BY SUSAN THACKER
sthacker@gbtribune.com
While summer activities get under way at the Great Bend Recreation Commission, the GBRC Board of Directors is looking ahead to next year’s budget. At Monday’s meeting, the board scheduled a budget work session for 4 p.m. on June 27.
Executive Director Diann Henderson said she hopes to publish a budget by July 1 so the board can schedule the public budget hearing for July 11, its next regular meeting date. Henderson also shared a staff "wish list" for capital outlay projects that board members can consider including in next year’s budget.
There is a long-term goal of adding playground equipment to the new Activity Center. Other needs include computer software and hardware upgrades, developing a website, one additional van, a mini tractor for working on ball diamonds, scrubber and floor buffer, and a sound system for the Activity Center.
The board approved upgrading the cell phone contract with Verizon to add new phones, including one additional phone, all with unlimited calling and texting, and a keyboard for texting. "We have a two-year contract with Verizon," Henderson said. The upgrade requires extending the contract for two more years. The annual cost will increase from $1,487 to $2,640.
The Recreation Commission has added some new technology this year as well. Henderson showed the board the new Galaxy Pad and said she had also purchased a digital camera that allows staff to take photos at events. The Galaxy Pad is Samsung’s Android tablet computer, which has wireless Internet and GPS. It will be useful when staff are at the ball fields, checking on weather conditions and traveling.
Henderson reported that for the month of May, GBRC offered 1,096 hours of supervised activities. There were 5,234 people enrolled in activities, and 24,054 participants, of which 11,555 were spectators. There are 207 selections for summer activities.
The board also learned that Linda Marqueling, who coordinates GBRC programs for senior citizens and special populations, will retire on July 31. She has worked for the Recreation Commission for 18 years. An open house in her honor will be held from 3-4:30 p.m. July 28 at the Activity Center.
