Editorial: It’s best to get it right the first time

Wednesday, Feb. 2, 2000 | 9:23 a.m.

It is understandable that some residents and elected officials in North Las Vegas are getting antsy about the building of a recreation center in that city. As the Sun's Diana Sahagun reported Monday, the city has the land and financing necessary to build the $5 million recreation center. The problem is that city officials have been indecisive, going through two different architects and three separate concepts. At a recent City Council meeting Mayor Michael Montandon expressed his frustration, telling council members, "We are nowhere right now."

Despite the hesitation, it appears the city now is on the right track. New Councilwoman Shari Buck has visited recreation centers elsewhere in Southern Nevada to see what works and what doesn't. She believes the best plan is to build a center comparable to the Black Mountain recreation center in Henderson. That center is an all-encompassing facility, including a gym with basketball courts, racquetball courts, pools, fitness room, dance/ aerobic room, meeting rooms, classrooms and even a kitchen.

But before moving forward, Buck wants to get the input from North Las Vegas city residents, including a look at other options. One of the frustrations experienced across the valley -- except with the notable exception of Henderson -- is a lack of recreation for residents, whether it is recreation centers or parks. While it might mean a few more months of delay, it will be much better to build the recreation center to stand the test of time, rather than building it now only to find out later it won't meet the recreation needs of area residents.