By COLE REIF
Great Bend Post
GREAT BEND — The Great Bend Recreation Commission was contacted by the City of Great Bend to help with applying for a grant that could get the ball moving in developing two soccer fields and two football fields, all with artificial turf, at the Great Bend Sports Complex.
The Tourism Attraction Sub-grants for Kansas program is a one-time opportunity for the enhancement of Kansas attraction assets.
Great Bend Rec Executive Director Diann Henderson said the grant would
not include construction but would be a good first step.
"That type of expansion would cost many dollars," said Henderson. "The
monies available with this grant would provide the first step in
assessments and what needs to be done. Construction would cost more and
need many more meetings to develop."
The grant is a matching 50%/50% grant to spur local economic recovery and
improve the quality of life in the community. A maximum of 10 grants will be
awarded with the smallest amount given out being $100,000 and the largest
amount being $250,000.
The Sports Complex was constructed in 2012 and a $1.37 million project to place
turf on the five baseball and softball fields wrapped up last December.
Henderson noted it was always in the master plan for the Sports Complex to
develop the soccer and football fields along with a guest service area,
lighting, a shaded spectator area and additional parking.
"In 2001, a survey showed improving facilities was a primary focus,"
said Henderson. "47% of Great Bend residents at that time said it was
important to improve our existing parks and recreation facilities."
"We
continue to hear needs for soccer and a place for flag football
programs. There are a lot of youth sports activities that are not being
served through our facilities in Great Bend."
Grants awarded will be announced May 2.