Parks, Recreation and Beautification Committee Meeting – July 20, 2026

The committee met on July 20, 2026, to discuss naming sand volleyball courts after a community volunteer, phasing in portable restrooms, and receive updates on parks, recreation, and zoo activities.

Consent Calendar

• The minutes from the June 22, 2026 meeting were approved unanimously by voice vote.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Christy Hill, Ruby Hester, and Casey Jackson spoke in support of naming the sand volleyball courts after Tisha Brothers, citing her decades of volunteer work organizing women's, men's, and youth volleyball leagues, totaling 41 women's teams and approximately 200 players in the sand league alone.
• The proposed sign (4 ft tall x 8 ft wide, 10-gauge steel, powder coated) would be fully donated and installed by community volunteers at no cost to the city.

Discussion Items

• Naming of Sand Volleyball Courts: After discussion about sign dimensions, safety (rounded cut edges, concrete base to prevent mowing hazards), wind resistance (posts set in concrete designed for gusty conditions), and maintenance (graffiti removal, repair rights), the committee unanimously approved naming the courts the "Tisha Brothers Volleyball Complex." The donor agreed to offer first right of repair if needed, and the city will assume responsibility for long-term maintenance.
• Phasing in Portable Restrooms: Russell Hooper proposed replacing damaged permanent restrooms with serviced porta-potties over time as vandalism continues. Annual cost estimates ranged from $114,000 (2x/week service for 20 units) to $171,000 (3x/week service). Committee members expressed concerns about park aesthetics and suggested alternatives such as hiring additional staff to lock/unlock restrooms, installing cameras (estimated $50,000 annually for 20 Flock cameras plus $8,000 installation), adding better lighting and anti-graffiti coatings, or hardening fixtures. Commissioner Porter opposed downgrading park quality. No action was taken on the overall proposal, but the committee directed staff to explore placing a portable restroom at Hillcrest Park near the pickleball courts due to high usage and lack of nearby facilities.
• Parks Update (Russell Hooper): Reported that the Hillcrest Park fountain motor shorted (under warranty) and is being returned for repair. Irrigation issues at Hillcrest caused dry conditions; a main pump motor overheated due to a shorted wire, and repairs are pending. Staff is working to catch up on watering and addressing other field irrigation problems.
• Recreation Update (Amy): Announced installation of a new art piece "Slot Canyon" (a quilted photo of Antelope Canyon) at Roy Walker Center. Yoga classes grew from 16 to 23 participants. Open volleyball will begin on Wednesday nights until league play starts in September. A new adult pickleball league (men's, women's, co-ed with skill levels) is planned after Labor Day.
• Zoo Update (Stephanie): Celebrated National Zookeeper Week; World Snake Day and Giraffe Day on July 17 attracted over 500 visitors and raised over $5,000. Christmas in July runs July 22-25, 7-10 p.m., with new inflatables and lights. Two fennec foxes will arrive from Ohio by end of July as ambassador animals.
• Good of the Order: Discussed illegal racing/donuts in the zoo parking lot. Committee encouraged calling police when observed. IT is exploring camera technology to deter activity; redesign may be considered in the zoo master plan.

Key Outcomes

• Unanimous approval to name the sand volleyball courts the "Tisha Brothers Volleyball Complex."
• No action taken on the porta-potty proposal, but staff directed to research placing one at Hillcrest Park pickleball area.
• Ongoing efforts to address zoo parking lot racing through police reporting and potential infrastructure changes.
• Next meeting scheduled for August 17, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. in the North Annex.