By COLE REIF
Great Bend Post
Looking to tap into the popularity of eSports, the Great Bend Recreation Commission purchased several PlayStation 5 consoles, Nintendo Switch consoles and television monitors. The investment nearly two years ago was to provide video gaming opportunities to area youth and the community.
Great Bend Rec Sports Director Shane Sandberg said instead of having participants sign up and pay a fee, this February will mark another year of drop-in gaming opportunities.
"We had a lot more success last year in February than we had with some of our other setups forcing them to register and charge fees," said Sandberg. "It was more of an old-school Rec Center vibe, drop-in after school and participate. I'm hoping that goes well again this year."
On Tuesdays and Thursdays in February, the Recreation Commission will host a gaming room inside the Burnside Room, 1214 Stone Street. Beginning after school until 5 p.m., the Rec staff will provide popcorn and have multiple games set up to play. A staff member from the Rec is on hand to supervise the activity.
In the past, the Rec had Rocket League, Mario Kart, NBA2K and Madden available for school-aged children.