Ask AI
Opens the assistant with a question about this page. Answers come from the AI, not this site.
ChatGPTClaudePerplexityStoryline · 9 events · Jun 16, 2020 – Jun 8, 2022
Amarillo's parks asset backlog and the 2021 Parks Master Plan (2020-2022)
Quick answers
- What is the latest on Parks master plan and asset backlog?
- Jun 8, 2022: Parks Board adopts the Parkhill sports complex study into the department's capital requests. Parkhill's project manager presented the athletic complex study, including a renovation design, an overview of existing complexes and an opinion of probable cost, and the board unanimously approved adopting the study into the department's capital requests. Read the event
- How far back does this record of Parks master plan and asset backlog go?
- To Jun 16, 2020: Council receives the final Parks Asset Management Plan report and a Parks Master Plan update. The storyline has 9 dated events in all. Read the event
In June 2020 the City Council received the final report of an Asset Management Plan for the Parks and Recreation Department while consultant MIG worked on a Parks Master Plan. In July 2021 Parks and Recreation Director Michael Kashuba told the Parks and Recreation Board that the 2019 plan had counted more than $100 million in park assets needing $3.3 million to $3.8 million a year in upkeep, that actual spending had fallen from $100,000 to $0, and that high-risk assets had grown from $14 million to almost $50 million; a "Red X" public survey asked residents to weigh in. The board approved the master plan 9-0 on September 20, 2021 and the council adopted it 4-0 on September 28, 2021, followed by Hike and Bike and Public Arts and Beautification plans in October. In November 2021 the council discussed service adjustments including potential future park closures and hired Parkhill for a $99,500 sports complex concept study; in 2022 the council awarded ten playground replacements on one consent agenda, the department moved mowing to contractors, and the board adopted the sports complex study into its capital requests.
A storyline groups dated events in order. It is a chronology, not an argument; it does not say why anything happened. All storylines
- Parks & pools
- Construction & streets
- Leadership & governance
- Votes & elections
- Downtown & development
- Contracts & procurement
- Budget & taxes
- City buildings
· Origin
Council receives the final Parks Asset Management Plan report and a Parks Master Plan update
The Parks director told the Parks and Recreation Board on June 10, 2020 that copies of the Asset Management Plan had been given to the council and would be presented on June 16 with the first round of Parks Master Plan survey results. The council's June 16, 2020 minutes list "Final Report Asset Management Plan and Parks Master Plan Update" among items discussed. In July the director showed the board software from the plan's consultants rating park assets as high, medium or low risk.[1][2][3]
- ✓ Verified
The June 10, 2020 Parks Board minutes record that "copies of the Asset Management Plan have been given to the Council and will be presented at the next Council meeting on June 16, 2020 along with the first round of information from the Parks Master Plan survey." The council's June 16, 2020 minutes list item 1C, "Final Report Asset Management Plan and Parks Master Plan Update." [1][2]
- ✓ Verified
Michael Kashuba, Director of Parks and Recreation: On July 8, 2020 the director presented software from the asset plan's consultants to manage park assets by high, medium and low risk. Asked whether the plan could be used to seek more funding for high-risk areas or whether some parks might be closed, he said funding was a challenge for Parks and for other City departments. [3]
· Precursor
Council hears a Parks and Recreation Master Plan update; board members question park subsidies
The council's October 13, 2020 minutes list an "Update on Parks & Recreation Master Plan." The director told the board in November that the presentation covered four phases (existing conditions, needs assessment, strategies and an action plan). Board members raised concerns about how much Amarillo subsidizes golf, the zoo, pools and the activity center compared with other cities. MIG project manager Cindy Mendoza presented goals and recommendations to the board in December 2020 and January 2021.[4][5][6]
- ✓ Verified
The November 18, 2020 board minutes say the master plan presentation given to the council on October 13 had four phases: existing conditions, needs assessment, strategies and an action plan. Board members "expressed concerns pertaining to Amarillo subsidizing their operations such as golf, zoo, pools and activity center per capita compared to other cities subsidizing their operations and how realistic it is that we are cost neutral." [5][4]
- ✓ Verified
In December 2020 MIG's project manager described the master plan's goals and recommendations as meeting Texas Parks and Wildlife requirements for grant eligibility; projects mentioned included health, fitness and safety, trails, beautification and public arts, and the capital improvement program. [6]
· Related development
Parks director cites a $3.2 million annual maintenance gap and nearly $50 million in high-risk assets
