Consultant: Southern Nevada needs parks, trails

Adrienne Packer

Wednesday, July 19, 2000 | 11:11 a.m.

With miles and miles of roads and highways, Southern Nevada is not short on asphalt. And the numerous drainage ditches and flood control channels provide plenty of concrete scenery.

But what the region severely lacks is greenery. More specifically, parks and trails.

Though not shocking, that was the message delivered to the Clark County Commission by a Denver land-use consulting firm hired to develop a regional policy plan for Southern Nevada.

Clarion Associates is helping the Southern Nevada Regional Planning Coalition meet its March deadline to submit a regional policy plan to the state.

The task stems from the 1999 Legislature, which directed the coalition to create a plan that addresses transportation, land use, air quality, public facilities, infill development, natural resource protection and population.

If the coalition, which includes elected officials from Clark County, Las Vegas, North Las Vegas, Henderson and Boulder City, fails to agree on a plan the state has threatened to create one.

Clarion managing director Chris Duerksen, who has pieced together plans for cities throughout the country, said Tuesday that despite the state's concerns Southern Nevada has done a commendable job accommodating growth.

"The state Legislature needs to realize that it ain't entirely broke here," Duerksen said.

Southern Nevada has kept up with its booming population by building roadways, an effective flood channel system and dozens of schools. Now, he said, officials must think about addressing quality of life issues while continuing with infrastructure projects.

Duerksen said, for example, flood channels throughout the valley are concrete and fenced in -- a design he says wastes valuable resources. Other cities, like Denver, have built trails along grass-lined flood channels.

Rather than eyesores, the channel becomes an amenity that could bolster property values.

"They need to think about how to get the best bang for their buck," he said.

Southern Nevada also has the fewest park acreage of any metropolitan area in the western United States, he said. Another recommended policy, one already in use, is to build parks next to schools so that fields and playground equipment can be shared.

After interviewing staff members and elected officials with each jurisdiction in Southern Nevada, Duerksen created a list of what is done right and what should be addressed.

He commended the region for its successful public transit system, its employment growth and keeping affordable housing prices low. Duerksen said officials need to provide alternative modes of transportation other than personal, and they need to begin acquiring land for schools.

As the policy plan develops, it will be presented to the three city councils.

Duerksen said the greatest point of contention might be how to enforce the policy. He emphasized the importance of cooperation so that each jurisdiction voluntarily abides by the plan.

While some officials are concerned about how much authority the planning coalition will have in enforcing the plan, Duerksen said it's imperative that it is enforced.

"It can't be weak with nice-sounding apple pie stuff," he said. "It has to be effective and that is the challenge."