By MIKE COURSON
Great Bend Post
In November 2022, the USD 428 Board of Education approved the replacement of the track and turf at Great Bend High School's Memorial Stadium. The track has been largely closed to the public for exercise purposes since construction began last May. With all the pieces now in place and seasonal weather on the horizon, GBHS Activities Director Matt Westerhaus said the track will again be open for walking and jogging purposes in the next 7-10 days.
"Where we're at is trying to make sure we have some signage and verbiage in place, and a gate allocated that allows for walking and jogging on the track," he said.
Public access will be limited to walking and jogging on the track between dawn and dusk. Any other use of the facilities, including the turf football field or practice field, requires written permission from the district. As for rules on the track, Westerhaus said to follow the general rule of keeping the facility at least as clean as you found it.
"Obviously, we're going to ask that there be no skateboards, bicycles, rollerblades, scooters, or similar devices on the track," he said. "No pets allowed. Help us maintain a clean and safe facility by disposing of trash and reporting any concerns to district officials."
In the past, access to the track was available through multiple gates around the facility. Information will be shared by USD 428 once the exact location of an entrance gate is selected. District official asks that anyone utilizing the track for walking or jogging use the outside lanes 3-8.