Editorial: Preserve heritage of park

Friday, Sept. 6, 2002 | 9:10 a.m.

Once again the city of Las Vegas is making overtures about reclaiming Floyd Lamb State Park, which it turned over to the state 25 years ago because it could not afford to preserve the pond, wildlife, vegetation, horse trails and fossils that make this area a quiet respite for strollers, picnickers, and families with fishing poles. And once again people are concerned about what the city plans for this 2,000-plus acre oasis in northwest Las Vegas. Las Vegas Councilman Michael Mack says it's a "misconception" among people that if the city takes control it will soon develop urban attractions such as ballparks. There is a reason for such "suspicion," as we would rather term it.

Five years ago the city made a run at taking over the park. Leading the charge was then-Councilman Matthew Callister, who criticized the park's serenity by charging that once visitors arrived, "There are no programs ... there is nothing for the people to do when they get there." He then outlined the city's vision for the park -- concerts, parties, special events, league softball, golf and other activities that would need big lights and create noise and traffic. People protested vigorously against this radical transformation of their peaceful park and the Legislature listened. The city's proposal never made it out of committee.

So if people are once again raising questions about the city's motives and vision, who can blame them? Rather than labeling the people's legitimate concerns as misconceptions, the city should clearly state its reasons for wanting the park back and its plans for managing it. Then it should prove it can be a better steward of the park than the state, and resolve to provide ample funding each year.

Ideally, the park would remain with the state. If the state cannot justify the expense in light of other priorities and wants to negotiate with the city, then any final transfer agreement should contain wording forever upholding the park's natural heritage.