Northwest rec center on the way

Steve Sebelius

Thursday, Jan. 30, 1997 | 11:59 a.m.

Northwest Las Vegas residents are getting a new 9-hole golf course and a recreation center, and they have sewage to thank for it.

A new water treatment plant in the northwest is going to provide water to grow turf on the new 60-acre course at Gowan Road and Durango Drive, and other public facilities built in the area in the future.

The city will also build a 45,000-square-foot community center, complete with basketball and racquetball courts, weights, a place for senior citizen activities and an Olympic-size swimming pool.

Officials, including Councilman Matthew Callister, who represents the area, were expected to unveil plans for the center in a morning ceremony today.

"It's the funnest project I'm working on," said Callister, who is more well-known for policy issues such as transportation and taxes.

He said the water treatment plant is underground and odor-free, and would allow the city to market treated water to public and private facilities.

"You don't see, hear or smell anything," Callister said. "We're not inventing this. This has been done for years."

Callister toured a similar plant in Henderson before pushing to move the project forward. It had previously been put on hold because of concerns that it would more closely resemble the city's sometimes-smelly water pollution control facility, he said.

"We're drastically behind on recreation facilities in the northwest," Callister said.

"I think it's a terrific addition to the amenities out here," said Judy Farrah, general manager of the nearby Desert Shores Community Association. She said the low-priced golf course -- $1 a hole -- and meeting rooms in the recreation center are badly needed in the area.

"Most everybody in this area is really thrilled," she said.

The $11 million facility will be paid for by a bond issue. Officials will use bond money and park impact fees to build a similar recreation center in Councilman Arnie Adamsen's western Las Vegas ward. Callister and Adamsen are running for re-election in May.