With ice, snow and bitter cold on the way, it may be tough to think about splashing around in water or listening to an outdoor concert.

But, these warm-weather activities are very much on the minds of city officials construction crews. Even with temperatures in the teens, employees of Wiens and Company of Hutchinson were at work on the remodeling of the Clayton L. Moses Memorial Bandshell and surrounding area Thursday.

“The goal is to have everything complete by May 1,” Great Bend City Administrator Howard Partington said. Even earlier would be better.

 Wiens is handling the work at a cost of $355,700. The fences went up last fall when staging process started.

Among the improvements is expanding the bandshell stage outwards. This is underway now as the concrete in front of the stage has been removed.

Other January projects include finishing the stage using pre-made forms, building new ramps to the stage (one for easier handicapped access) and a drive-up area to make loading and unloading easier.

In February, there will be the replacing the restroom roofs, new doors, lighting and some paving. And, at the north end of the bandshell plaza, the splash pad constructed.

In March and April, the utilities will be completed and the landscaping done. Of course, this is all contingent upon the weather, Partington said.

Partington said the Thelma Faye Harms Charitable Trust has contributed $300,0000 towards the renovations.

The bandshell dates back to the 1920s and it has been a while since the area was revamped. This effort includes the removal of the water fountain, and the relocation of the vintage cannon (which is now in storage at Brit Spaugh Zoo) and a buried time capsule.

Wiens hopes to get started by Thanksgiving and be done by May 1, 2017.

The design work is being handled by PBA Architects of Wichita.