As the seasons change in Northwest Kansas, the Goodland Activities Center (GAC) is gearing up for a full slate of spring and summer activities. Tess Smith, Director of the GAC, joined Rollie from NWKS Radio to talk about everything happening at the center—from youth sports leagues to community events.
Staying Open Through the Weather
With unpredictable Kansas weather, keeping the doors open at the GAC can be a challenge. “We try to stay open as long as possible,” Smith said, “but if roads start closing, we’ll follow suit. Safety is the priority.” Despite the snow falling, spring and summer sports registrations are already underway.
Spring Soccer Registration is Open
One of the first events on the calendar is Spring Soccer, with registration closing March 11. The league is open to kindergarten through sixth grade, with three dates set for a soccer camp. The GAC is working with Sharon Springs again this year to bring in teams for scrimmages on the last day of camp. The cost is $20 per child, and registration is available online.
Baseball and Softball Camp
The GAC/GHS Baseball & Softball Camp is set for Sunday, April 27, with Coach Avila and the Goodland High School baseball and softball teams leading the way. This two-hour camp at the sports complex focuses on basic skills and drills to prepare young athletes for summer leagues. Registration starts at 12:30 PM, and the camp runs from 1-3 PM for $25 per child (kindergarten through eighth grade).
Sign Up for Summer Baseball, Softball & T-Ball
One of the biggest programs of the year at the GAC is summer baseball, softball, and T-ball, which typically brings in around 240 kids each season. Registration is due by April 21, allowing time to organize teams, secure coaches, and distribute equipment.
Divisions include:
T-Ball (Ages 4-5) – Must be 4 by January 1, 2025
Rookie Boys & Girls (Ages 6-8) – Coach-pitch league
Bambino Boys & Girls (Ages 9-12) – Player-pitch league
Finding coaches is one of the biggest challenges each year, and Smith encourages parents to step up and help. “We don’t have people hiding in a closet waiting to coach,” she joked. “If you want your kid to play, we need volunteers to make it happen!”
A Packed Summer Schedule
The Goodland Sports Complex stays busy throughout the summer, with games scheduled almost every night of the week:
Monday: Rookie Boys & Girls
Tuesday: Bambino Boys & Girls
Wednesday: T-Ball
Thursday: Adult Co-Ed Softball
The adult co-ed softball league has a registration deadline of May 20, with games starting in June.
Alumni 5K Run/Walk Set for July 26
As part of Alumni Weekend, the GAC Alumni 5K Run/Walk returns on July 26. The race starts and finishes at the GAC, with a simple course through town. There are two pricing options:
$20 per runner
$50 for a family package
Prizes will be awarded to the top finishers in male and female divisions, and additional divisions may be added based on participation. Smith also noted that race day will serve as a fundraising and awareness event for the GAC's ongoing remodel project, with plans and renderings available for public viewing.
Golf Scramble Returns June 8
The Night Golf Tournament is being replaced this year by a Two-Person Scramble, open to all ages. The event is set for Sunday, June 8, with an 8 AM check-in and a 9 AM shotgun start. The cost is $75 per player, including a meal and hole prizes. Funds raised will go toward the GAC remodel project.
Building Leadership Through Youth Umpires & Scorekeepers
Youth sports at the GAC wouldn’t be possible without umpires and scorekeepers, and Smith encourages local teens and young adults to get involved. “A lot of our umpires are kids who grew up playing baseball or softball and now want to give back,” she said. Umpires earn $10 per game, and scorekeeping opportunities are available as well.
More Than Just Sports
The GAC is also heavily involved in concessions, with Smith overseeing coordination for school sports concessions in partnership with Goodland High School. “It’s a big job, but it helps fund local programs,” she explained. One of the biggest sellers? Dr. Pepper. “This community goes through a ton of Dr. Pepper—it’s unbelievable,” Smith laughed.
Get Involved!
With a busy spring and summer lineup, now is the time to get registered and volunteer to help keep these programs running smoothly. Everything can be found online, and early registration is encouraged.
From youth soccer to summer baseball, 5K races, and golf tournaments, the Goodland Activities Center is making sure there’s something for everyone this season!
For more information on events and registration visit: https://www.goodlandgac.com/
Comments