By COLE REIF
Great Bend Post
The City of Great Bend is conducting business as normal in the midst of the coronavirus epidemic. City staff is practicing social distancing and restructuring schedules but the same operations residents received from city crews continue as normal.
City Administrator Kendal Francis says although city buildings and grounds are closed to the public, all the services still remain intact with the same amount of staff.
"We continue to be fully staffed," Francis said. "We have not furloughed anyone. We want to make sure we provide citizens with the exact same service they had prior to the epidemic and the service they deserve."
The closure of city parks does mean that fishing and disc golf is prohibited at Veterans Memorial Park. Also shut off to the public in the closures are Stone and Rotary Lake.
"Outside of not being able to access our buildings and grounds, our commitment to serving citizens remains the same," said Francis.
The City of Great Bend’s decision to close parks was made in part to avoid large gatherings, before Kansas Governor Laura Kelly made the stay-at-home order with gatherings restricted to 10 or fewer.
Francis understands citizens want to get out and enjoy the nicer weather, and encourages the outdoors exercise in a responsible manner.
"Do the essential things you need to do," Francis said. "Abide by the governor's executive orders and realize we are probably in this for the long haul. You need to expect to be."
Citizens with questions on city services should call 620-793-4111 or visit the website greatbendks.net.