Year in review: Clovis saw success with programs, renovation

With 2023 coming to an end, city of Clovis Marketing, Communications & Grant Coordinator Megan Darrow said some of the city’s success this year is reestablishing programs and renovating current roadworks.

She said in June, the city was awarded a $500,000 grant, which was provided by the Save America’s Treasures grant program, to restore Clovis’ historic Lyceum Theater.

The city also celebrated success with its Summer Youth Program, said Darrow. Funding for the program was provided by the New Mexico Outdoor Equity Fund and the city of Clovis.

“The program’s popularity underscored the community’s commitment to providing enriching experiences for all of its young residents,” Darrow said.

Some of the city’s success had even rubbed off onto the community as well. On Nov. 18 the city completed the last phase of the Seventh Street Project. Darrow said the project included widening the road, implementing Americans with Disabilities Act improvements, drainage, sidewalks, bike lanes, lighting, signs, striping and signals.

“The construction will ensure a safe transportation system that leads directly into Clovis’ historic downtown and MainStreet District. The improvements will also create a safer, more efficient route for emergency response vehicles to the east part of the community,” Darrow said.

Other highlights include the expansion of six additional furry companions at the Hillcrest Park Zoo. Darrow said in May, the zoo even received a makeover from New Mexican artist Michael Fish.

Darrow said the Mayor’s Ball was able to raise $30,268.76 to support non-profit organizations High Plains Humane Society and the United Way of Eastern New Mexico.

Darrow said the city’s lowpoints were unexpected. In late May and early April, residents faced the challenge of severe thunderstorms.

“The weather event left a trail of damage, impacting homes, roofs, and windows of many in our community. Despite the adversity, neighbors and city departments came together to support one another in the aftermath,” Darrow said.

Along with the rain came a few fires. Near the end of July the playground at Greene Acres Park was destroyed. In September the city experienced a “devastating fire” at Clovis’ Walmart. Darrow said the fire demanded an extraordinary response with 17 fire departments, including Cannon Air Force Base and several volunteers. It then took two months for the supercenter to reopen its doors to the public.

Darrow said the zoo also suffered some losses with the passing of Clovis’ Rothschild’s giraffe, Jael, on Nov. 11. The city’s animal shelter had its fair share of trials in battling a parvo outbreak.

Darrow said the shelter worked with Best Friends Society to quarantine, test and vaccinate intakes and eliminate the contagious virus within the shelter. She said the shelter is currently virus-free.

Darrow said the city has major plans for the future. She said the highest priorities for 2024 are the Purdue drainage improvements, animal shelter renovation, parks and recreation improvements, Llano design (Norris to Humphrey), Hillcrest Senior Life Center & Aquatic Center roadway entry improvements, paving design for 21st Street and residential street lighting.

Other things residents can look forward to this coming year are road improvements on Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and Commerce Way. Darrow said the grand opening of the Hillcrest Senior Life Center is scheduled for 2024.