By COLE REIF
Great Bend Post
The Great Bend Recreation Commission introduced a few playground additions coming to the community in the near future, including equipment at the Great Bend Sports Complex, Veterans Memorial Park and the GBRC Activity Center.
Great Bend Rec Director Chris Umphres said the My Backyard Playground at the Activity Center on 18th Street has sections designated for toddlers and children 5-12 years old. At Monday's meeting, the Rec Board approved the purchase of a Ninja Course and rock-climbing wall to be installed.
"Sitting through the city's quality of life sales tax committee, and some of the comments that we've heard is there is nothing to do for the middle-aged group," said Umphres. "I think we have a good situation with security cameras, staff, basketball goal and lots of things to do. This will be geared more for the middle school and older group."
The Ninja Course, costing $115,000, resembles playground equipment seen on the television show, American Ninja Warrior. The rock wall, costing $164,000, will be 50 feet long, eight feet tall and include three boulders. Umphres said there are two options for a padded surfacing underneath, and a Hellas Construction surfacing quote for $192,000 will place turf around the area and install the Ninja Course.
"I would be happy with either of the two companies to do the install," said Umphres. "We've had Hellas in town doing the high school football field and the Sports Complex. We've had very good luck with their customer service and the products they have."
Umphres noted Hellas has availability to have the equipment installed sometime in May.
