already controls.
In fact, he noted, the city controls more footage onto Railroad Avenue than it does on McKinley.
The Railroad Avenue entrance, which is still to be installed, will eventually be the main entrance, though it is expected that local patrons will continue to use the McKinley Street entrance.
The drives will include parking areas, a “round-about” area near the main entrance and a handicap parking area.
Once inside the facility, during much of the playing season, what is going to be especially obvious to the patrons, Partington said, will be the abundance of shade. And as he was leading tours Monday afternoon it was obvious that there was an immediate difference in the temperature where the shade and breeze were available.
Partington noted that the viewing area will feature an area for bleachers, but also a roomy space where patrons can set up their folding chairs, which is a popular way for them to view the games.
In the concessions area, the city administrator said the new design will also feature better control over patron access, and that will allow the city staff to make sure that patrons are not bringing coolers or picnic baskets in, so there will be control over what is consumed on site.
He added there continues to be significant work done on the irrigation system, the installation of sod and roads and other projects that will be needed to complete the facility.
Monday night the council considered a final change order on the facility itself.