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Parks Director Jess Kume details improvements at Palo Duro facilities and upcoming projects.

This meeting took place in Nogales on September 3, 2025, and was centered around significant updates regarding community projects. A key focus was the renovations to the Palo Duro facility and the progress of water and sewer projects.

Jessica Valenciacme, the Parks and Recreation Director, gave an in-depth update on the Palo Duro renovations. The aim here is to enhance safety, modernize the space, and improve how the facilities function for community use. Completed efforts include four office spaces ready for lease, the addition of new HVAC units, accessible lighting, and updated restrooms. Valenciacme also pointed out the courtyard’s renovation, which now boasts fresh concrete in place of the old, uneven pavement—making it far more appealing for events.

Looking ahead, remaining tasks include the installation of grease traps, fire alarms, and gas line connections, which are necessary for the pool renovation to commence. Valenciacme mentioned that once the grease traps are in place, they can kick off the pool renovations, with a timeline established for completion in the upcoming weeks.

Mayor Kramer is actively managing the restaurant space within Palo Duro, indicating that the city will handle both the pool and office areas while searching for the right tenants for the restaurant. He underscored the need for reliable tenants to ensure the restaurant’s success, especially given the challenges faced with previous contracts.

Aside from renovations, the meeting also covered updates on water and sewer projects. Currently, contractors are running about two weeks behind schedule, but they anticipate starting the installation of sewer mains shortly. The water main installation is nearly finished, with just final tests and connections left to complete.

The overall tone of the meeting reflected the city’s dedication to enhancing community facilities and infrastructure, aiming to create environments that encourage community engagement and bolster local businesses. The next steps will revolve around wrapping up renovation work, progressing with the restaurant leasing, and continuing improvements to water and sewer systems.