Parks & Recreation Advisory Commission Goodyear Recreation Campus 420 South Estrella Parkway Goodyear, AZ 85338 |
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CALL TO ORDER
Vice Chair Rachel Bretthauer called the meeting to order at 5:32 p.m.
ROLL CALL
- Present:
- Vice Chair Rachel Bretthauer; Commissioner John Cox; Commissioner Sharolyn Hohman; Commissioner Kiesha Beard
- Absent:
- Chairman Chad Millette; Commissioner Brian Murphy
- Staff Present:
- Interim Parks and Recreation Director David Seid; Parks and Recreation Administrative Assistant Raeleen Galvan; Management Assistant Laura Jara; Park Ranger Nathan Stewart; Recreation Coordinator Cassandra Brown; Recreation Coordinator Taylor Snell; Assistant General Manager - Ballpark Operations Cody Disbennet; Parks Superintendent Jeremy Figueroa; Parks and Recreation Deputy Director Guylene Ozlanski
MOTION BY Commissioner John Cox, SECONDED BY Commissioner Kiesha Beard to EXCUSE Chair Millette from the meeting. The motion carried as follows:
- AYE:
- Vice Chair Rachel Bretthauer, Commissioner John Cox, Commissioner Sharolyn Hohman, Commissioner Kiesha Beard
Passed - Unanimously
| PUBLIC COMMENTS |
There were no public comments.
| BUSINESS |
1.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
MOTION BY Commissioner John Cox, SECONDED BY Commissioner Sharolyn Hohman to APPROVE the draft minutes of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting held on February 5, 2026. The motion carried as follows:
- AYE:
- Vice Chair Rachel Bretthauer, Commissioner John Cox, Commissioner Sharolyn Hohman, Commissioner Kiesha Beard
Passed - Unanimously
2.
BALLPARK UPDATE (CODY DISBENNET, ASSISTANT GM - BALLPARK OPERATIONS)
Cody Disbennet, Assistant General Manager, Ballpark Operations, provided an overview of Goodyear Ballpark operations. Goodyear Ballpark includes the main stadium and two MLB development complexes for the Cincinnati Reds and the Cleveland Guardians, which operate year-round
for training, rehabilitation, and player development programs. The ballpark also hosts extensive community use, including youth and adult baseball, high school playoffs, food truck events, major city festivals, and Arizona Fall League games. Recent upgrades include renovated suites and a new Left Field Landing area, with upcoming work focused on irrigation and field resurfacing. The 2026 spring training season featured 30 games with strong matchups and promotions, but extreme heat significantly reduced attendance to about 146,000 and forced several games to be moved to the evening.
City staff noted that earlier investments supported by rental car and hotel taxes helped launch the facility, and the remaining debt is nearly repaid. Commissioners also remarked that they were unaware of the ballpark’s year-round activity.
City staff noted that earlier investments supported by rental car and hotel taxes helped launch the facility, and the remaining debt is nearly repaid. Commissioners also remarked that they were unaware of the ballpark’s year-round activity.
3.
SUMMER PREVIEW (TAYLOR SNELL, AQUATICS RECREATION COORDINATOR AND CASSANDRA BROWN, SPORTS RECREATION COORDINATOR)
Taylor Snell, Aquatics Coordinator, reported that the GRC is prepared for its sixth summer season after major offseason upgrades, including new pool decking, slide refurbishment, refreshed turf, and new deck furniture. Staffing is strong, with about 160 employees, supported by a full Junior Guard pipeline, and safety training follows StarGuard standards, with annual fire department drills. Summer offerings include open swim, lap swim, swim lessons for ages six months through adult, cabana and pool rentals, and the Goodyear Sharks swim team. Swim lessons continue to grow, especially adult and adaptive programs, at a low cost of $30 per session. Additional facility improvements include new flooring and a “Tortoise and the Hare” mural. The 100-day Summer Fitness Challenge also returns this year.
In response to questions, staff confirmed that program fees are charged in addition to a GRC membership, though members still receive access to open swim, and the Loma Linda Pool and splash pad remain available to residents.
Cassandra Brown, Recreation Coordinator, shared updates on the GRC’s summer camp, themed around safety topics such as fire, water, and environmental awareness. Camps will operate at four school sites and include field trips, guest speakers, sports, games, arts and crafts, and an end-of-summer lip sync competition. Youth and adult sports will also be offered at the GRC, including youth basketball in partnership with Jr. Suns.
In response to questions, staff confirmed that program fees are charged in addition to a GRC membership, though members still receive access to open swim, and the Loma Linda Pool and splash pad remain available to residents.
Cassandra Brown, Recreation Coordinator, shared updates on the GRC’s summer camp, themed around safety topics such as fire, water, and environmental awareness. Camps will operate at four school sites and include field trips, guest speakers, sports, games, arts and crafts, and an end-of-summer lip sync competition. Youth and adult sports will also be offered at the GRC, including youth basketball in partnership with Jr. Suns.
4.
E-SCOOTER/BIKE RULE UPDATE (JEREMY FIGUEROA, PARKS SUPERINTENDENT)
Jeremy Figueroa, Parks Superintendent, presented an update on proposed changes to the city’s motorized vehicle ordinance to address the growing use of E-scooters and E-bikes in parks. The amendment would allow Class 1 and Class 2 devices (up to 20 mph) in parks and on sidewalks, while prohibiting Class 3 devices (up to 28 mph) from parks and requiring them to use streets. The proposal also sets age limits: no Class 1 or 2 use under age 12; no Class 3 use under age 16; and requires helmets for anyone under 16. The ordinance, developed with Police, Legal, and city leadership, will go to City Council at a later date. Commissioners raised questions about sidewalk use, age restrictions, and speeds on specific trails, and staff provided clarification.
At 6:48 p.m., Commissioner Hohman left the meeting. The quorum was lost, and the Commission proceeded with only informational updates. No action items were considered following the loss of quorum.
5.
TWO MONTH "LOOK AHEAD" (DAVID SEID, INTERIM PARKS & RECREATION DIRECTOR)
No discussion was held.
| INFORMATION ITEMS |
David Seid, Interim Parks and Recreation, provided an update on the City Manager appointment.
| FUTURE MEETINGS |
Future meetings are tentatively scheduled as follows:
June 11, 2026, at 5:30 PM
August 13, 2026, at 5:30 PM
June 11, 2026, at 5:30 PM
August 13, 2026, at 5:30 PM
| ADJOURNMENT |
There being no further business to discuss, Vice Chair Rachel Bretthauer adjourned the meeting at 6:49 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted by:
Respectfully Submitted by:
__________________________ Raeleen Galvan, Board Secretary |
Date:___________________ Approved at Parks & Recreation Advisory Meeting held on __________, 2026. |