Parks and Recreation Board Meeting 7/8/26

The City of Amarillo Parks and Recreation Board held a meeting on July 8, 2026, focusing on several procurement and budget-related topics. Key discussions included the termination of a landscape maintenance contract due to quality issues and the engagement of a new contractor to manage mowing services temporarily. The board reviewed and recommended fee increases for golf courses and athletic programs to address rising operational costs and improve cost recovery. Additionally, the board considered approving an engineering study related to the condition and future planning of public swimming pools, with a recommendation to forward the study to the city council for approval and funding decisions. Updates on capital improvements at John Ward Park, including irrigation and landscaping efforts, were provided. The meeting also covered public safety measures in parks, including increased police patrols and improved signage to deter vandalism and criminal activity. Finally, the board discussed fostering greater community involvement and partnerships to support park maintenance and safety. Motions were passed to approve meeting minutes, recommend fee adjustments, and endorse the engineering study for council consideration.