By COLE REIF
Great Bend Post
Outside of juggling a final game at home played by the local American Legion baseball team, the City of Great Bend and partners are ready to see the installation of artificial turf at the Great Bend Sports Complex begin in mid-July. City Administrator Kendal Francis said at the city council meeting Monday night that the process could begin as early as July 12.
Great Bend Recreation Commission Assistant Superintendent Chris Umphres says Hellas
Construction has until February 1, 2022 to complete the installation but
are looking to get started as soon as possible with the unpredictable Kansas
weather.
"We had our walk-through meeting with Hellas, and the guy is optimistic to be done in November," said Umphres. "Wishful thinking? I don't know, but it would be exciting if they were done that early."
The $1.36 million project will install turf on the infields and bullpen areas
at the four Sports Complex fields and nearby Langrehr Field.
"They will come in and take off the infield dirt and scrape that back," said Umphres. "They will get down deep enough to put the drain lines in then put in the crushed rock to get it leveled. It will be exciting watching the process go."
The Rec committed $200,000 and annual maintenance of the fields and the Great
Bend school district pledged $280,000. The city is responsible for the
remaining cost.
The Great Bend American Legion baseball team is still looking for a potential
game to schedule in mid-July. If it falls after July 12, the game
could potentially move to a different field.