Introducing the "Red-X Initiative" survey, the director told the board that the 2019 Asset Management Plan counted more than $100 million in assets, that the department should spend $3.3 million to $3.8 million a year to maintain them, that actual spending had been $100,000 and dropped to $0 the previous year, and that high-risk assets had grown from $14 million to almost $50 million. In September the board corrected the plan's figures to $48,703,016 in high-risk assets.[7][8]
- ✓ Verified
Michael Kashuba, Director of Parks and Recreation: The July 14, 2021 minutes record the director saying: "Our asset management plan completed in 2019 we owned over one-hundred million dollars in assets, and as a department we should be spending 3.3-3.8 million each year for maintenance and upkeep of those assets. Over the last couple of years, that number has been $100,000 and dropped to $0 as of last year. We're currently running a 3.2-million-dollar deficit every year." He said high-risk assets, which included Thompson Park pool when the study was done, had gone "from 14 million to almost 50 million dollars." [7]
- Maintenance need low
- $3,300,000
- Maintenance need high
- $3,800,000
- Annual deficit
- $3,200,000
- ✓ Verified
On September 14, 2021 the board chairman had the master plan's asset management graphic corrected to "High Risk: $48,703,016 - 3,074 Assets; Medium Risk: $41,763,119 - 11,882 Assets; Low Risk: $11,981,764 - 1,000 Assets." [8]
- High risk
- $48,703,016
- Medium risk
- $41,763,119
- Low risk
- $11,981,764
- ✓ Verified
Michael Kashuba, Director of Parks and Recreation: The director said the purpose of the Red X "is to make the public aware of what could happen in the future, without that funding." In August 2021 the board was told that only 27% of survey respondents responded because of a red X or sign. [7][9]
· Related development
Parks staff plan to remove about 72 restroom buildings from neighborhood parks
In a discussion requested by the board chairman, the director said most cities do not have restrooms in neighborhood parks, that portable restrooms would serve larger events, and that removing the buildings would address vandalism and safety; the park superintendent put the number at about 72 and the director said removal could take up to a couple of years. In February 2022 the director listed restroom removal among work the department planned to contract out.[9][10]
- ✓ Verified
The August 11, 2021 minutes record that "Portable restrooms will eliminate the chances of vandalism and the chance of the homeless community, establishing living quarters inside," that "The plan is to remove the restrooms and leave them a vacant space," and that the park superintendent said "there are approximately 72 restrooms that would be removed." The director said it "could take up to a couple of years." [9]
- Restrooms
- 72
- ✓ Verified
In February 2022 the director said the maintenance division would move all mowing to a contracted company and that the department planned to contract out electrical services, forestry, court resurfacing and restroom removal; staff confirmed a lack of personnel was a factor. In April 2022 he reported that the council had adopted a second mowing contract, with the contractor starting April 18. [10][11]
· Related development
Parks and Recreation Board approves the Parks Master Plan 9-0
After MIG presented the draft on September 14, 2021, the board met in a special meeting and approved the Parks Master Plan 9-0 with changes, including adding a capital project manager/planner and maintenance staff "commensurate with new parks and facilities," adopting the Public Arts and Beautification Plan and revised Hike and Bike Plan, hiring an arts and beautification coordinator, and updating the asset management chart.[12][8]
- ✓ Verified
At its September 20, 2021 special meeting the board listed changes to make "before agreeing on board approval," including adding "an additional Capital Project Manager/Planner and maintenance staff to commensurate with new parks and facilities," replacing "Better Support arts and Beautification" with "Adopt Public arts and Beautification Plan and revised Hike and Bike Plan," hiring "a new Arts/Beautification Coordinator" and updating the asset management chart. The motion to approve the Parks Master Plan passed 9-0. [12]
- ✓ Verified
Michael Kashuba, Director of Parks and Recreation: The director told the board on September 14, 2021 that "Texas Parks and Wildlife strongly encourages a master plan when submitting a grant request" and that the department planned to submit a grant application by the end of September. [8]
· Peak
Council adopts the Parks Master Plan, 4-0
The council adopted Resolution No. 09-28-21-5 approving the Parks Master Plan "as the official document for the Amarillo Parks & Recreation department, its appointed board and city administration as a guideline for future growth, development, and redevelopment" of the parks system, 4-0. On October 12, 2021 the council approved the Hike and Bike Master Plan (Resolution 10-12-21-2) on its consent agenda.[13][14][15]
Freda PowellCole StanleyEddy SauerHoward SmithMichael Kashuba
- ✓ Verified
On September 28, 2021 Councilmember Sauer moved and Councilmember Stanley seconded adoption of Resolution No. 09-28-21-5, "approving and adopting the Amarillo Parks Master Plan"; voting aye were Mayor Pro Tem Powell and Councilmembers Stanley, Sauer and Smith, 4-0. [13]
- Votes for
- 4
- Votes against
- 0
- ✓ Verified
