New rules and fees for using the Great Bend Recreation Commission’s Burnside Room and kitchen were approved Monday at the GBRC’s board meeting. Director Diann Henderson said these were the first changes since 1981.
The Burnside Room is located in the Carl Soden Recreation Center at 1214 Stone St. and can hold up to 260 people standing, or 123 with tables and chairs. The new options are more simple than the old ones, Henderson said. The fees used to be higher after 5 p.m.; now they are the same regardless of the time.
For nonprofit, non-commercial users, the fee has increased to $10 for the first hour and $5 for each additional hour of use. The old rate was $6 for the first hour and $4 for additional hours. The fee applies to either the Burnside Room or the kitchen. Both may be rented at the same time for the above rates, plus a one-time $10 fee.
The new commercial rate for the room is $15 for the first hour and $10 for each additional hour. The old rates were $12 and $8.
People can no longer rent the game room, since it no longer exists. That area, which once included a pool table, was transformed into the Cavanaugh Wellness Area some time ago.
The new rules also spell out rules for using the room, and what charges will be assessed if there is damage. Those fees are "$125 minimum if we have to call a plumber," $50 to replace a chair and $150 to replace a table, Henderson said.
Board members also spent time Monday talking about indoor soccer rules, although no action was required. Sports Program Director Chris Umphres said one rule insures kids at least two minutes of playing time per game. Some board members thought it needs to be longer.
Board chairman Dr. Marc Huslig, who also coaches some youth sports, said coaches understand that the goal is to let all children play and learn, and that comes even above winning.
"Most of the coaches do what’s right," Huslig said. Even a player who could be out on the field scoring can benefit from some coaching during bench time while others get to play. "I think a majority of the coaches feel that way."
Problems would arise if rules require a certain amount of minutes per game for each player, Umphres said. Some coaches may want to limit a player’s time on the court if that player has not attended practices. Also, if the amount of "guaranteed" time is increased, it will be impossible for scorekeepers to monitor compliance, he said.
Henderson reported that for the month of November, 3,613 people were enrolled in GBRC programs. There were 10,369 participants, of which 3,617 were spectators, and 1,130.5 hours of supervised activities.
