The City of Amarillo Parks and Recreation Board spent much of its May 13 meeting focused on a recurring theme: how the department communicates with the public and how it can improve transparency moving forward. From discussions about livestreaming meetings to reevaluating how information is shared during controversial community issues, board members signaled a growing desire to modernize public engagement while addressing several ongoing city projects.
The meeting also included updates on the city’s aquatic feasibility study and a review of policies surrounding the renaming of parks and city-maintained properties. Board member Alan Cox was absent from the meeting.
Board places communication concerns at the forefront
The most extensive conversation of the meeting centered on public communication and whether the Parks and Recreation Department is effectively reaching residents before issues escalate into public controversy.
Board members discussed recent high-profile debates involving parks and recreation facilities, particularly the prairie dog issue at John Stiff Memorial Park, and whether the department has been too reactive in addressing public concerns.
Parks and Recreation Assistant Director Becki Dryer explained that information from the department is currently distributed through multiple channels, including the department’s public relations staff, the City of Amarillo’s Office of Engagement and Innovation, social media accounts, and the city website. However, officials acknowledged that simply posting information does not guarantee the public will see it or that local media outlets will cover it.
The conversation reflected growing concern among board members that the current communication system may not be keeping pace with the speed and intensity of public discussions online and in the community.
Board member Skylar Gallop expressed concern that the current structure is failing both the city and residents. Gallop argued that continuing with the same communication strategy risks allowing misinformation, frustration, and public distrust to grow during contentious situations.
Gallop said the city has an opportunity to fundamentally rethink how it communicates with residents before issues become divisive public disputes. The comments reflected a broader push from board members to become more proactive rather than waiting until criticism emerges before responding.
Parks and Recreation Director Michael Kashuba agreed that the department has often found itself operating in a reactive mode. He told the board that future controversial or highly visible issues would likely involve earlier coordination with the Office of Engagement and Innovation to develop communication strategies before public concern intensifies.
Kashuba emphasized the challenge of balancing public information efforts. Too little communication, he said, can create assumptions and confusion, while too much information can overwhelm residents and reduce public attention. Still, the board appeared supportive of increasing transparency and early engagement, particularly on issues likely to draw strong public interest.
The discussion suggested that communication strategy may become a larger operational priority for the department in the months ahead, especially as Amarillo residents continue to engage heavily with local issues through social media and online forums.
Parks board meetings to begin livestreaming
As part of the broader transparency effort, the board also discussed plans to begin livestreaming and recording Parks and Recreation Board meetings.
Kashuba announced that beginning next month, meetings will move to the Amarillo City Council chambers on the third floor of City Hall to accommodate the transition. The change is intended to increase accessibility for residents who are unable to attend meetings in person while also encouraging more public engagement with board decisions and discussions.
City Secretary Stephanie Coggins told the board that the Parks and Recreation Board and the Planning and Zoning Commission will serve as pilot groups for the city’s expanded livestreaming initiative. Until now, livestreaming and recording capabilities have primarily been limited to Amarillo City Council meetings.
The move represents a significant shift for the board, whose meetings have historically received limited public attention unless tied to controversial issues. By making meetings easier to watch remotely and available for later viewing, city officials hope residents will become more informed about routine decisions involving parks, facilities, recreation programming, and long-term planning.
The livestreaming initiative also aligns closely with the communication concerns discussed earlier in the meeting. Board members appeared to view greater public access as one tool that could help reduce misunderstandings and improve trust between the department and residents.
The transition may also increase public scrutiny of board discussions and decisions, especially during debates over sensitive issues such as facility closures, park usage policies, or future city spending priorities.
Aquatic feasibility study moves forward
The board also received an update on the city’s ongoing aquatic feasibility study involving Amarillo’s Southwest and Southeast pools and splash pads.
The study follows the closure of the pools in November after structural safety concerns were identified. City officials have been working to determine the long-term viability of the facilities and whether repairs, renovations, or replacement options may be necessary.
Kashuba told the board that the department recently completed the application process for companies interested in conducting the structural assessment and market feasibility study. According to Kashuba, only one company submitted an application, but city staff verified the firm’s qualifications and expertise.
The next step in the process will involve the company submitting a detailed proposal outlining the scope of work, estimated costs, and projected timeline for the study. Once completed, the proposal will return to the Parks and Recreation Board for review and potential approval.
The feasibility study is expected to play a critical role in determining the future of Amarillo’s aquatic facilities. City leaders have faced increasing questions from residents about whether the aging pools can be safely reopened or whether more extensive investments will be required.
During the update, Kashuba and Dryer also addressed recent vandalism issues at the Southeast pool. Officials said Parks and Recreation staff are actively working to address damage and maintain the property while the long-term future of the facilities remains under review.
Although the board did not discuss potential funding options or construction plans during the meeting, the feasibility study is likely to shape future recommendations involving aquatic infrastructure, capital spending, and recreational priorities across the city.
Board reviews park renaming guidelines
The board also reviewed current guidelines related to renaming parks and other city-maintained properties following a recent application requesting a name change for East Park.
Kashuba presented the board with the department’s existing renaming policies and said the review was prompted by the application seeking to rename East Park, located at 700 Ross St., as Gabriel Chavez Park.
According to the meeting agenda, the proposed name honors Gabriel Chavez, a local World War II veteran recognized at the Texas Panhandle War Memorial Center as a Purple Heart recipient who was killed in action.
Kashuba told board members that renaming requests are relatively uncommon. In his eight years with the department, he said the board has only received one previous application requesting a park name change.
Because the issue arises so infrequently, board members agreed that they want additional time to carefully examine whether the existing policies remain appropriate and aligned with the board’s long-term vision.
The discussion focused less on the Chavez application itself and more on the broader framework governing how future requests should be evaluated. Board members indicated they want to determine whether any parts of the current guidelines are outdated or require clarification before making decisions on renaming requests.
The review could eventually lead to revisions outlining eligibility requirements, historical considerations, community input standards, or timelines for future proposals.
No action was taken on the renaming request during Wednesday’s meeting. The board plans to continue discussing the guidelines at a future meeting before considering any policy changes.
Growing emphasis on transparency and long-term planning
Taken together, the discussions during Wednesday’s meeting reflected a board increasingly focused on transparency, public trust, and long-term planning.
Whether discussing livestreamed meetings, controversial public issues, aging aquatic facilities, or the process for renaming public spaces, board members repeatedly emphasized the importance of improving communication and creating clearer processes for community engagement.
The meeting also highlighted how the Parks and Recreation Department continues to face growing public attention as debates surrounding city amenities, facilities, and recreational priorities become more visible across Amarillo.
While many of the discussions did not result in immediate policy changes, the conversations suggested the board is preparing for a more proactive and publicly engaged approach moving forward.
