By COLE REIF
Great Bend Post
Introducing “Recs” the squirrel. After holding a naming contest this summer, the Great Bend Recreation Commission announced their squirrel mascot’s name will be Recs. During the ribbon cutting for the Ninja Course at the My Backyard Playground in June, the Rec revealed the addition of the mascot.
The mascot naming contest took entries from the public, and 9-year-old Clare Anderson won with her name suggestion of Recs. Great Bend Rec Executive Director Chris Umphres presented Anderson with several prizes at Monday’s board meeting.
"We have a big stuffed animal squirrel for you," said Umphres. "I don't know if your parents will let you do this, but we have a squirrel feeder for you and a whole box of corn. You're set to have lots of squirrel activity at the house."
Anderson was also presented a Starbucks gift card.
The idea for a mascot came at a national parks and recreation convention. Recs the squirrel has accessory items that allow for outfit changes for different occasions.