Here’s a quick look at several developments, from proposed park improvements and security measures to a federal court case.
Public Hearing Planned on Renaming East Park for WWII Veteran
The Amarillo Parks and Recreation Board approved scheduling a public hearing to consider renaming East Park, 700 Ross St., as Gabriel Chavez Park, with notice of the meeting to be posted at the park. Chavez, who grew up near East Park, was a World War II veteran and Purple Heart recipient who was killed April 29, 1945, during the Battle of Okinawa. His descendant, Rudy Preciado, told the board that Chavez charged five enemy soldiers while under fire and neutralized the threat before being killed. Chavez was posthumously awarded the Distinguished Service Cross. “Naming this park after him will provide our local Mexican-American community with a historic anchor and inspire every child who plays there to understand the true meaning of valor,” Preciado said. Parks and Recreation Director Michael Kashuba previously said the Chavez request was only the second park-renaming application the department had received in eight years.
Amarillo Keeping Park Lights on Overnight
Amarillo Parks and Recreation is now leaving park lights on from dusk until dawn as the city works to address vandalism and other after-hours activity. Parks and Recreation Director Michael Kashuba said Wednesday that new lighting has also been installed to improve visibility for night-shift police officers patrolling the parks. Amarillo parks remain closed from midnight to 5 a.m. The changes follow a July request from Amarillo Police Chief Thomas Hoover for better after-hours visibility and additional signage after officers reported people jumping curbs and parking on lawns. Hoover also said cameras would be installed in larger parks as an additional prevention measure. “We’ve had challenges in the parks; there is no doubt about that,” Hoover said in July.
Board Moves Forward With $25 Million Eastridge Park Plan
The Amarillo Parks and Recreation Board authorized staff Wednesday to begin seeking funding for a proposed 28-acre park in the Eastridge neighborhood. The city purchased the property from Habitat for Humanity for $5,000, and plans developed with Halff Associates call for gathering spaces, walking trails, shaded areas, lighting and recreational facilities. Potential amenities include a splash pad or aquatic area, soccer field, basketball and volleyball courts, outdoor cooking areas, a community garden and an amphitheater. The project, included in the Eastridge Neighborhood Plan, has an estimated total cost of $25 million but currently has no dedicated funding. Parks and Recreation Director Michael Kashuba said the department will begin pursuing donors and grant funding following the board’s authorization. Depending on how much money is raised, the park could be constructed in phases over several years.
Former Amarillo Bank Teller Gets Probation for Theft
An Amarillo bank teller who admitted stealing money from her cash drawer was sentenced to two years of probation in federal court. Kelsi Marie Karr entered a plea agreement with the government after working as a teller at Western Bank from May through July 2025. Court documents show she has repaid the bank nearly $16,000. During probation, Karr must comply with conditions including committing no crimes, avoiding controlled substances and making any additional restitution required. She also agreed not to have dealings with money covered by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. Karr was ordered to report to the federal probation office within 15 days.
