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New grant coordinator introduced; parks staff report tree work, Roy Walker renovations and soccer lights installed
Summary
The committee welcomed Margaret Johnston as the city’s grant coordinator for a state beautification grant, heard parks maintenance updates including tree removal and upcoming plantings, and received a progress report on Roy Walker Center renovations and new soccer lighting.
The Clovis Parks, Recreation and Beautification Committee introduced Margaret Johnston as the city’s new grant coordinator and heard updates on park maintenance and facility renovations.
Johnston said she will manage a new beautification grant the city received from the State of New Mexico and described the program as designed to support existing “clean and beautiful” and related efforts. She said the city’s grant award was $200,000 and that the county also received $95,000; staff will coordinate efforts where programs overlap. Johnston said state guidance for the new grant is still evolving and staff will adapt as the state finalizes rules.
Parks project manager Russell Hooper reported winter tree removals at Hillcrest and said the department plans to plant approximately 57 replacement trees in the coming weeks — about 18 at Hillcrest Park and others distributed across multiple sites. Hooper thanked Public Works for assistance with tree removal and said staff continue regular services including meal deliveries for senior services.
Hooper and recreation staff also reported progress at Roy Walker Center, where renovation work encountered asbestos-containing tile that required a short closure while the tile was removed. Staff said floors have been redone, new cabinets and countertops installed in staff offices, parking‑lot lights were repaired, and additional exterior painting was completed. Recreation manager Amy reported ongoing program use during renovations, including pickleball (15–20 players each morning), volleyball leagues, and youth programs. Aquatics staff plan a deck roof replacement starting in the week following the meeting.
Hooper additionally announced that new Musco soccer lights have been installed and are in the ground; staff are awaiting technical downloads to operate the system. An art committee selection process was summarized: staff plan to install four selected works at Roy Walker and expect the state to cover cost overages.
Committee members welcomed Johnston and thanked staff for progress on maintenance and renovations. Johnston said she will return with fuller program details in future reports as the state guidance is finalized.
