Vegas to gain a Central Park

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Wednesday, April 19, 2000 | 9:25 a.m.

The Las Vegas Valley Water District has unveiled plans for a $171 million park project that is scheduled for completion by 2005 to mark the city's centennial.

"It is the Central Park of Las Vegas," water district General Manager Pat Mulroy said Tuesday in describing the project.

The 180-acre Big Springs historical site will become the Las Vegas Springs Natural Preserve.

The site will be an oasis of cottonwoods, American Indian relics and endangered species habitat. It will feature a history museum, walking trails, artificial wetlands and desert landscape.

The water district hopes to raise $54 million in private funding with the balance coming from the district's annual budget.