Passersby may have noticed some new bright and colorful playground equipment springing up north of the Wetlands at Great Bend Aquatic Center. It is all part of the Tot Spot, a joint project between Barton County Young Professionals and the Great Bend Rotary Club.

A grand opening for the play area is set for 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 29. There will be a brief program, a ribbon cutting and a community barbecue.

“We have really great parks and really great facilities,” said BCYP member Rachel Mawhirter said, in addressing the Great Bend City Council Monday night. She was there to give a update on the project and thank the council for the city’s support.

“You guys set the bar for our success,” she said. Earlier this year when she asked for the council’s blessing, the fundraising goal was $50,000, but they wound up raising over $54,000.

Now, thanks to city crews, work on the 50x50-foot area is underway, she said.

Brit Spaugh Park already had a lot of features, especially for older kids, whereas the new toys are designed for toddlers. The idea, she said, was to create an environment at Brit Spaugh where generations could mingle.

“We want to keep kids moving and keep them physically active,” Mawhirter said. 

The equipment is blue and lime green and will include platforms no higher than 48 inches. There will also be a feature for infants, a bonded rubber surface, shade area and benches.

In addition, there will be a xylophone and bongo drums. 

“We wanted to put our names on a project that will be around for years to come,” Mawhirter said.