2023

BY DALE HOGG dhogg@gbtribune.com

Sure, everyone knows the Great Bend Recreation Commission offers sports programs for all ages, provides workout facilities and playgrounds and a host of other classes and services for the community.

In fact, last year there were 41,848 people enrolled in programs with a total participation of 117,699. In January alone, there were 2,156 people enrolled in 807.5 hours of supervised activities with a total participation of 3,907 (1,140 were spectators).

That’s a lot.

But as the GBRC builds on these, said Executive Director Chris Umphres, who took over the helm of the commission in November, new and new things are on the horizon this year.

“The Esports is going to be our biggest deal,” he said. Esports, short for electronic sports, is a form of competition using video games. They will partner with Barton Community College, which has had an Esports team since 2019, for their first tournament.

“After that, we’ll roll into a league situation,” he said.

New fitness alternatives

New to the commission’s exercise options are spin classes and TRX suspension training, he said.

Spin, or indoor cycling resistance exercise) workout utilizes straps and bodyweight exercises to develop strength, balance, flexibility and core stability simultaneously.

“We’re trying to hit a different clientele,” he said.

Going back outdoors

Although many details remain to be finalized, work continues on the development of the south end of Brit Spaugh Park, a joint effort with the City of Great Bend, he said. Funding for this will come from the GBRC and the city’s .15% quality of life sales tax approved by voters in November 2021.

The Brit Spaugh project could involve outdoor basketball and pickleball courts, a playground, soccer field and restrooms. This will be among the items addressed during a City Council work session on Monday, Feb. 20.

A change of command

After more than four decades with the Great Bend Recreation Commission, Executive Director Diann Henderson announced her upcoming retirement to the GBRC board last June. It was effective in October. Umphres was hired as her replacement and took over on Nov. 1.

New business director

This month, Joe Henry joined the GBRC team as its business director. A McPherson native, he is coming to Great Bend from Loveland, Colo. His entire life was built surrounded by recreation and outdoors where he became involved in hiking, cycling, rockclimbing, camping and organized team sports.