The City Commission authorized staff to solicit bids for a parks master plan and appointed members to a new Parks, Arts and Recreation advisory board at its April 20 meeting.

The request came from city staff to develop conceptual designs and cost estimates for several park properties so elected officials can consider capital needs during the summer budget process. "We're looking at several properties that could be better developed, and designed so that we can get an actual cost of what these improvements are," a staff presenter told commissioners.

Commissioners moved and seconded the solicitation; the motion passed unanimously.

At the same meeting the commission appointed Meliton Villareal, Joela Osuna, Isafani Chap, David Porras, Dr. Artur Montiel, Cynthia Veil and Marissa Garcia to the Parks, Arts and Recreation Commission. Several appointees were present and addressed the commission: longtime community member David Porras (who described past service dating to 1993) and Cynthia Veil noted their interest and prior participation in local beautification and parks work.

Parks director Marco Trevino gave a departmental update emphasizing active recreation and maintenance: the department reported being at about 51% of its fiscal-year budget at the time of the report; track-and-field and youth basketball registration were upcoming; stadium lighting installation has begun at the city stadium; and Fort Ringo Park's parking-lot asphalt repairs were underway and the park had been reopened for public use.

Commissioners signaled interest in a grand-opening celebration for Fort Ringo and directed staff to include park projects and possible lighting grants in planning. The commission also discussed requests from residents for amenities such as tennis or pickleball courts and better lighting at Alta Vista Park.

The solicitations and appointments position the city to bring design estimates into budget discussions this summer and to advance park programming and lighting projects.