By COLE REIF
Great Bend Post
In an effort to get citizens to explore Kansas with free tickets to several attractions, the Sunflower Summer app was created. Kansas Tourism took over the operation of the app last year and saw great numbers make use of the app at museums, waterparks, zoos and other destinations across the state.
The Great Bend area had three sites get listed on Sunflower Summer, including the Wetlands Waterpark, Great Bend Brit Spaugh Zoo and Kansas Wetlands Education Center (KWEC). Great Bend Convention and Visitors Bureau Director Christina Hayes said there is question if the state legislature will continue funding the app in the future.
"The reason why legislators are having a hard time not just passing it is because they have found Sunflower Summer is not creating additional room nights," said Hayes. "It's not creating hotel stays. What it is doing is giving Kansas citizens an opportunity to see the attractions and supporting those attractions."
The waterpark in Great Bend had 2,667 free tickets claimed last summer through the app. The state reimbursed the pool $8,980. Even free sites like the Great Bend zoo received funds if people used the app while there. The zoo had 594 tickets claimed and received $2,970. KWEC had 559 tickets claimed with a $2,795 grant received.
Great Bend CVB Board member Mark Mingenback emphasized the need for the app to continue.
"I think it's significant for our state's self image," said Mingenback. "If more people go out and try more things in Kansas, they're going to feel more confident and proud of what we're all about. That's a problem here."
Throughout the entire state, more than 496,000 tickets were claimed.
The online app was available to all Kansas families with students pre-K through 12th grade. Users checking in with the app were given free admission and then the Kansas Department of Commerce reimbursed the attraction.