Motorists and citizens across Amarillo have likely noticed at least one of the recent construction projects by the City of Amarillo (COA) Parks and Recreation Department (PARD). Five PARD construction projects are ongoing, with three recently completed and more in the works. “PARD is busy as far as improvement projects and residents have more than likely encountered construction signs across the city at one of our many parks or facilities,” said PARD Director Michael Kashuba. “Amarillo’s parks and park facilities greatly impact our quality of life, and these projects are examples of the priority the city puts on maintaining and improving city amenities for the entire community.” PARD improvement projects recently completed (all costs are approximate): PARD improvement projects in progress: Future PARD improvement projects:

An unauthorized discharge of approximately 1 million gallons of untreated wastewater has been contained from Lift Station 40 located at 7100 Cliffside. Wastewater may have reached a local ponded area of West Amarillo Creek. Tests are being conducted for any possible levels of contamination. The discharge began on Wednesday (July 9) at 4:15 p.m. and was contained at 10:15 p.m. The cause of the discharge was a break in the force main causing the lift station to overflow from the manhole. Remediation and disinfection of land surface areas is complete. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality has been notified of the spill, repair and remediation efforts conducted by City of Amarillo Wastewater Collections personnel.

Partnership with Petco Love Lost Features Cutting Edge Tech Thanks to a unique and historic partnership, the City of Amarillo (COA) Animal Management and Welfare Department (AAMW) is using the latest technology to bring lost pets home to their owners. AAMW and Petco Love, a national nonprofit organization working to lead and inspire change for pets and animal welfare organizations across the country, have announced a partnership that uses an artificial intelligence (AI) database to reunite lost pets with their owners. “We are excited to introduce this technology to our community,” said AAMW Director Victoria Medley. “Through this partnership, we, along with the community, will have the ability to reunite lost pets with their families more quickly while potentially reducing the number of animals entering our shelter.” Here is how AI technology (which is available for free) will help pet owners: Features include a scrollable list of pets currently in AAMW’s care and an interactive map that displays lost and found reports, shelter pets and community posts from Neighbors and Nextdoor – all conveniently viewable on the AAMW website. “AAMW works tirelessly for pets in our care and that includes helping lost pets get home and back to their families where they belong,” said AAMW Outreach Manager Katrena Volden. “There’s nothing more rewarding than reuniting families with their beloved pets. With Petco Love Lost, we’re confident it can lead to many more happy reunions.” For information on lost and found pets and the Petco Love Lost app (including a related map), go to the AAMW website at: amw.amarillo.gov/shelter-services/lost-and-found/lost-and-found-tips

The City of Amarillo (COA) Municipal Court main entrance and parking lot will be closed beginning Monday (July 7) for the construction of a new parking lot. There will be no access to the parking lot or court entrance during the duration of the project. Court access will be available via a temporary entrance through the Amarillo Police Department entrance located at 200 S.E. Third Ave., on the north side of the building. Limited public parking will be available near the north entrance and east of Fillmore Street.  Virtual court options remain available. Virtual court sessions are held Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 3:30 p.m., on Thursdays at 5:30 p.m. and on Fridays at 8:30 a.m. For related information go to: amarillo.gov/municipal-court/virtual-court-request-form For information on payment options, go to: Amarillo.gov/court A night drop box for checks, money orders and cash is located in the vestibule on the north side of the building. Completion date for the project is January 2026, depending on weather conditions. For more information contact City of Amarillo Media Relations Manager Dave Henry at 806-378-5219 or by email at david.henry@amarillo.gov.