News

A figure that depicts the history and tradition of Amarillo will soon call Amarillo City Hall home. Thanks to the generosity of King and Dianne Hill, a sculpted bust titled the  “Amarillo Cowboy” will adorn the third floor of city hall. The Hills are donating the statue to the city for permanent display. The official unveiling ceremony is set for 2:30 p.m. Tuesday (October 28) outside council chambers on the third floor of city hall, Room 3400. “Amarillo’s rich history has been built upon the strengths and values of our American cowboy,” said Mayor Cole Stanley. “I can think of no better way to honor and reflect Amarillo’s proud heritage than with this generous and thoughtful donation from King and Dianne Hill and the Hill family.” The statue donation is the latest from the Hill family to the city, including a bust of Texas Panhandle legend and Comanche Chief Quanah Parker, which was donated in 2022 and adorns Rick Husband Amarillo International Airport. Both works of art were created by King Hill’s father, Jack King Hill “My wife and I are pleased to share the continued legacy of my father and renowned artist, Jack King Hill, with the citizens of Amarillo and for future generations,” said King Hill. “The ‘Amarillo Cowboy’ bronze statue is a permanent symbol of the grit, determination and perseverance that created our city and celebrates the spirit of rugged individualism for which our area is known.”

The City of Amarillo Municipal Court will be closed Friday (October 24) for staff training. The Online Citation Payment Portal will be available for defendants to make payments. Payments may also be left in the Amarillo Municipal Court night drop box located at the entrance of the Amarillo Police Department. The COA Municipal Court website is: www.amarillo.gov/court For more information contact the COA Municipal Court by email at citycourt@amarillo.gov.

One of the fastest-growing sports in the nation will have a home in Amarillo as Amarillo National Tennis Center (ANTC), in conjunction with the Alex O’Brien Tennis Foundation, officially opens the ANTC Padel Courts with a ribbon cutting event at 11:30 a.m. Sunday (October 19). The public is welcome. Padel is a smaller, fast-paced combination of tennis and squash played on a smaller court with walls in play. “The padel courts are a great addition to the Amarillo National Tennis Center,” said City of Amarillo Director of Parks and Recreation Michael Kashuba. “Padel is really taking off across the country, and as more people play the sport its popularity is sure to grow. The City of Amarillo is grateful to the Alex O’Brien Tennis Foundation for helping make these courts possible for the entire Amarillo community to enjoy.” Following the ribbon cutting event, padel/learn-to-play instruction will be available along with an open house from noon to 4 p.m. The public can also meet new ANTC Head Professional Nina Pulliam.

A water main break Wednesday has resulted in the temporary closure of S.W. 34th Ave. between Bowie Street and Hawthorne Street. It is estimated the repair project will be completed next week, depending on weather conditions. Further updates will be released as they become available. Motorists are asked to use alternate routes while the repair project is ongoing.

A unique collaboration between City of Amarillo (COA) departments has resulted in an even more unique playground for the entire Amarillo community. Thanks to grant money from the COA Community Development Department, the COA Parks and Recreation Department (PARD) has funded the new Thompson Park Playground, a one-of-a-kind playground designed to welcome children and adults of all abilities. A ribbon-cutting for the new Thompson Park Playground is set for 5:30 p.m. on Friday (October 17) at Thompson Park. The public is welcome to attend. “The entire Amarillo community can appreciate this investment in our parks,” said PARD Director Michael Kashuba. “The Community Development Department grant made it all possible. We are excited to officially present this special playground to Amarillo.” Funding for the playground was made possible through a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and bond totaling approximately $1.97 million. The playground provides play opportunities to children of all abilities in communities in the CDBG areas. The playground is designed to support many physical, sensory, cognitive and developmental needs. It promotes social interaction and ensures every child can participate in meaningful, active play. “This playground is such an important investment in the future of the city,” said Community Development Managing Director Jason Riddlespurger. “We were thrilled to be able to help with the grant funding and to work with our Parks and Recreation Department. This is something the whole city can celebrate.”