Letter: Landscape is part of Boulder City’s history

Monday, Nov. 1, 2004 | 8:57 a.m.

The hillside landscape surrounding the Bureau of Reclamation's Boulder City office may be in jeopardy. For more than 70 years the beautiful grass has symbolized what harnessing the Colorado River could do for our desert living. Now the bureau is working on a plan to replace the grass with crushed gravel and desert plants.

As a preservationist, I recognize that turf removal programs are necessary, particularly given the severe drought we are experiencing. In this case, however, the hill displaying this landscaping forms the foundation of Boulder City's historic district, which is on the National Register of Historic Places.

This pastoral landscaping is the single most important reason for Boulder City's historic district. All of the area within the district gives a sense of time and place. The hill is the most striking feature that tourists see as they drive through our city on their way to Hoover Dam. Boulder City residents have grown up with this core of park-like green.

Our three parks join with it to make an oasis in the desert, a wonderful place to have festivals and art shows and to share time with family and friends.

The bureau is receiving and reviewing public comment on its plan. My comment is that conservation can be achieved without altering the historic view as we know it.

MIMI RODDEN