The council's October 12, 2021 consent agenda, approved 5-0, included Resolution 10-12-21-2 approving the Hike and Bike Master Plan "as the adopted plan to be used by the Amarillo Parks and Recreation Department, the Amarillo Traffic Engineering Department, its appointed boards and the City administration." The director told the board the Public Arts and Beautification plan was also adopted on October 12. [14][15]
· Related development
Council discusses park service adjustments including potential future park closures; hires Parkhill for a sports complex study
The council's November 9, 2021 minutes list "Discuss Parks and Recreation Service Adjustments to Include Potential Future Park Closures." On the same day's consent agenda, approved 5-0, the council awarded Parkhill $99,500 for a concept study to redevelop sports complexes in six parks. The director told the board in December that no decisions on closures had been made; Councilmember Eddy Sauer, a board member, said the master plan was the driving factor in the council's increase to the parks budget.[16][17]
Eddy SauerMichael KashubaParkhill (formerly Parkhill, Smith & Cooper)
- ✓ Verified
The November 9, 2021 council minutes list discussion item 1C, "Discuss Parks and Recreation Service Adjustments to Include Potential Future Park Closures," with no action recorded. The consent agenda, approved 5-0, included item T, an award to Parkhill of $99,500 for "a concept study for redevelopment of five sports complexes within existing parks" (the item lists six: Martin Road, John Stiff Memorial, Southeast, Rick Klein, River Road and Thompson). [16]
- Parkhill study
- $99,500
- ✓ Verified
Michael Kashuba and Councilmember Eddy Sauer (as recorded in the board minutes): The December 8, 2021 board minutes record the director stating "no decisions will be made for potential park closures," that every division of the department is subsidized, that tennis was at "a seventy plus percent cost recovery," and that the golf subsidy had dropped. Councilmember Eddy Sauer, serving on the board, said "the Park Master Plan was the driving factor for the decision made by council" to increase the parks budget. A board member asked what the department planned to do with "the 2.4 million"; the minutes do not record an answer. [17]
· Related development
Council awards replacement playgrounds at ten parks on its consent agenda, 5-0
The council's consent agenda, approved 5-0, awarded ten turnkey playground replacements under BuyBoard contract 592-19, at Benton, El Alamo, Glenwood, Hines Memorial, Mary Hazelrigg, Pleasant Valley, Sanborn, Southeast, Stephen F. Austin and Will Rogers parks, with awards from $129,450.21 to $155,801.00. Benton Park's playground opened with a ribbon cutting on May 31, 2022; El Alamo and Will Rogers were pushed to February 2023.[19][11][20][18]
- ✓ Verified
The February 22, 2022 consent agenda awards were: Benton Park, Child's Play, Inc., $149,969.76; El Alamo Park, Lea Park & Play Inc., $153,573.00; Glenwood Park, Exerplay Inc., $152,247.25; Hines Memorial Park, Exerplay Inc., $144,359.35; Mary Hazelrigg Park, Child's Play Inc, $149,964.38; Pleasant Valley Park, Kraftsman Commercial Playgrounds and Water Parks, $136,067.66; Sanborn Park, Kraftsman, $129,450.21; Southeast Park, Kompan Inc., $145,176.52; Stephen F. Austin Park, Kompan Inc., $148,198.75; and Will Rogers Park, Lea Park & Play Inc., $155,801.00. Together these total $1,464,807.88 (a sum computed for this site). The minutes do not state the funding source. [19]
- Total
- $1,464,808
- Playgrounds
- 10
- ✓ Verified
The board was told in March 2022 of "ten playground renovations that has been approved by city council to be funded." Benton Park's ribbon cutting was May 31, 2022. In December 2022 the CIP project manager said El Alamo and Will Rogers had been pushed back to February 2023 and that three manufacturers being used were not on BuyBoard. [21][20][18]
· Resolution
Parks Board adopts the Parkhill sports complex study into the department's capital requests
Parkhill's project manager presented the athletic complex study, including a renovation design, an overview of existing complexes and an opinion of probable cost, and the board unanimously approved adopting the study into the department's capital requests. In December 2022 the director reported that the council had approved $7.55 million for new lights at athletic complexes, with work begun at Martin Road.[20][18]
Michael KashubaParkhill (formerly Parkhill, Smith & Cooper)
- ✓ Verified
On June 8, 2022 the board "unanimously carried to approve the adoption of the Sports Complex study into the department's capital requests." The executive director of West Texas Youth Baseball Association spoke about fields lost over the previous 10 years. [20]
- ✓ Verified
The December 7, 2022 board minutes record that "Council approved $7.55 million dollars for new lights to be installed at a lot of the athletic complexes," with work begun at Martin Road and planned at Southeast, Rick Klein, John Stiff, the Amarillo National Tennis Center, El Alamo, River Road and Thompson. [18]
- Lighting
- $7,550,000
Related storylines: Amarillo's certificates of obligation (2017-2026)Amarillo's public swimming pools: the Thompson Park Pool replacement and the Southwest and Southeast pool closures (2018-2026)Amarillo's $39.7 million in American Rescue Plan Act recovery funds (2021-2026)Thompson Park leases: the Amarillo Zoo and Wonderland Amusement Park (2025-2026)
