By COLE REIF
Great Bend Post
This past February, the Great Bend Recreation Commission introduced playground additions for the Activity Center on 18th Street. The My Backyard Plaground has sections designated for toddlers and children between the ages of 5 and 12. Wednesday afternoon, the Rec Commission staff and Board held a ribbon cutting for a new Ninja Course and rock-climbing features.
Great Bend Rec Executive Director Chris Umphres said he participated in the city’s quality-of-life sales tax committee, helping decide on projects to bring to town. One comment made during the committee’s discussions was to create more activities for “older” children.
"One of the statements was a paintball course, update the skatepark area, something for the older kids to give them something to do," said Umphres. "When we were at Nationals and saw this, and even some of the younger professionals doing it, we thought this Ninja Course would be perfect for that age group."
Along with a free lunch, the Rec Commission staff handed out ninja-related prizes and food coupons Wednesday to children making use of the new playground.
Along with the Ninja Course, resembling equipment seen on the television show, American Ninja Warrior, the Rec Commission added climbing options with a rock wall and a large boulder.
"There is the rock-climbing boulder and then some smaller stepping-stone boulders," said Umphres. "There's a concrete tree made for climbing. On the boulder, each side is a different level of technicality. You can use the handholds to get up there or try to master this without the handholds. It's pretty neat."
The project, including turf surfacing and installation, cost approximately $471,000.
"Everything is within playground specs that they could fall on the turf and not get hurt," added Umphres.
The Rec Commission also announced their new mascot Wednesday, a squirrel, to be named this summer.
