Bullhead City Parks & Recreation Commission Meeting - February 18, 2026

The Bullhead City Parks and Recreation Commission met on February 18, 2026 at 5:30 PM in the City Council Chambers. All commissioners were present except Chairwoman Trillo. The meeting included a detailed recreation program update from Superintendent Heath, approval of the August 2025 minutes, a discussion on proposed enhancements to the historic Hardyville Cemetery, and setting topics for the next agenda (disc golf course relocation and e-bike regulation).

Consent Calendar

• August 20, 2025 Regular Meeting Minutes – Approved unanimously (4-0) after a motion and second. The bylaws allowed new members to vote after reviewing the minutes.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No members of the public spoke during the open call to the public.

Parks & Recreation Superintendent’s Report

Superintendent David Heath presented an extensive update on recreation programs and upcoming events. Highlights included:

• Free basketball open gym at the Optimum Community Center for all ages.
• Pool hours: lap swim, water walking, water aerobics (8 AM–5 PM, Monday–Saturday).
• Free line dance, ballroom dance, senior softball, horseshoes, Eccentrics aging backwards, ukulele/voice class, Artist Guild, card games, Veterans Patriot Band, chess club.
• Free tax preparation (VITA TCE) every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday 8 AM–1 PM at the Optimum Community Center (appointments: 928-768-5976).
• Upcoming events: Golden Games disc golf training (ongoing at Rotary Park), Garden Explorers Fun Friday (Feb 20, ages 2–14), Golden Games trap shooting (Feb 21, $15 or $5 with own ammo), adult basketball league registration due Feb 27 ($375/team + $10/player), Dr. Seuss Fun Friday (Feb 27), Golden Games table tennis (Mar 3, ages 50+), adult craft “Create and Unwind” (Mar 11, ages 18+), St. Patrick’s Day Fun Friday (Mar 13).
• Ribbon cuttings: Feb 20 at 10 AM for new pickleball court shades at Rotary Park; Mar 13 at 7:30 PM for new park monument and flame at Gary Keith Park (funded by the Matadors Club of Bullhead City).
• Other park events: Little League opening ceremonies (Feb 21), Winter Classics senior softball tournament (Feb 23–25, 21 teams), Corvette Club autocross (Feb 28–Mar 1), adult softball league (Mar 1–Jun 30, run by Stephanie Clark), adult 7v7 soccer league (Mar 3–May 26), Dave Cops Tournament of Champions softball (Mar 5–7, 25th year, Mike Cops throwing first pitch), farmer’s market (Mar 7), Calvary Chapel birthday party (Mar 8), AFA Bash for Bats adult softball tournament (Mar 13–15, 100+ teams), Red, White & Blue Walk reenactment (Mar 14, 10 AM–5 PM, free).
• Superintendent Heath also paid tribute to two longtime park patrons who recently passed away: disc golfer Ron Hill (passed on the course) and softball player Jason Baufman, noting their decades of dedicated use of the parks.
• Commissioners thanked staff and praised the variety of free, all-ages programs.

Discussion Items

• Hardyville Cemetery Additions – Discussion only; no action taken. TJ Van Horn and Jeremy Witchurch (eClampus Vitus) proposed installing 16–17 concrete headstones (along the west fence line) and benches to honor those buried at the historic cemetery (National Register of Historic Places since July 11, 2001). They also suggested future improvements like a gazebo and better accessibility, while not disturbing existing plots. Mary Ragusa, representing the Colorado River Museum and Historical Society, expressed strong support ("100% excited"). Superintendent Heath confirmed he had consulted the State Historic Preservation Office (honorary designation, community discretion) and the city manager. The item will return for action at the next commission meeting.
• Setting Next Agenda Topics – Commissioners requested two items for the March meeting:
  1. Relocation of the disc golf course at Rotary Park due to safety conflicts with picnickers, children, and the marina. The commissioner noted discs landing near roads, the river, and people, and proposed moving baskets to a safer area.
  2. Regulation of e-bikes in parks, particularly class 3 e-bikes traveling at high speeds (35–50 mph) on paths shared with pedestrians and dogs. The commissioner noted that the issue had been presented to council before but went nowhere.

Key Outcomes

• Approved: August 20, 2025 Regular Meeting Minutes (4-0).
• Next Steps: The Hardyville Cemetery proposal will be brought back for action at the next Parks & Recreation Commission meeting (March 2026) after a month for public feedback. The disc golf relocation and e-bike regulation topics will be placed on the next agenda for discussion and possible action.