The meeting was called to order by Chairman Millette at 5:34 p.m.

MOTION BY Commissioner Kiesha Beard, SECONDED BY Commissioner Rachel Bretthauer to EXCUSE Commissioner John Cox from the meeting. The motion carried as follows:

AYE:

Chairman Chad Millette, Commissioner Kiesha Beard, Commissioner Sharolyn Hohman, Commissioner Brian Murphy, Commissioner Rachel Bretthauer, Commissioner Lisa Paulos

Passed - Unanimously

There were no public comments.

MOTION BY Commissioner Kiesha Beard, SECONDED BY Commissioner Rachel Bretthauer to APPROVE the draft minutes from the April 9, 2026, Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission meeting. The motion carried as follows:

AYE:

Chairman Chad Millette, Commissioner Kiesha Beard, Commissioner Sharolyn Hohman, Commissioner Brian Murphy, Commissioner Rachel Bretthauer, Commissioner Lisa Paulos

Passed - Unanimously

Deputy Director David Seid introduced the new Parks and Recreation Director, David Lopez, Jr. Mr. Lopez introduced himself and provided a brief overview of his background, noting he has over 25 years of experience in parks and recreation. He expressed that he is very excited to work with the Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission.

Management Assistant Laura Jara provided an overview of the newly adopted FY2027 City and Parks and Recreation Budget. She noted that the City Council adopted a $1.4 billion budget on June 8. She also reported that the Parks and Recreation Department’s budget totaled $120.6 million, which includes operations, supplemental requests, and capital improvement projects (CIP).

She highlighted the following CIP projects and supplemental requests: Bullard Wash – McDowell Rd to Goodyear Ballpark; Ballpark Irrigation Replacement; Goodyear Recreation Campus Phase 2 Design; Ground Equipment Mechanic; Additional Summer Recreation Site; Calle Del Pueblo Improvements; Star Spangled Fourth Drone Show; and the GSQ Artificial Ice Rink.

Chair Millette inquired how this year's adopted budget compared with last year's. Deputy Director David Seid reported that the budget reflected modest growth compared to the previous year.

Recreation Superintendent Dawn Stipe shared details of Parks and Recreation’s signature summer events and provided save-the-date information for the remainder of 2026. She stated that the 5th Annual Juneteenth Family Day will take place on June 19 at the new Goodyear High School, noting that the new venue will offer additional space and indoor amenities. She added that the event will feature performances by the Drumlines of America Band and nationally recognized dance and step teams, as well as dance lessons, genealogy workshops, crafts, and financial literacy sessions.

She then highlighted the second summer event, the annual 4th of July celebration, Star Spangled 4th. This is the second year of the drone show at Goodyear Ballpark, which will include live music, food trucks, and children’s activities. She noted that this year’s drone show will feature twice the pyrotechnics.

Ms. Stipe also announced the following upcoming event dates:

Ballet Under the Stars — Friday, September 25
Rock the BBQ — Saturday, October 3
Rhythm and Roots — Saturday, October 10
Movie in the Park — Saturday, October 17
Annual Fall Festival — Saturday, October 24
Chalk Art in the Park — Saturday, November 7
Veterans Day Tribute and Celebration — Wednesday, November 11
Holidays on the Square — Fridays, December 4 and December 11

Deputy Director David Seid reminded the commissioners that event information is available online at the City of Goodyear’s Special Events webpage. He also provided an update on the grand opening of Buc-ee’s on June 22. Commissioner Paulos asked whether Buc-ee’s would be engaged in future city events. Mr. Seid responded that those discussions have not yet taken place, but the City may be open to such collaborations.

Mr. Seid went on to discuss summer planning for recreation sites, aquatics, and attendance at the Goodyear Recreation Center, as well as updates regarding the new City Manager.

Alternate Larry Atkinson remarked that he believes Park Ranger Nathan Stewart should join the team at the table instead of sitting in the back. Mr. Stewart added that he enjoys attending commission meetings to serve as a resource for residents.

Commissioner Bretthauer inquired about the youth commissioners’ attendance at the meeting. Mr. Seid stated that staff would look into the youth commissioners’ participation.

Commissioner Murphy noted that his two sons, who are lifeguards, were unable to work more than 20 hours due to Arizona State Retirement System rules. He also asked whether scuba diving certification could be offered at the Goodyear Recreation Center. Mr. Seid stated that he would provide a follow-up.