Improvements coming to Pleasant Valley and John Ward parks

Big changes are coming to two Amarillo parks, thanks to $230,000 in funding recently approved by the City Council. The City of Amarillo Parks and Recreation Department announced that upgrades are set to enhance both Pleasant Valley Park and John Ward Park, aiming to improve accessibility, safety, and overall community experience.

Pleasant Valley Park is first on the list, with $100,000 allocated to install brand-new playground equipment. While the park’s playground was replaced just three years ago, ongoing issues with vandalism have made it necessary to invest in a full replacement once again.

“We think it’s important that we have parks throughout the community. We think it’s important those parks reflect the culture and the community that they represent. And so, we think this playground will be a great fit for Pleasant Valley,” said Michael Kashuba, director of Parks and Recreation for the City of Amarillo.

Kashuba emphasized the role of community vigilance in protecting public spaces. “We know our community loves and uses those spaces, and so we want them to, if they see something, call it. The more time that we spend addressing vandalism, the more it costs the taxpayers — and the less we can do to make improvements to those parks,” he said.

In addition to Pleasant Valley, John Ward Memorial Park — now officially renamed John Ward Park — will receive more than $130,000 for upgraded surfacing. The improvements will include new surfacing for the AMBUCS playground and synthetic turf designed to enhance accessibility for all users, particularly those with mobility challenges.

“John Ward Park really isn’t a lot of vertical improvement, it’s more horizontal like turf and some of the replacements over there,” said Mayor Cole Stanley. “What you’re seeing is just a continual push for us to continue to push dollars where we find them into quality of life improvements.”

Together, these changes aim to create safer, more accessible environments in two of Amarillo’s cherished public spaces. The city’s investment reflects a broader commitment to maintaining and upgrading parks across the community.

Kashuba expressed appreciation for the support from both residents and the city council. “We’re grateful for the backing we’ve received to make these upgrades possible,” he said. “These parks belong to the community, and we’re excited to keep improving them.”

The Parks and Recreation Department also noted that several new projects are currently in the planning phase and could begin as early as this summer, as the city continues to prioritize quality-of-life improvements across Amarillo.