Forty Eisenhower Elementary School students took their recess at nearby Eisenhower Park on Monday afternoon for the grand opening of the outdoor basketball court.

There were no speeches, just the sounds of children having fun as they shared “high-fives” with Recs, the Great Bend Recreation Commission mascot, and entered the new court. There were several regulation basketballs and some beach-ball type basketballs.

Soon, the students would pose for a ribbon-cutting ceremony, with Recs holding the big scissors. Unlike the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce’s usual red ribbon, the ribbon was also decorated with basketballs. After Recs cut the ribbon, the group called out a collective, “Thank you!”

Prior to the grand opening, sponsors at the Great Bend Recreation Commission stated in a news release, “The project is the result of years of passion, persistence, and community support. From the first conversations to the final touches, every contribution – big or small – has helped turn vision into reality. Special recognition goes to the Morning and Noon Basketball members, who have long been part of Great Bend’s basketball story, as well as to USD 428 and the Kiwanis for their generous support.”

Eisenhower school has its own playground but students were allowed to cross the street with adult supervision for the special activity at this community park, located at the corner of Lakin Ave. and Garfield Street. Principal Abigail Jonas was on hand for the ribbon cutting, along with USD 428 and GBRC representatives, including Great Bend Rec Executive Director Chris Umphres.