Trying to improve conditions for Great Bend’s soccer community

By COLE REIF
Great Bend Post

Noel Rodriguez has been playing or coaching soccer in Great Bend his whole life. Rodriguez presented before the Great Bend City Council last week in hopes of improving soccer playing conditions for the community.

He noted when friends played soccer at recess, they mostly had to play on dirt fields at Riley Elementary School. Recently playing at Heizer Park, Rodriguez mentioned the stickers that you have to deal with playing at the park south of town.

"I've heard stories from people coming to these meetings," said Rodriguez. "They've been told things. We're going to do this at this time. In my 28 years, there has not been much progress. I've told my story to see if maybe it helps to speed up the process. I would love for the kids growing up to have somewhere to go play and have a good time."

Rodriguez referenced playing in parking lots throughout town when it became dark. A Great Bend High School graduate in 2012, Rodriguez served as a captain for the Panthers his final two years. This summer, he was named the girls coach at the high school after spending the last few years as a Great Bend Middle School coach.

Rodriguez has heard plans to improve Heizer Park with playground features and better soccer fields, but wanted to check the status of the project.

"I think the soccer community really just wants a place to go play," said Rodriguez. "It doesn't have to be fancy or cost so much. In my thought, there would be an indoor facility. These plans look awesome, but I think trying to build something too spectacular that costs a lot is pushing the project behind. I think the soccer community is ready for something."

A goal to make improvements to Heizer Park was announced in 2020 by the City of Great Bend, and a grant was received to assist in the project. Assistant City Administrator Logan Burns said the city is still looking for matching funds at Heizer. Also, the city is preparing construction bids for an estimated $2 million project at Brit Spaugh Park that includes two mini soccer pitches.