By COLE REIF
Great Bend Post
Last Wednesday marked a significant ribbon cutting for the Great Bend Recreation Commission by unveiling the first Ninja Course playground in Kansas. While the new climbing features at the My Backyard Playground were highly anticipated, the Rec also revealed their new mascot…the squirrel.
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Great Bend Rec Director Chris Umphres said the idea for a mascot came at a national parks and recreation convention.
"We had this in place six months ago, but it takes awhile to get a professional-grade mascot," said Umphres. "We're proud of it. It's something that squirrels always get involved with everything. It's the Rec life...we get in there and 'Rec' everything. We thought the squirrel would be a good mascot for our area."
The squirrel has accessory items that allow for outfit changes for different occasions.
Known simply as “squirrel” for the moment, the Great Bend Rec is conducting a mascot naming contest that is open to the public. The contest is open to all ages, and a prize will be awarded to the person who submits the winning name. Entries can be picked up and dropped off at the downtown Recreation Center (1214 Stone) or the Activity Center (2715 18th). Entries are due by Thursday, June 13. A winner will be chosen by mid-July.