Editorial: Finally, parks get their due

Friday, July 16, 1999 | 9:54 a.m.

One of the biggest complaints of Las Vegas Valley residents is the lack of parks and open spaces. The city of Henderson stands alone among local governments in providing sufficient parks, while other governments in the valley now are scrambling to play catch-up. But the city of Las Vegas and Clark County recently took steps that should help provide more recreational opportunities.

Last week the Clark County Commission unveiled a 20-year master plan for developing parks in the unincorporated parts of the valley, which would result in an increase of 2,850 acres for park lands. During the next two decades the county intends to devote $662 million to develop new parks and build recreation centers, along with renovating existing open spaces. The plan also envisions a winding, 300-mile trail that would connect the Red Rock Recreation Area to the Lake Mead National Recreation Area.

Meanwhile, the city of Las Vegas decided Monday to spend $25 million to immediately renovate and build new parks. The City Council agreed on the amount to be spent, however it couldn't reach a consensus Monday on which parks should receive the highest priority, postponing that decision until at least another meeting.

While the Las Vegas City Council was wrestling with immediate needs, Oscar Goodman proposed building a park in the downtown area rivaling the 4,180-acre Fairmount Park in Philadelphia. Goodman floated his trial balloon on "POV Vegas," the Sun's television discussion show. "It dawned on me the other day that Las Vegas is the only city that I could think of ... that's a great city that doesn't have a park downtown," Goodman said.

No one will ever accuse Goodman of thinking small, and a bold approach to developing parks certainly is welcome. But an obvious area of concern is Goodman's proposal to use eminent domain to acquire the land to construct the megapark. The city was heavily criticized for using eminent domain to acquire land from private property owners to build the Fremont Street Experience. But Goodman downplayed the possibility that controversy would surround his plan to use eminent domain, noting that his proposal would be for a public use. Despite Goodman's optimism, eminent domain has gotten a black eye in the valley, and tearing down businesses, homes and apartments to accommodate a new park could be a tinderbox.

Along with the logistical hurdles of acquiring land remains the issue of how to pay for such an ambitious project. No figures have been determined regarding cost, but the price tag could be astronomical compared to what is currently being spent on parks. Still, Goodman's plan shouldn't be ruled out entirely. The City Council should direct a feasibility study by its staff to see what it would take to build such a facility, assessing Goodman's grand vision and exploring a more modest alternative. The valley has a vibrant economy, but it is lacking some services that would improve the quality of life. It is hoped that these recent moves by elected officials will jump-start the development of more parks.