By COLE REIF
Great Bend Post
The City of Great Bend is requesting bid quotes for improvements to Brit Spaugh Park. The bid process was opened this week and will remain open until March 7. The project calls for a 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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Assistant City Administrator Logan Burns said BG Consultants created construction documents that divides the work for possible phases.
"The bold line on the documents...everything to the north of that and above that will be our base bid," said Burns. "Everything below that, which will include the basketball courts, shelters, mini pitch courts, pickleball and onsite parking will be alternate pricing. We'll give you options and take a look at it."
Great Bend is estimating the complete project could cost $2.1 million. The .15% quality of life sales tax will contribute funds to the project, but the tax is expected to generate $635,000 in the 2024 budget. While the Great Bend Recreation Commission and Harms Trust have pledged financial assistance, Great Bend does not have all of the funding needed.
City Administrator Brandon Anderson said the city council will have alternative pricing for features like the courts.
"It's an exciting project," said Anderson. "We've talked about the prices on those have changed just a little bit. As we get that bid in, we wanted to be able to give the council options."
The base bid will include the playground, picnic table area, restroom and moving the horseshoe pits. The basketball court, soccer pitches and pickleball courts could potentially be phased in as funds are available.