Park growth taking a new direction

Erin Neff

Friday, Aug. 20, 1999 | 8:52 a.m.

The city of Las Vegas isn't just throwing millions of dollars at its need for more parks.

It's sending in a veteran administrator known as B.J. with a vision for recreation as detailed as the storied M.J. brought to professional basketball.

Barbara Jackson, a 10-year city employee and 17-year government and private industry administrator, is heading the Department of Leisure Services into a new direction since her recent appointment to that post.

"I think the council's vision in terms of open space in some of the city's newer areas is good, but the ultimate challenge is to keep the older areas thriving," she said.

Jackson, who was deputy director of human resources prior to her new appointment, has a doctorate in public administration, but more importantly, two grandchildren who help her understand recreation needs.

Her vision for future parks isn't just about new swimming pools, ballfields and picnic spots. Jackson said she believes programming -- complete with arts, crafts, theater and cultural awareness -- is key to a successful city quality of life.

"Right now the timing is really good for us," Jackson said. "Every survey that's taken and every time you ask anyone about what's important, they say they want to spend more time with family and friends."

Increasingly, that time is spent in search of a place to play.

The city's new municipal pool downtown and the pool at the Northwest Family Center are both packed.

Senior centers -- also under Jackson's jurisdiction -- bustle with dance classes, exercise, bus trips and other activities.

One of the most pressing needs is for after-school activities, whether inside school buildings, or at city recreation sites.

The city plans to build four new parks and to upgrade many more with $25 million in bonds earmarked for parks and funded by a recent 3 percent increase in property taxes.

Of that money, $11 million will be spent on maintenance.

Jackson said one of the most important parts of the overall parks plan is that numerous city departments unite to make it happen.

"I'm the kind of person who likes to bring everyone together," she said.

That will likely mean coordinating public works, leisure services, finance, planning and other city efforts needed to build new parks.

"Leisure is, in a sense, a fun job," Jackson said. "But in the same vein, these are employees who have to conduct a business."