Editorial: Parks could use much more help

Wednesday, Aug. 22, 2001 | 9:28 a.m.

The ideas that came out of the Las Vegas City Council's two-day brainstorming retreat in Mesquite were solid old standbys. Of the 12 priorities listed for the next two years, most have been discussed for at least a decade, including maintaining master plans for new development, reinvesting in the downtown area, coordinating regional transportation projects, and building more parks and recreation facilities. The stumbling block in the past has been getting the City Council to stick with these priorities and see them through to their successful conclusion.

As an example, the lack of adequate parks has been a nagging concern for some time now. A study released Tuesday graded U.S. cities on the quality of life for their children, and it gave Las Vegas a B-. One of those areas where the city didn't fare well was in its parks. Las Vegas, according to the study, prepared by the environmental group Zero Population Growth, has only 1.3 park acres for every 1,000 residents. In contrast, Scottsdale, Ariz., has 62.2 acres for every 1,000 residents and Austin, Texas, has 37 acres for every 1,000 residents. The Las Vegas City Council recently budgeted $28.8 million for new parks and parks improvements, but the city still has a long way to catch up -- and it isn't going to get easier with the continuing population boom. Of course, residents don't need a study to tell them the city is woeful when it comes to parks. All th ey have to do is look around.

In a reality check, Las Vegas City Manager Virginia Valentine reminded everyone during the retreat that Las Vegas can expect to feel the effects of the slowing economy. If that results in consumers spending less and businesses cutting back, that means fewer tax dollars coming into government, which in turn will leave fewer funds available for government programs. The key then is for the city to pay greater attention to previously neglected areas, such as parks and recreation facilities, and make sure they're adequately funded. There isn't much time left, either. The more the city is developed, the fewer open spaces there are, which makes park development one of the top priorities.