Chairman Millette called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m.

There were no public comments. 

MOTION BY Commissioner Kiesha Beard, SECONDED BY Commissioner Brian Murphy to APPROVE the draft minutes of the Parks & Recreation Advisory Commission meeting held on February 12, 2025. The motion carried as follows:

AYE:

Chairman Chad Millette, Vice Chairman Jose Gonzales, Commissioner Kiesha Beard, Commissioner Brian Murphy, Commissioner John Cox, Commissioner Rachel Bretthauer

Other:

Commissioner Sharolyn Hohman (Absent)

Passed - Unanimously

Recreation Coordinator Richard Ortiz provided an update on the upcoming Summer Camp program. He reported that registration opened recently and reached near capacity by 2:00 p.m. on the first day, with 456 resident participants registered. Mr. Ortiz noted that the program has the potential to serve over 1,000 participants throughout the summer. He highlighted several key aspects of the program, including planned activities, site locations, and the Junior Leaders program. A major ongoing challenge is securing facility locations that remain open during the summer months, significantly limiting overall program capacity.

Recreation Superintendent Mike Beadle provided a preview of the Summer Aquatics program, including recent improvements at the Loma Linda Pool. He highlighted several upgrades, including new splash pad features, a modernized pump system, the installation of misters, and new starting blocks. He further reported that 130 lifeguards, 85 returning and 45 new, have been hired for the Goodyear Recreation Aquatic Center's summer season. He went on to share updates on aquatics programming, noting that lap swimming hours will be expanded beginning on Memorial Day. Swim lessons will be offered both on weekdays and weekends, with skill levels ranging from parent-taught lessons for infants (as young as six months) to adult swim instruction. Due to high demand, swimming lesson enrollment is currently limited to Goodyear residents only.

Recreation Superintendent Mike Beadle discussed recent safety and security improvements the Goodyear Recreation Campus (GRC). Since implementing a weapons detection system, requiring a GRC ID, and increasing security staff, incidents of trespassing and the need for police intervention have declined. Patrons and staff have reported an increased sense of safety while at the facility thanks to technology upgrades, additional exit door alarms, and an expanded security camera system.

Parks & Recreation Deputy Director David Seid addressed the commission regarding the Bullard Wash Trail project. He presented a map showing the planned trail expansion and noted that all updates will soon be available at: www.goodyearaz.gov/government/departments/parks-recreation/trails. 
Mr. Seid also stated that land acquisition from the Maricopa County Flood Control District has been completed.

Chairman Chad Millette expressed his appreciation to the Park Ranger staff for their assistance in coordinating schedules and providing access to Falcon Park for practices and games.

Parks & Recreation Deputy Director David Seid noted that an FY2026 budget preview will be presented at the upcoming June meeting. He also shared that the spring training season has concluded, and most major metrics: attendance, revenue, etc., saw modest increases over the last year.