By COLE REIF
Great Bend Post
With a large group of youth soccer players in attendance at Monday’s Great Bend City Council meeting, the governing body approved nearly $300,000 worth of improvements to Heizer Park.
In October 2022, the City of Great Bend was approved for a $161,260 grant from the Land & Water Conservation Fund with a required local city match of $200,000. The improvements include a Musco mini-pitch double court system, restroom facility, irrigation for the entire park, new basketball goals, new sand volleyball net, fencing and netting behind a new soccer field.
Assistant City Administrator Logan Burns said initial thought was to include a pavilion similar to what was installed at the splash pad.
"Some of the feedback I got was maybe not doing a pavilion but shade structures by the fields," said Burns. "We could also add in security cameras throughout the park. I think I have that wiggle room in the budget."
The dimensions for the new soccer field will be 55 yards by 80 yards. Now approved, the project will go back to the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks.
"Originally, this project was submitted for playground equipment," said Burns. "We did change up the scope. After discussion with the grant coordinator, it's not going to be an issue but it has to go back to National Parks Service for approval."
Burns expected approval from Wildlife and Parks sometime in August.
The mini-pitch courts cost $128,750. Ramirez Construction was approved for pouring a 79' x 88' slab of concrete for $43,450. Superior Sprinklers will provide the irrigation for the park for $26,880.50. CXT Restrooms will install the restroom facility for $92,743.