Springhouse restoration a cause for celebration

Tuesday, May 16, 2000 | 9:43 a.m.

Las Vegas and Clark County officials kicked off the city's 95th birthday by celebrating the completed restoration of the springhouse at the Las Vegas Springs Preserve.

The 180-acre area around the preserve is still in line for more work.

The Las Vegas Valley Water District Board last month approved raising $54.5 million in private funds through a nonprofit foundation to pay for turning the entire area into a park.

Some of that money is being raised through a special Las Vegas Springs license plate being issued this year.

"What Central Park is to New York, the Las Vegas Springs Preserve will be to the city, bringing the community together," Water District General Manager Pat Mulroy said.

Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman along with County Commissioners Mary Kincaid, Lance Malone and Myrna Williams attended the ceremony Monday with about 30 others at the Las Vegas Springs, located at Alta Drive and Valley View Boulevard.

The Las Vegas Springs is considered the birthplace of the city. The preserve is expected to open May 15, 2005, on the date of the Las Vegas centennial.

The springhouse is part of that restoration effort.

It may take up to $171 million to complete the preserve. The water district plans to have the restoration done by 2005.