Parks, Recreation & Beautification Committee Meeting - September 21, 2026

The Parks, Recreation & Beautification Committee met on September 21, 2026 at 5:30 PM in Clovis, NM. The meeting covered two main new business items: approval of rental rates for a new mobile stage and discussion and recommendation of the Hillcrest Park Zoo Master Plan. Reports were provided on parks, recreation, and zoo operations. A notable discussion on field-use fee delinquencies occurred.

Consent Calendar

• The minutes from the July 20, 2026 meeting were unanimously approved by voice vote.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Alan Isaacs (Clovis Music Association) expressed support for the city’s investment in the mobile stage and suggested a joint practice event with the new Clovis studio to test setup costs.
• Lisa (no affiliation stated) welcomed the stage investment and recommended requiring event insurance in rental contracts. She also requested more details on stage capabilities.
• Adam Penland (independent contractor) stated the proposed $1,500/day fee without lights and sound would be too high for local artists, who typically earn $600–$700 per gig. He suggested keeping fee lower to increase usage.
• Rick Edwards (Ready Productions) said $1,500/day is an excellent price for larger events but out of reach for local bands. He noted setup can be done quickly (15–20 minutes by one person) and recommended clear insurance requirements for vandalism.
• A suggestion was made to have a semi‑permanent location for the stage to reduce moving costs for local artists.

Discussion Items

1. Mobile Stage Rental Rates

• Russell Hooper (Parks and Recreation Director) proposed a rate of $1,500 per day with a $1,000 deposit. He cited comparable cities: Wichita Falls charges $600/day (older, cheaper stage); Lubbock charges $1,000/day. The city’s stage cost $170,000. Setup/takedown requires 2–4 people and 2–2.5 hours, costing the city $500–$750 in labor. Hooper noted the stage will be transported by city staff and requires advance notice, site inspection, and event insurance.
• Commissioners discussed balancing affordability with protecting the investment. Commissioner Gene supported the rate, noting it is less than 1% of the asset’s cost and that the stage was intended for large events, not private backyard parties. Commissioner Porter questioned labor cost estimates and suggested adjusting price later as experience accumulates.
• The committee voted 5–1 to approve the recommended rates.

2. Hillcrest Park Zoo Master Plan

• Russell Hooper and Zoo Director Stephanie Chavez presented the 20‑year master plan (developed with Fellows Consulting and Monumental Strides), funded through the New Mexico Tourism Department Destination Forward grant.
• The plan identifies three zoo zones: New Mexico Section (cougars, jaguars, gray wolves, black bears, river otters, bighorn sheep, mule deer, bison), African Savannah (giraffes, cheetahs), and World Wonders (herps, insects, lemurs, birds, wallabies).
• Key short‑term (FY 2032) priorities include adding 3–4 new positions (educator, dietitian), launching conservation initiatives, achieving ZAA accreditation by spring 2027, improving shade and pathways, and expanding revenue‑generating programs.
• Phased capital projects: Year 1 – maintenance barn ($450,000); Year 2 – bear exhibit expansion; Year 3 – big cat exhibit ($3.5 million); Year 7 – vet/nutrition building; Year 10 – African expansion; Year 15 – new entry. Total 20‑year cost estimated at $60 million, adjusted for inflation.
• A partnership with Cannon Air Force Base may fund a bald eagle exhibit, and a tapir breeding program (SSP) is planned.
• Committee members expressed support for the plan but stressed the need to address current maintenance and water issues first. Commissioner Porter noted existing water system problems (leaks, unknown valves) and asked for a winter plan to trace and repair irrigation.
• The master plan was approved unanimously.

Parks Update

• Russell Hooper reported on field user fees: Exclusivity fees for four leagues (American Little League, Clovis Baseball, Clovis Softball, Clovis Girls Athletic) totaling $24,000 have not been paid since last year. User fees from spring and summer 2026 leagues are also delinquent: Clovis Softball Association owes ~$20,000 (two seasons plus exclusivity), and other organizations (U Triple SA tournaments, soccer cups) owe smaller amounts. Contracts sent to leagues were not signed by five organizations; some signed agreements have unpaid invoices.
• Committee directed Hooper to enforce existing rules: no new contracts or field access for leagues with outstanding debts. Commissioner Porter stressed the rule is uniform regardless of debt size.
• Other park updates: a fountain was replaced under warranty; two sinks at Hillcrest Park restroom were vandalized (ripped off the wall).

Recreation Update

• Amy Wyatt reported: Roy Walker Community Center will receive new doors to prevent water damage. Zumba classes are popular (20 participants per night). Pickleball leagues are full (68 people, mixed doubles and competitive divisions). Co-ed volleyball started. National Night Out on October 10 will feature the mobile stage with live music and demonstrations.

Zoo Update

• Stephanie Chavez announced: “Haunting at Hillcrest” event on October 25, 2026 (tickets $3, on sale October 1). A fennec fox naming contest was won by Harrison Family Builders; two female foxes will be added. The baby giraffe remains unnamed. Chavez was invited to speak at the ZAA conference in New Orleans about the use of CBD in animal care, and she recently conducted a ZAA inspection at an Arizona zoo.

Key Outcomes

• Mobile Stage Rental Rates: Motion to set rates at $1,500 per day with a $1,000 deposit passed 5–1 (Commissioner Porter dissenting). The recommendation will go to the City Commission.
• Hillcrest Park Zoo Master Plan: Approved unanimously. The plan provides a phased 20‑year guide with specific capital projects and a target of ZAA accreditation by spring 2027.
• Field Use Fee Enforcement: Committee directed the Parks Director to enforce existing contracts; leagues with outstanding debts will not receive new contracts or field access until all fees are paid.
• No decision on other matters: Water system assessment and future park improvements were discussed but no formal action taken.
• Next meeting: Monday, October 19, 2026 at 5:30 PM at the North Annex.
• Trek for Trash event: September 26, 2026 at 7:00 AM starting at 500 Sycamore.