Editorial: A boon for quality of life

Tuesday, Oct. 25, 2005 | 10:35 a.m.

What a difference a decade has made when it comes to parks and trails. In the early and mid-1990s, as the Las Vegas area began to fully feel the effects of its growth, the lack of athletic fields (especially soccer), running paths, picnic areas, tennis courts and other outdoor amenities was a common complaint heard by local officials.

They obviously took the complaints to heart. Today there are dozens of new neighborhood parks and regional trail systems representing a tremendous leap forward in the quality of life for Southern Nevadans. Even detention basins, rimmed with multi-use tracks, have been adapted for soccer fields and dog parks. During the week and on weekends, thousands of people are turning out to use the new facilities, which is proof that planning for parks is sound public policy.

In just the past two months there have been two major openings. The 110-acre Washington Buffalo Park, with its tennis center, running track, dog park, athletic fields and grassy areas, opened in early September. And Saturday was the official opening of the first 10 miles of the Mountain Loop Trail at Henderson's Equestrian Park. This trail will eventually grow to 35 miles.

More parks and trails are being planned. We believe local governments are performing a great public service by cooperating with each other on regional trails, and putting aside money in their own budgets for neighborhood parks.