MINUTES
| PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MONDAY MARCH 16, 2026 |
HYBRID MEETING FLAGSTAFF AQUAPLEX AND MICROSOFT TEAMS 1702 N. FOURTH STREET 4:00 P.M. |
1.
Call to Order
Chair Parsons called the meeting to order at 4:00 PM.
2.
Roll Call
Staff present: Rebecca Sayers (PROSE Director), Tyrone Johnson (Recreation Manager), Haley Reynolds (Events & Marketing Manager), Lori Reynolds (Administrative Specialist), Sarah Holditch (Events & Marketing Coordinator)
| NOTE: One or more Commissioners may be in attendance through other technological means. |
| Chair Stephen Parsons, Present Co-Chair Austin Kerr, Absent Commissioner Neil Frazier, Present Commissioner Camille Diab, Absent |
Commissioner Lisa Lamberson, Present Commissioner Jill Christensen, Absent Commissioner Josh Stackhouse, Present Councilmember Rep: Anthony Garcia, Present |
Staff present: Rebecca Sayers (PROSE Director), Tyrone Johnson (Recreation Manager), Haley Reynolds (Events & Marketing Manager), Lori Reynolds (Administrative Specialist), Sarah Holditch (Events & Marketing Coordinator)
3.
Land Acknowledgement
The Flagstaff Parks and Recreation Commission humbly acknowledges the ancestral homelands of this area’s Indigenous nations and original stewards. These lands, still inhabited by Native descendants, border mountains sacred to Indigenous peoples. We honor them, their legacies, their traditions, and their continued contributions. We celebrate their past, present, and future generations who will forever know this place as home.
The Flagstaff Parks and Recreation Commission humbly acknowledges the ancestral homelands of this area’s Indigenous nations and original stewards. These lands, still inhabited by Native descendants, border mountains sacred to Indigenous peoples. We honor them, their legacies, their traditions, and their continued contributions. We celebrate their past, present, and future generations who will forever know this place as home.
Read by Chair Parsons.
4.
Approval of Minutes from February 23, 2026 Parks and Recreation Commission and Open Spaces Commission's Joint Meeting
Commissioner Lamberson moved to approve the February 23, 2026 minutes as attached. Commissioner Frazier seconded the motion. Motion carried.
5.
Open Call to the Public
This portion of the meeting is for items that are NOT on the agenda. The Commission cannot act on items presented during the public participation of the agenda. The Commission is prohibited by the open meeting law from discussing or considering the item until the item is officially placed on an agenda. Please limit comments to five minutes.
This portion of the meeting is for items that are NOT on the agenda. The Commission cannot act on items presented during the public participation of the agenda. The Commission is prohibited by the open meeting law from discussing or considering the item until the item is officially placed on an agenda. Please limit comments to five minutes.
Read by Chair Parsons. No comments were received.
6.
Discussion Items
A.
Parks Maintenance Updates
Rebecca Sayers provided updates on winter Parks projects, noting progress due to an unusually dry season. Improvements at Continental Park included new dugout roofs, repainting of dugouts and the concession building, new scoreboards with updated league branding, and construction of a new staircase to the announcer booth. Additional work included installation of asphalt millings in a parking area near Thorpe Park (serving a Little League field) to replace dirt surfacing and reduce mud. The project was funded through deferred maintenance funds. Staff are currently preparing ball field infields for the upcoming season.
In response to a question regarding unused snow removal funds, Rebecca clarified that any remaining funds return to the general fund.
Rebecca also noted a potential need for earlier seasonal irrigation due to the unseasonably warm winter/spring we have experienced, which will lead to a need for extended watering this year.
In response to a question regarding unused snow removal funds, Rebecca clarified that any remaining funds return to the general fund.
Rebecca also noted a potential need for earlier seasonal irrigation due to the unseasonably warm winter/spring we have experienced, which will lead to a need for extended watering this year.
B.
Recreation center updates
Tyrone Johnson reported facility upgrades across all recreation centers, including the installation of security cameras (minimum of 12 per site) and staff training on the use of the new camera system. The cameras were installed to enhance security and provide data on facility usage and entry points.
Staffing efforts are ongoing at each facility for seasonal hiring. Recent hires include a Recreation Coordinator I at Jay Lively Activity Center (JLAC) and a Recreation Coordinator II at the Aquaplex. Additional hiring is underway, including more lifeguards (with several hired and six fully trained), front desk staff (offers extended), recreation assistants, a rink guard position, and a permanent position, Recreation Coordinator I, at Joe C. Montoya Community and Senior Center.
Annual maintenance closures are scheduled for May 4–13 at the Aquaplex and through May 17 at JLAC. Work will include pool draining, cleaning, painting, and general maintenance. JLAC will undergo deep cleaning and dasher board, glass, and paint maintenance. The electric vehicle Zamboni at JLAC is operational, with minor adjustments ongoing to optimize performance.
Joe C. Montoya Community and Senior Center has been busy with programming, including tax assistance and dance programs.
Hal Jensen Recreation Center's new e-sports area is nearing completion. It features virtual reality (VR) consoles, arcade games, and other new gaming systems. Final setup includes Wi-Fi access with user credential controls. A ribbon-cutting event is being considered when the e-sports area is fully open. Tyrone added that there would be additional upcoming events at Hal Jensen including a Teen Summit in collaboration with community partners and the annual Daddy-Daughter Dance.
