Parks, Recreation & Beautification Committee Regular Meeting – June 23, 2025

The Parks, Recreation & Beautification Committee met on Monday, June 23, 2025 at 5:30 PM at the North Annex (701 N. Main, Clovis, NM). The meeting included approval of minutes, a report on the K Linda grant, a discussion on lighting at Dickenson Field, and updates from Parks, Recreation, and Zoo departments.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes: The minutes from the May 19, 2025 meeting were approved by unanimous voice vote.

Discussion Items

• Lighting at Dickenson Field: Andy Cox, President of American Little League, presented the need to replace the 40–50-year-old wooden-pole lighting system at Dickenson Field. One pole had broken and fallen, with the city receiving approximately $10,000 in insurance for a temporary replacement. Cox recommended installing new LED lighting from Musco (similar to the soccer fields), which reduces light pollution and uses less electricity. He provided two bids: one for materials and one for installation from Norse Electric. He also mentioned a quote for shade structures over the bleachers. Committee members expressed support and stated the project would be added to the park capital infrastructure improvement list.

Reports

• K Linda Grant Report (Margaret Johnston): Over the last six months, grant funds were used to purchase 85 metal windproof trash cans (to replace 55-gallon drums), add a dump trailer and community cleanup trailer for the ERT fleet, and launch a social marketing campaign (including a commercial running at Allen Theaters through May 2026). Three mini campus cleanups engaged nearly 1,000 students. Other efforts included community cleanups, an inmate cleanup program with the county, and reusable bag distribution. The second round of grant applications is due June 30, 2025, with decisions expected in August. Phase two plans include a mascot, middle/high school involvement, a business adoption program, and additional disposal infrastructure.
• Zoo Update (Stephanie Chavez): New animals: ‘Snail’ the sloth (from Zoo World, Florida) will debut in a few weeks after his barn is completed, and ‘Raya’ the warthog (Pumba’s girlfriend) will debut soon but will not be paired yet. A ZAA inspection identified needed improvements (class I doors, restroom upgrades, tree trimming, etc.), so accreditation will be pursued in spring 2026. The Lions Club withdrew their sponsorship; new sponsorships are beginning (SNS – $1,000, ENMU, MERSH). A ‘Quarters for Conservation’ project was introduced. A DWI/Substance Abuse event drew 567 people.
• Parks Update (Russell Hooper): Maintenance crews are mowing, watering, and picking up limbs. Vector spraying started. Staff hiring continues (still 1–2 short). Ned Halk Golf Course has hosted small tournaments.
• Recreation Update (Amy Wyatt): The summer youth program has low enrollment (15–19 children per week), but activities are well-received (mayor visit, zoo visit, craft projects). Registration remains open. Upward Sports will use gyms (Thursdays/Saturdays) starting January. Volleyball will run three nights a week. Roller skating league interest has been expressed. The aquatics center closed Saturdays due to lifeguard shortages. The building’s replacement doors and brickwork from contractors have not yet arrived.

Key Outcomes

• The minutes from May 19, 2025 were approved.
• The lighting project at Dickenson Field will be considered for inclusion in the park capital infrastructure improvement list.
• The zoo will delay ZAA accreditation until spring 2026 to complete required improvements.
• The grant application for Phase 2 of the K Linda program will be submitted by June 30, 2025.
• The next meeting is scheduled for July 21, 2025 at 5:30 PM.