By COLE REIF
Great Bend Post
With the addition of the Ninja Course and rock wall, you can make the argument that the My Backyard Playground is the premiere playground in Great Bend.
Positioned next to the Activity Center on 18th Street, the playground has no restroom facility during the evening hours and weekends when the Activity Center is closed. Great Bend Recreation Commission Executive Director Chris Umphres said the Rec has tried a portable toilet onsite but are moving forward with getting bids to install a permanent restroom facility at the playground.
"We want it metal wrapped or painted to match the building," said Umphres. "There will be a drinking fountain off to the side of that as well. We have the fountain in the back of the playground but this will add another up front, maybe eliminating the traffic coming in and out of the Activity Center for a drink."
The Great Bend Rec Board approved a motion to get bid specifications from contractors for a 10' x 20' restroom. The facility will include heat for the winter but no air conditioning.
The restroom is proposed to be located on the southwest corner of the lot as you first walk into the playground.