Clovis commission approves $2.8 million park project

Big changes are coming to Clovis’ parks after the Clovis city commission on Thursday unanimously approved a $2.8 million improvement project.

“It’s a pretty extensive list as you can see. … It’s one of those things that we are actively trying to improve and give back,” Parks and Recreation Director Russell Hooper told commissioners.

Commissioner Megan Palla, who also chairs the Parks, Recreation and Beautification Committee, noted “as many parks as possible” are part of the project.

“We tried to hit as many sports as possible and as many different age groups as we possibly could,” Palla said.

The list includes projects at Greene Acres, Hillcrest, Rierson, Pat Sandoval and Potter parks. Many of the projects are listed on the parks and recreation master plan, while several are based on requests that have been brought to the parks board.

Assistant City Manager Claire Burroughes said there is about $2.9 million saved from previous year’s capital outlay funding and grants the city has received. That’s how the projects will be funded.

“It is so desperately needed in our town and it’s going to make some huge improvements in our parks,” Palla said.

In mid-July the first major project will be installing a new playground at Hillcrest Park, Palla said. She said after it is completed, the city will slowly tackle the other projects.

Here is the list of capital improvements for each of the parks.

Bob Spencer:

• Two baseball fields for a little over $1.08 million.

Greene Acres:

• New fencing around pickleball for $29,325.30.

• Lights around pickleball court for $40,000.

• Solar lights around trail, with 55 poles in total for $71,500.

• Install solar lights for $16,500.

Hillcrest Park:

• Aquatic Center HVAC replacement and deck heater for $44,403.40

• Aquatic Center pool heater for $105,019.

• New playground materials for $174,114.

• New playground install for $129,061.89.

• New playground mulch for $56,000.

• New tennis, pickleball and basketball courts for $188,010.84.

• Lighting for new courts for $80,000.

• Four new sand volleyball courts, with lights, concrete border, posts for nets and sand for $123,889.80.

• Lights for two of Clovis Youth Soccer fields for $335,000.

• Stones to replace fencing for $18,000.

Rierson:

• Stone to replace fencing for $32,000.

Pat Sandoval:

• Replace picnic tables and benches for $8,000.

Potter:

• Replace picnic tables and benches for $18,400.

• Beachum: add infield materials to the middle field. Removal, leveling, disposal and installation. Includes labor. For $11,346.

• New tennis, pickleball and basketball courts for $188,010.84.

• Lighting for new courts for $80,000.