Staffing efforts are ongoing at each facility for seasonal hiring. Recent hires include a Recreation Coordinator I at Jay Lively Activity Center (JLAC) and a Recreation Coordinator II at the Aquaplex. Additional hiring is underway, including more lifeguards (with several hired and six fully trained), front desk staff (offers extended), recreation assistants, a rink guard position, and a permanent position, Recreation Coordinator I, at Joe C. Montoya Community and Senior Center.
Annual maintenance closures are scheduled for May 4–13 at the Aquaplex and through May 17 at JLAC. Work will include pool draining, cleaning, painting, and general maintenance. JLAC will undergo deep cleaning and dasher board, glass, and paint maintenance. The electric vehicle Zamboni at JLAC is operational, with minor adjustments ongoing to optimize performance.
Joe C. Montoya Community and Senior Center has been busy with programming, including tax assistance and dance programs.
Hal Jensen Recreation Center's new e-sports area is nearing completion. It features virtual reality (VR) consoles, arcade games, and other new gaming systems. Final setup includes Wi-Fi access with user credential controls. A ribbon-cutting event is being considered when the e-sports area is fully open. Tyrone added that there would be additional upcoming events at Hal Jensen including a Teen Summit in collaboration with community partners and the annual Daddy-Daughter Dance.
C.
Events and Athletics Updates
Haley Reynolds provided a brief update on the change in the allocation process for PROSE's athletic program. This is the first year they are implementing changes to the allocation process, assigning use based on three seasons instead of annual allocations. She expects that she'll receive more feedback from various user groups on how the new allocation process works later this Spring/Summer.
Events
Concerts in the Park:
Haley shared that they have a call for musicians out for this summer's upcoming Concerts in the Park series. They will determine which parks will host those events once they have selected musicians for each event date. They have reached out to Coconino County Parks and Recreation to see if they would like to partner again and host a Concert in the Park at one of their locations.
4th of July Drone Show (Foxglenn Park):
Haley reported that the drone show will return to Flagstaff this year but will be based in Foxglenn Park. They will be using the same vendor, increasing from 350 drones last year to 400 this year. The location was selected based on public feedback to allow on-site viewing. The launch area will be on the back soccer fields. Pre-event activities will include a stage with music, bounce houses, and food trucks. A portion of Butler Avenue will be closed; however, shuttle service from NAU and the mall will be provided. Additional parking options closer to Foxglenn are being explored. Staff is also exploring use of the FUTS system, including a possible bike valet/check. In response to a question about capacity, Haley indicated the ball fields can accommodate up to 50,000 people, though attendance is anticipated to be closer to 15,000–20,000. The event's focus will be for on-site attendance rather than remote viewing this year, though staff are still looking at ways to provide remote or streamed viewing.
Route 66 Centennial Event:
A Commissioner asked if PROSE would be doing anything for Route 66's 100-year celebration. Haley noted that the City’s Economic Vitality Division will host a Route 66 centennial event on June 6, featuring a street fair, classic car show, and 3D chalk art at Aspen Avenue/Heritage Square, concurrent with the Hullabaloo event. PROSE will not be hosting a separate event for the Route 66 celebration.
Events
Concerts in the Park:
Haley shared that they have a call for musicians out for this summer's upcoming Concerts in the Park series. They will determine which parks will host those events once they have selected musicians for each event date. They have reached out to Coconino County Parks and Recreation to see if they would like to partner again and host a Concert in the Park at one of their locations.
4th of July Drone Show (Foxglenn Park):
Haley reported that the drone show will return to Flagstaff this year but will be based in Foxglenn Park. They will be using the same vendor, increasing from 350 drones last year to 400 this year. The location was selected based on public feedback to allow on-site viewing. The launch area will be on the back soccer fields. Pre-event activities will include a stage with music, bounce houses, and food trucks. A portion of Butler Avenue will be closed; however, shuttle service from NAU and the mall will be provided. Additional parking options closer to Foxglenn are being explored. Staff is also exploring use of the FUTS system, including a possible bike valet/check. In response to a question about capacity, Haley indicated the ball fields can accommodate up to 50,000 people, though attendance is anticipated to be closer to 15,000–20,000. The event's focus will be for on-site attendance rather than remote viewing this year, though staff are still looking at ways to provide remote or streamed viewing.
Route 66 Centennial Event:
A Commissioner asked if PROSE would be doing anything for Route 66's 100-year celebration. Haley noted that the City’s Economic Vitality Division will host a Route 66 centennial event on June 6, featuring a street fair, classic car show, and 3D chalk art at Aspen Avenue/Heritage Square, concurrent with the Hullabaloo event. PROSE will not be hosting a separate event for the Route 66 celebration.
7.
Reports and Updates
A.
Council Representative Report, Council Representative Anthony Garcia
Councilmember Garcia was appreciative of the Commission's work and did not have any new information to share.
B.
PROSE Monthly Newsletter (February 2026)
Commissioner Lamberson asked where community members could view the newsletter. Sarah Holditch replied that it is posted on the city webpage and on PROSE's social media pages, and Rebecca added that the City Manager shares it with City Council.
8.
Informational items to and from Commissioners and Staff
Rebecca shared that Commissioners can expect to receive additional information from staff on the approved BBB budget plan at their May meeting.
9.
Agenda Items for next meeting
- Follow-up regarding the status of Cheshire Park name change.
- Change of April 20th Parks and Recreation Commission meeting location to the Hal Jensen Recreation Center.
- Review of term limits for Commissioners and election of Chair and Vice Chair.
10.
Adjournment
Chair Parsons adjourned the meeting at 5:05 PM.