May 11, 2023

Fresh look for Great Bend’s City Auditorium is ongoing

Posted May 11, 2023 3:00 PM

By COLE REIF
Great Bend Post

Not only has the new paint project at the City Auditorium in Great Bend given the facility new life, it also has not interrupted the popular pickleball matches yet.

Renovaa Home Innovation completed the first section of the auditorium last week by painting the north and east sides of the walking path underneath the seating. Great Bend Recreation Commission Director Chris Umphres said Renovaa will begin the south side this week.

"It has definitely changed," said Umphres. "It's bright white and some serious blue on the columns. Renovaa will come back in August to do the main gym when we shut down like we normally do. When they start this week, they'll probably be here a week and a half."

At the March Great Bend Rec Board meeting, Umphres noted it has been 30 to 40 years since the City Auditorium has been fully painted. Renovaa estimated the project would take nine weeks to complete. In March, the board approved a motion to accept the painting bid not to exceed $60,000.    

"We have new American and Kansas flags," said Umphres. "We're ready to open back up after August with some new looks."