Clovis Parks, Recreation, and Beautification Committee Meeting - March 16, 2026
Clovis Parks, Recreation, and Beautification Committee Meeting Summary - March 16, 2026
The Parks, Recreation, and Beautification Committee met on Monday, March 16, 2026, to review capital improvement plans, recreation center policies, and various park and zoo updates. The committee welcomed two new members, approved prior meeting minutes, and took unanimous votes on all action items.
Consent Calendar
- Approval of Minutes: The minutes from the February 23, 2026, meeting were approved unanimously.
Discussion Items
- Parks Capital Improvement List Repurposing: Mr. Hooper presented a plan to use approximately $100,000 in remaining funds from a prior capital project. The proposal included $55,000 to resurface Gym 2 at Roy Walker Gym with a durable rubberized flooring material called plastic, lined for basketball, volleyball, and pickleball. Commissioner Cass inquired about stripe colors for different sports to avoid confusion, and Commissioner Pana asked about the floor's lifespan, which was reported to be up to 50 years. The second proposal allocated $11,000 for a new fountain at Green Acres Pond with LED lights, to be placed in deeper water to prevent dry running. Commissioner Pota expressed strong support for the fountain. The proposal carried unanimously.
- Aquatic Center Age Requirements: Mr. Hooper recommended maintaining the current rule (individuals under 16 must be accompanied by a guardian), rather than raising the age limit. He stated the preference to not punish the good kids and instead hold individual troublemakers accountable on a case-by-case basis. The committee agreed, and the motion to keep the rule as is carried unanimously.
- Roy Walker Center Rules Sign: The committee approved updating the outdoor rules sign to reflect the current age policy and codified the ability to ban individuals on a case-by-case basis for disruptive behavior. Commissioner Porter questioned the Saturday hours, suggesting they could be extended, but accepted staff's explanation that hours were set based on historical usage data. The motion to approve the new rules sign carried unanimously.
- Capital Outlay Funding Update: Mr. Hooper updated the committee on recently secured funding. The city received $1 million from Curry County to replace playgrounds at Ned Halk Park and $3 million from the state legislative session (reduced from a $4M request) for playground replacements at Sunset, Potter, and Pat Sandoval Parks, along with softball field lighting and golf course irrigation.
Reports
- Hillcrest Park Zoo Update: Stephanie reported that the zoo hosted 802 visitors during the free hours of the MLK weekend event. She noted it is baby animal season and the zoo is preparing for a busy spring break with fully booked animal encounters. A community wish list for enrichment items (butter knives, CDs, tires, donated meat) was highlighted.
- Recreation Update: Amy provided updates on community programs. The Upward Sports youth basketball program concluded with large crowds. Zumba classes are growing, averaging 17 to 23 participants per session. A new outdoor pickleball league at Hillcrest Park was announced, starting April 13 with competitive, intermediate, and senior divisions. Porta-potties will be placed near the courts for convenience.
- Parks Maintenance Update: Mr. Hooper reported the installation of windscreens, rule signs, and pickleball racket holders at Hillcrest pickleball courts, which are now available for rental. Fifty-two trees were delivered for the Veterans 2.0 landscaping project. Fencing at Hillcrest Zoo and Ryerson was replaced with stone barriers to prevent vehicle damage.
- Zoo Master Plan Survey: Claire reminded the committee that a public survey for the Hillcrest Park Zoo Master Plan is open until March 30. As of the meeting date, 326 people had completed the survey, which tailors questions based on visitation frequency.
Key Outcomes
- Unanimous approval of $66,000 in capital improvement expenditures for the gym floor and pond fountain.
- Unanimous approval to maintain the current age policy at the aquatic center.
- Unanimous approval of the updated Roy Walker Center rules sign.
- Acceptance of $4 million in combined grant funding for future park and zoo improvements.
- The next regular meeting will be held on Monday, April 20, 2026, at 5:30 PM in the North Annex.
Meeting Transcript
Ms. Burroughs, are you calling roll? Please. Commissioner Pana. Here. Commissioner Cass. Mr. Frazy. Here. Mr. Perkins. Here. Miss Serena? Here. Miss Tipton. Here. Commissioner Pota? Here. Commissioner Jones. Here. Brian Davis. Mr. McClamo. Here. Thank you, Claire. Before we get started, I want to welcome our two newest members. Mr. Perkins is joining us and Mr. McLamore flanking us at each end here. Welcome to bookings. All right. First on the agenda, we have the approval of our last meeting, which was February 23rd. You have the minutes before you and they were emailed to each of us prior to the meeting. Do I have a motion for approval? So move. Second. I have a motion and a second. All those in favor say aye. Aye. Anyone opposed? Same sign. Minutes are approved. Next under on the agenda, we have our new business. And first, we have request for approval of discussion and recommendation regarding the parks capital improvement list. Mr. Hooper. Yes, ma'am. Commissioner, how are you doing tonight? Good. Um thank you all all for hearing this.
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