Aug 12, 2020

Great Bend Rec finding ways to continue programs this fall

Posted Aug 12, 2020 6:27 PM
Great Bend Recreation Commission is moving forward with fall activities. (file photo)
Great Bend Recreation Commission is moving forward with fall activities. (file photo)

By COLE REIF
Great Bend Post

After a stretch of being shut down because of COVID-19 precautions, the Great Bend Recreation Commission saw their attendance numbers get closer to normal in July. During the month, 2,399 people enrolled in programs sponsored by the Recreation Commission. A total of 1,475 hours of supervised activities were offered in July. 

GBRC Enrichment/Activity Center Director Garet Fitzpatrick says staff is brainstorming ideas to keep citizens participating in programming for the fall.

"We might hand out packets and then on Fridays we would do the project on Facebook Live to show people how to do them," said Fitzpatrick. "We want to continue doing our videos. We're just trying to figure out to how to provide quality leisure programs for the community."

As for sports, GBRC Sports Director Chris Umphres says fan attendance might look slightly different for indoor activities such as volleyball. The Rec Center might open up the seating throughout the City Auditorium to allow social distancing. For the outdoor sports such as soccer and football this fall, heavy cleaning and sanitizing is expected.

"The sanitizing will continue," said Umphres. "We have the spray and plenty of chemicals that handle that stuff. We have the backpack sprayers like we did in the summertime. We'll continue that for sure."

Enrollment deadline for outdoor soccer, flag football and volleyball is Aug. 16. Sign up at greatbendrec.com.