By COLE REIF
Great Bend Post
In May, the Great Bend City Council recognized private donations to complete a nearly $2 million project at Brit Spaugh Park were scarce. The governing body decided to send out a request for proposal (RFP) on the Brit Spaugh Park drawings in hopes of the final drawings with specifications on the renovation inspiring more donors. The city’s .15% quality of life sales tax will partially fund an outdoor basketball court, four pickleball courts, two mini soccer pitches, playground and a restroom facility on the south side of the park.
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Waiting to hear back on the design services, the city council has refocused to
installing a splash pad at Veterans Memorial Park. The Great Bend Recreation
Commission has pledged $340,000 to the Brit Spaugh project for a focus on the
playground equipment. GBRC Director Chris Umphres said plans are still in place
to move forward with the Brit Spaugh project once the final design and finances
are secured.
"The last email I got, the city is trying to get bids for construction documents," said Umphres. "As far as I know, they're still moving forward. They asked me to get it out to some of our KRPA (Kansas Recreation & Park Association) people. I've gotten it out to about six people...hopefully they can make the deadline to get the construct docs back. I know the city wants to do both, Brit Spaugh and the splash pad."
The City of Great Bend estimates the construction cost for the Brit Spaugh project
will cost $1.97 million. Architect and engineering firms have until June 30 to submit construction documents for the 2.5 acres at the park that is
currently a parking lot, baseball field and horseshoe pits. The bid posting can be found at greatbendks.net.
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