Chair Stephen Parsons called the meeting to order at 4:12 PM.

Commissioner Josh Stackhouse motioned to approve the May 19, 2025 minutes as written. Commissioner Neil Frazier seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous in favor of approval. 

Motion by Josh Stackhouse, Seconded by Neil Frazier

Vote: 4 - 0 - Unanimously

Chair Parsons called for public comment on any items not on the agenda. There were no comments or requests.

Flagstaff community member Cameron Chase presented a proposal for a remote car (RC) raceway at The Basin BMX Park. He shared that the proposed 5500 square-foot area, located next to the green space to the right of the bike park, would include small features that would not largely impact the area. He also mentioned that he already has a team of volunteers ready to assist with raceway construction.

Chair Parsons asked Mr. Chase to elaborate on the construction portion of the proposal. Mr. Chase replied that construction of the raceway would involve leveling the surface area and bringing in extra dirt. Commissioner Frazier wanted to know if that would involve shoveling or heavy machinery. Mr. Chase said that they would have volunteers and donations to support this project, including large machinery to assist with construction. Parks manager, Gino Leoni, mentioned that they could use a small skid-steer to limit the amount of additional machinery taken to make the project happen. Mr. Chase shared with the commission one of the RC cars.
Councilmember Garcia asked if the RC raceway would impact the bike park. Amy Hagin replied that the raceways proposed site was away from the concrete bowls for the bikes, and outside the storm water improvements. Chair Parsons wanted to know if there was anything the commission could do to assist. Amy let him know that while having the support of the commission would be helpful, it came down to the Parks section, including the support of Gino Leoni and his team, to assist with the execution of this proposal. She added that there may need to be a memo of understanding between the RC proposal party and the City of Flagstaff, especially when it comes to maintenance and long-term support of the raceway.

Thomas McKenna shared with the commission a few details about his job and his experience so far as the new Park Ranger for the City of Flagstaff.

• Assisting the Parks team with trash collection and planning how to make it more efficient.
• Helping educate users on park rules including fire education.
• Cleaning up illegal campsites.

Thomas added that his current work schedule is 8:30 AM to 7 PM, Thursday through Sunday, focusing on times when the parks see the most use. He also mentioned that although he does not work during hours when illegal park use occurs, he does work closely with Flagstaff Police Department for after-hours assistance and meets with them monthly.  The commission expressed their appreciation to Thomas for his work.

Amy Hagin, Assistant Parks and Recreation Director, shared with the commission that they had been successful in coordinating the design and installation contract for Hal Jensen Recreation Center. She said that the air conditioner space is designed for the entire recreation center. The mezzanine functions as the "second floor” and will be included on the design. With the entire building designed the gymnasium is where the air-conditioned space will be implemented as a phase one. The budget for this project comes from the BBB special revenue fund, originally set at $100,000 but increased to $150,000 by staff. Additional funds beyond the budgeted $150,000 will derive from another Division source.   Amy added that they will begin the design and specifications soon and hope to have this portion of the installation project completed in September 2025.

Amy Hagin shared with the commission that on May 6, 2025, City Council approved the sports courts capital project. Construction began the following day with temporary construction fencing, demolition and into grading activities. Amy shared with the commission a website link where weekly updates can be viewed.   (https://connect.flagstaffaz.gov/bushmaster-courts ) 

Commissioner Stackhouse asked when the project would be done; Amy said it should be substantially completed by November 2025.

Tyrone Johnson, Recreation Manager, shared details on various recreation center events happening in July, Parks and Recreation Month, focusing on the theme of "Build Together Play Together." Events he shared that will be happening at the recreation centers include:

• Jay Lively Activity Center: Themed ice skate night
• Aquaplex: Building garden beds and hosting a pool party
• Hal Jensen Recreation Center: Hosting the Touch a Truck special event on July 13
• Joe C. Montoya Community Center: Open house event
• Other City of Flagstaff events associated with Parks and Recreation: 4th of July Drone Show

Chair Parsons asked if there were any other events happening outside of recreation, and in the parks. Tyrone said that the focus would remain on the recreation centers and that there was not any formal programming planned in the parks. Amy Hagin shared that the Fourth of July drone show would also be an event happening during Parks and Recreation month and that Haley could elaborate on that event.

Haley Reynolds, Events and Marketing Manager, shared with the commission that Open Sky Productions was the vendor for the drone show and that the launch site for the drones would be at Coconino High School. The drones would fly about 400 feet above McMillan Mesa, giving some of the best views of the show to the Sunnyside area. Commissioner Stackhouse asked if there are future drone show events, if vendors could have a chance to participate. Rebecca Sayers, Division Director, responded that for this year the focus was to have a successful first drone show event and that they would learn a lot from this pilot event to help determine what next year's event could look like, including the possibility of vendors.

There was some discussion between the commissioners and PROSE staff regarding the viewership range for the drone show event. Rebecca shared with commissioners that they had been working closely with the city's Economic Vitality team to reach out to businesses that could be impacted by the event, letting them know that they could have an additional revenue opportunity with increased visitors the evening of the event.

Councilmember Garcia shared that he just went through his first budget process as a first-year councilmember and hopes to be able to share more with the commission soon. He added that he attended the ribbon cutting for Cleo Murdoch Neighborhood Park over the past week and is looking forward to seeing more programming and events at the park.

Amy Hagin suggested that Parks and Recreation may look into replacing where the counters are on the trails and coordinate with FUTS to see if they have any recommendations.

Rebecca Sayers shared an update on the opening of Cleo Murdoch Neighborhood Park, the first new park in the City of Flagstaff since 2004. 

Recap of the July 4, 2025 drone show event.

Update on Parks and Recreation month events at recreation centers.

Update on new playground structure installations.

Share drone footage of sports courts and updated information on the courts.

Various capitol project updates.

Chair Parsons adjourned the meeting at 5:30 PM.