By COLE REIF
Great Bend Post
During the First Impressions program through K-State Research and Extension, city officials from El Dorado toured Great Bend unannounced last fall. Finding out their strengths and ways to improve, Great Bend staff was informed that the city needed better wayfinding signs that direct motorists to points of interest and city locations.
Great Bend Convention and Visitors Bureau Director Christina Hayes said replacing the existing signs has been in the works.
"That wayfinding project and the entrances to the city was part of our strategic plan for the city, staff and council five years ago," said Hayes. "That's just continuing on. It's part of the process."
Mark’s Custom Signs will begin installing the new wayfinding signs throughout town over the next couple of weeks.
The wayfinding signs will match the large welcome signs located on two major entrances into Great Bend on north U.S. 281 Highway and west U.S. 56 Highway. Hayes said the CVB is saving money to purchase welcome signs for all the main entrances into town within the next five years.
"We want to install those signs with the exception of the east city entrance from Ellinwood," said Hayes. "Because of that new highway that might be coming in, KDOT will not let put a sign on that entrance to the city."
The 15 wayfinding signs cost $44,950.