City moves quickly ahead with new parks projects

Erin Neff

Friday, July 2, 1999 | 10:01 a.m.

Most Las Vegas residents didn't bat an eyelash over a property tax increase approved six weeks ago by the City Council for one simple reason -- parks.

Citizens overwhelmingly want more parks, recreation facilities and open space -- and judging from the quiet acceptance of a 2 percent tax increase -- they are willing to pay their fair share for such leisure services.

So the city won't waste much time addressing the park shortage.

On July 12, the City Council will likely approve another step toward financing seven new parks and will be asked to prioritize from a wish list of park and recreation needs.

City Finance Director Mark Vincent said the city plans to authorize the use of $25 million in medium-term general obligation bonds directly for parks.

"This is the first step toward financing these park projects," Vincent said.

The 10-year bonds will be repaid using the money generated from the tax increase -- estimated at $2.5 million in the year 2000 and $5 million in 2009 -- for an average of $3.6 million.

Although the city has 40 parks, six recreation centers, seven public swimming pools, one sports complex, 44 softball and baseball fields, 55 soccer fields and five youth football fields, it is still well behind the national per capita parks average, coming in at less than 1 acre per person.

With $25 million earmarked for projects, the City Council will then be asked to decide exactly what needs to be built, and where.

City staff is compiling a wish list containing proposals for at least seven new parks totaling 45 acres, but each council member will have a say in which projects get built.

On Monday, the city decided to use $4.1 million of its $11 million budget surplus on parks. It will be spent to upgrade park restrooms, fund Heritage Park, design other parks, build a neighborhood park at Ann and Cimarron roads and complete work at Torrey Pines, Doolittle, Children's Memorial and Palo Verde parks and recreation centers.

"We don't need to pour millions of dollars (from bonds) into the older neighborhoods," Vincent said. "The people who supported the taxes want new parks."

As a result, Vincent said it is the city' s goal to fund upgrades and renovations of older and existing parks with budget money or surpluses and save the bond money for new projects.

If the financing and the park projects are both approved, city planners will immediately begin the work to make the parks a reality. And they will have one added weapon in their arsenal.

Parks and Leisure Services Director David Kuiper, who has been with the city for 10 years, will be moving to Planning and Development Services to oversee park construction.

"He'll be helping with the parks planning as part of the city's increased focus on parks," Planning Director Tim Chow said. "We're flattered that he'll be able to help us out because of the level of experience he has with parks."