Las Vegas Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting - June 2, 2026

The Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission held a regular meeting on June 2, 2026, with Chair Becker presiding. A quorum was present, with several commissioners excused. The meeting covered public safety reports, parks maintenance, recreation updates, a presentation from Get Outdoors Nevada, and updates on professional associations and CAPRA accreditation.

Consent Calendar

• The minutes from the regular meeting of May 5, 2026, were approved by unanimous voice vote.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No members of the public spoke during the public comment period or during citizens' participation.

Discussion Items

Police Department Report on Arrests and Citations

Lieutenant Jonathan Burdett presented the monthly report for April 2026. Key statistics included:

• Year-to-date arrests and citations at city parks and rec centers decreased by 12.8% compared to the same period last year, largely due to a 41.3% decrease at Justice Levitt Park.
• Top five locations year-to-date: Justice Levitt (98), Lorenzi (58), Gary Reese Freedom Park (49), Ethel Pearson (33), Kellogg's Air (33).
• Top charges overall: remain in park after hours, unlawful presence in a children's park, misuse of park amenities, lodging without consent, and traffic speeding violations.
• Ward-specific breakdowns showed increases in Wards 1 (16.2%), 2 (122.9% due to increased traffic patrols), and 6 (26.7%), and decreases in Wards 3 (36.1%), 4 (10.7%), and 5 (4.8%).
• Upcoming events: June 12 resource fair at Doolittle Community Center, June 13 fishing with a cop at Floyd Lamb Park.

Commissioner Jones (Ward 5) expressed concern about rising numbers, particularly related to homelessness and juvenile behavior, and asked about additional measures. Lieutenant Burdett noted that cameras and evidence-based policing are being used; Deputy Director O'Mara added that trailer-mounted cameras are deployed at hot spots, including Doolittle after a recent playground fire. Commissioner Robinson (Ward 1) thanked officers for increased patrols. Commissioner Sleezer (Ward 4) asked about "failure to comply with scooter regulations" violations; Lieutenant Burdett explained it typically involves riding on trails or walking paths within parks.

Parks Maintenance Updates

Steve Glimp, Manager of Production Grounds Maintenance, reported upcoming and completed projects by ward:

• Ward 1: Completed outfield fencing at Little League fields; playground shades at Bill Briar underway.
• Ward 2: ADA improvements at Wallapai Canyon Trailhead; All American Park slurry seal and striping of south parking lot upcoming.
• Ward 3: Replaced soccer netting at Rafael Rivera; fixing playground shade at Doug Silby from windstorm.
• Ward 4: Police Memorial volunteer flag day held; ongoing work on middle playground at Wayne Bunker.
• Ward 5: Resurfaced test courts at Children's Memorial Park; swing set and rubber pour at Labertha Johnson upcoming.
• Ward 6: Removed sand and replaced with rubber at Aste Neal playground for ADA access; installing electrical lines and aerators at Floyd Lamb lakes.

Recreation Center Updates

Recreation Manager Lisa Tover reported that summer camp started the previous week with 93% capacity in the first week, accommodating over 100 additional participants compared to summer 2025. Seasonal pools opened with learn-to-swim classes, water ballet, sports sampler, and swim/dive teams. A ribbon cutting for the new Olympic-size outdoor pool at Pavilion Center is scheduled for June 25 at 9 a.m., opening to the public June 29.

Dylan Ackerman, Acting Coordinator at Becker Technology Center, presented an update on revitalized programming. Becker focuses on STEAM (robotics, 3D printing, coding, game design, virtual reality) and esports with one-to-one technology. New programs include Kidcaster Studios (a youth broadcast studio) and team parties for youth sports. Older technology is trickled down to other community centers (Mirabelli, Cimarron Rose, Veterans, Doolittle). The Homeschool STEAM Academy won an NRPS Award of Program Excellence. Commissioner Keller praised the program and asked about how to find class schedules; Ackerman noted the online catalog and website are updated, and printed flyers are available. Commissioner Jones suggested adding gardening and outdoor education; Ackerman acknowledged existing community gardens at East Las Vegas and Doolittle.

Get Outdoors Nevada Presentation

Christy Sakamoto, new Executive Director of Get Outdoors Nevada, reported on the partnership with the city. Key metrics for the past year:

• 27 events, 849 plants planted, 123 plants helped toward city's 2030 goals, 5,000 pounds of trash collected, 3,958 volunteer hours (valued at $118,000), and 1,300 volunteers.
• Ward-by-ward breakdown provided, with Ward 6 leading in volunteers (473) and trash (2,000 lbs).
• Native habitat program: five habitats in city parks, with plans to expand.
• Informal education programs include Mojave Max, pollinator curriculum, and water conservation. Upcoming rec center rafting trips.

Commissioner Burgos (Ward 6) praised staff for their welcoming nature and asked about future cleanups at Floyd Lamb; Sakamoto said cleanups resume in September and a planning meeting is scheduled. Commissioner Gribble (Ward 5) asked about informal education programs; Sakamoto listed Mojave Max, pollinator, and Project Wet curricula.

State and National Park Associations Update

Deputy Director Patrick O'Mara provided an overview of the Nevada Recreation and Park Society (NRPS) and the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA). NRPS is a 100% volunteer-run organization with 475 members (65-70 from City of Las Vegas). Benefits include an annual state conference, the LEED professional development program (mentorship), and lunch-and-learns. City of Las Vegas has three members on NRPS leadership: Jordan Duncan (member at large), O'Mara (VP South), and Lisa Tover (president-elect). NRPA provides agency membership with monthly virtual trainings, the largest industry conference, certifications (aquatic facility operator, playground inspector, CPRP, CPRE), and CAPRA accreditation oversight. The city has 8 of 70 CPRPs and 2 of 9 CPREs in the state.

Chair Becker noted that commissioners can join NRPS as associate members for $25/year.

CAPRA Accreditation Update

Deputy Director O'Mara reported on the progress toward CAPRA accreditation. The process began in January 2024, with 37 fundamentals and 114 non-fundamentals (103 required for initial accreditation). The on-site review occurred the previous week; the visiting team recommended the city for accreditation. The final decision will be made at the NRPA conference in September 2025. The city will then celebrate with staff and begin preparing for reaccreditation in 2031 (with updated standards). Chair Becker thanked the staff and commissioners who attended the review lunch.

Key Outcomes

• The minutes of the May 5, 2026 meeting were unanimously approved.
• The Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission will go dark for the summer months of July and August 2026, with the next meeting scheduled for September.
• The city's CAPRA accreditation is recommended for approval pending final decision in September.
• Commissioner announcements included upcoming events: Flags at Police Memorial Park (6,800 flags placed), Blast Off in the Basin on July 4 at Buckskin Basin Park, District 4 Little League tournaments at Mountain Ridge Park (July 8-18) and co-hosted tournaments (June 18-25), Father's Day pool party at Centennial Hills YMCA (June 20), and a joint arts and parks art showroom at Veterans Memorial Community Center in October 2026.