Amarillo residents can expect temporary traffic disruptions around John Stiff Memorial Park beginning the week of Sept. 8, as the City of Amarillo moves forward with a major road improvement project. City officials announced that the project is part of a series of upgrades currently underway at the park designed to improve accessibility, safety, and convenience for visitors.
The work, expected to last approximately 75 days, will include a series of changes impacting nearby streets, parking areas, and pedestrian access. According to officials, drivers should anticipate temporary lane closures on Bell Street as crews relocate water meters and remove sidewalks and curbs. These lane reductions are likely to affect traffic entering and exiting the park. In addition, the skatepark parking lot at John Stiff Memorial Park will be closed for the duration of the project.
“There are series of significant enhancements underway at John Stiff Memorial Park aimed at improving safety, accessibility and overall user experience for all who enjoy the park,” said COA Director of Parks and Recreation Michael Kashuba. “We are excited about these projects. They represent a significant investment in the future of the park and will provide long-term benefits.”
In addition to the roadwork, the city has several other projects in progress throughout the park. These include new lighting installations, additional parking lots, and a road connector that will provide improved traffic flow between different areas of the park. City leaders said the combined efforts are part of a long-term vision to modernize one of Amarillo’s most popular recreation areas.
Construction crews and heavy vehicles will be present in and around Bell Street throughout the project. Officials are urging drivers to exercise extra caution when traveling near the park, particularly during peak hours, as trucks and equipment will be frequently entering and exiting the roadway.
City officials acknowledged that the temporary closures and traffic delays may cause inconvenience, but emphasized that the long-term improvements will bring meaningful benefits to the community.
“We recognize that construction can be inconvenient, but these improvements are designed to meet the growing needs of our community,” Kashuba said. “We thank everyone for their patience as we work to deliver a safer, more accessible and more enjoyable park.”
The roadwork and infrastructure upgrades at John Stiff Memorial Park reflect the city’s broader commitment to investing in public spaces that serve residents of all ages. As Amarillo continues to grow, demand for safe, well-designed recreational facilities has increased. The current improvements aim to address those needs while also extending the park’s ability to accommodate larger events, sports activities, and daily visitors.
For now, city officials encourage residents to plan ahead when traveling near the park and to allow extra time for possible delays. Updates on closures and project progress will be provided by the City of Amarillo as work continues.