By MIKE COURSON
Great Bend Post
The current Great Bend city swimming pool was built in 1936. The landmark is now in its final days of life. Last December, the Great Bend City Council approved an approximately $9 million plan to replace the current pool with a new facility. The current pool season ends on Aug. 9. After that, City Administrator Logan Burns, in an appearance on 1590 KVGB/95.5 FM's "City Edition" with Steve Webster, said all eyes turn toward the construction of the new facility.
“If everything goes through, Aug. 31 we will have a resolution for a sale of bonds as long as everything is within budget,” he said. “I am hoping by the middle to end of September, we start on the demolition work. From that point, we will be up and ready to go for the 2027 pool season.”
The current pool offers approximately 12,000 square feet of aquatic space. The new design features just over 11,000 square feet of aquatic space but will include a 215-foot-long lazy river, a 34-foot-tall fly-time slide, a 31-foot-tall open-body slide, ADA slides, spray features, a basketball goal, and a climbing wall. The existing slide feature in the northeast corner of the facility will also be renovated. The new pool will be one of the most modern facilities the area.
READ MORE: Great Bend City Council approves new pool concept
“We pull from several counties around already,” Burns said. “I know Hoisington brings a lot of their kids, but we have several of these surrounding cities that bring their kids just to our pool. I think there’s going to be a draw factor from, not only within Great Bend – it’s just a staple of the community – but I think you’ll see that draw from around Barton County as well.”
The city released plans for the new pool to potential contractors last Thursday. Contractors can visit the site on Aug. 4, and bids are due by Aug. 20. Burns said between 10-15 contractors have expressed interest in the project, and more bids will mean a better price point for the city. He expects many of the sub-contracted jobs to go to local companies. The Great Bend City Council will vote on the final bid on Aug. 31.