Editorial: Future shock for state park

Monday, April 25, 2005 | 9 a.m.

Three years ago Las Vegas Councilman Michael Mack dismissed people's fears about a possible takeover of Floyd Lamb State Park by the city. Mack, the leading advocate of a takeover, said it was a "misconception" that ballparks and other urban attractions would be developed in this quiet and historic park in northwest Las Vegas. We strongly disagreed, saying there was every likelihood that city control would threaten to ruin the park's open-space character.

Last week a majority of the Las Vegas City Council voted in favor of a plan to assume ownership of the park from the state. Under the deal, the city would own 680 acres and the state would transfer its lease of 1,050 federal acres surrounding the park to the city. The deal calls for leaving just 60 of the 680 acres the way they are now -- restricted to passive uses such as fishing and hiking. On the other 620 acres, despite Mack's previous assurance, the city would be free to build ball fields and develop other recreation areas that are by no means passive.

In voting for the deal, Mack said the city has no plans to allow development at the park. Assuming that's true, there is nothing to prevent the city from voting on such a plan later. Once the city acquires the land, there's no stopping skateboard rinks, basketball, softball and soccer leagues playing at all hours of the day and night, swimming pools and other facilities. And as the city has no budget for maintaining the park, it would have to lease space to make money, possibly for such uses as carnivals and flea markets, concerts, petting zoos, fast-food concessions, go-cart tracks, fireworks displays -- you name it.

City parks and their facilities and activities are valuable assets in their proper settings. But Floyd Lamb State Park is one of the rare public places in urban Las Vegas that offers an alternative experience. With its historic buildings, forested nature walks, natural springs, wetlands, interesting wildlife, fossils, open grasslands and horse trails, it's a place where the cityscape can be left behind for a few hours.

The state has the power to say no to the city and hold on to Floyd Lamb State Park. We strongly urge it to do so.