Residents across Amarillo may have recently spotted construction signs or detours near local parks and recreation facilities — a sign of the City of Amarillo's ongoing investment in public spaces. The City of Amarillo’s Parks and Recreation Department (PARD) is currently in the midst of multiple construction and improvement projects aimed at enhancing the city’s recreational infrastructure.
According to a city update, five construction projects are currently underway, three have recently been completed, and several more are planned for the near future. These efforts, which span across the city, reflect a broader initiative to maintain and upgrade public amenities that contribute to community well-being.
“PARD is busy as far as improvement projects, and residents have more than likely encountered construction signs across the city at one of our many parks or facilities,” said Michael Kashuba, Director of PARD. “Amarillo’s parks and park facilities greatly impact our quality of life, and these projects are examples of the priority the city puts on maintaining and improving city amenities for the entire community.”
Recently Completed Projects
Three key projects were completed in recent weeks:
Pleasant Valley Park Playground Replacement
This project, costing approximately $100,000, brought a fresh and safe new playground to one of Amarillo’s neighborhood parks.
Warford Activity Center Pool Mural
While no cost was listed, this project brings visual enhancement to a widely used recreational space.
Amarillo National Tennis Center Padel Courts
With a $150,000 price tag — half funded by the Alex O’Brien Tennis Foundation — these new courts will soon be celebrated with a ribbon-cutting event, date to be announced.
Projects in Progress
Several larger-scale projects are currently underway:
Thompson Memorial Park Inclusive Playground
Funded with a $2 million Community Development Block Grant, this project will provide an accessible play space for children of all abilities.
Park Master Plan (Northeast Amarillo)
With a $100,000 budget, this planning initiative aims to address recreational needs in the city’s northeast quadrant.
John Stiff Memorial Park North and South Parking Lots
Improvements to both lots are in progress, with combined costs totaling over $1.6 million — $875,000 for the north lot and $775,000 for the south.
Rick Klein Sports Complex Parking Lot Installation
This $1.8 million project is one of the larger active undertakings and will improve access to the heavily used sports complex.
Looking Ahead
More improvements are on the horizon. Lighting upgrades are slated for several parks, enhancing safety and usability:
John Stiff Memorial Park Lighting – $2.25 million
Thompson Memorial Park Lighting – $4 million
Memorial Park Lighting – $1 million
While the city has not provided specific timelines for these future projects, the funding allocations suggest a continued focus on infrastructure and accessibility improvements throughout Amarillo’s park system.
As construction progresses, PARD encourages residents to remain aware of temporary changes to park access and to exercise caution when near active construction zones.
