County to break ground for Las Vegas ‘Welcome’ sign parking lot

A dozen spaces to be available to park near the sign to get photos

Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2008 | 3:16 p.m.

Las Vegas Sign

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Legendary Las Vegas neon sign designer Betty Willis, known for her world-famous "Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas" sign, talks about how she created her illustrious masterpiece and the significance of each of the sign's various symbols.

ETHAN MILLER / Las Vegas Sun / Sun File Photo

Cars zoom by the sign welcoming motorists to Las Vegas on Nov. 13, 1997. The sign's distinct shape and relatively small stature, 25 feet tall, set it apart from the other signs crammed along the Las Vegas Strip. Seven silver dollars back the seven letters of the word "Welcome" in affirmation of Nevada's nickname the "Silver State."

If you've ever stopped during busy traffic on Las Vegas Boulevard to take a photo at the famous Las Vegas "Welcome" sign you know how hard — and dangerous — it is to park.

But there's good news for shutterbugs who brave the heavy traffic to stop at the icon along Las Vegas Boulevard — a new parking lot is on the way.

A groundbreaking ceremony will begin at 11 a.m. Wednesday for the parking lot, which will have 12 spaces to park, including two handicap spaces and spaces for two busses to stop on the median near the sign.

The new lot will be on the existing median just south of the sign, which is on Las Vegas Boulevard just south of Russell Road. Construction on the $416,000 project is expected to be finished by late November, according to Dan Kulin, county public information officer.

Clark County Commissioner Rory Reid, whose district includes the sign area, said the lot should make stopping to get a photo much safer.

"Untold thousands have had their photos taken in front of the sign," Reid said. "Now they can do so without having to dodge speeding cars. I’m especially happy that we can provide access for the first time to our disabled guests."

Access to the sign has been limited since it first went up in 1959 in unincorporated Clark County.

Discussion: 4 comments so far…

By azsk8fan

9/10/08 at 11:39 a.m.

Suggest removal

All that money to build a parking lot to protect stupid people from getting killed all over getting their picture taken in front of a sign. Now what's wrong with this picture? Is it any wonder the Country is going broke and people who work hard to earn a measly 10.00 hr. are disgusted with a complete waste of their taxpayer dollars. Utterly amazing, that's it.
By azsk8fan

9/10/08 at 11:41 a.m.

Suggest removal

Maybe next the city should run around and fence in everyone's swimming pool and pay for those fences with tax dollars - never mind the fact that I have neither a pool nor a minor child living at home - hell, tax me to death so I can pay for someone who has enough money to afford a pool but apparently not enough to afford the fence.........
By Lenny_V

9/11/08 at 2:55 a.m.

Suggest removal

Those tourists coming here is what's keeping the town afloat. The parking lot is necessary for public safety.
By azsk8fan

9/11/08 at 7:49 a.m.

Suggest removal

And for the tourists who drive like idiots - maybe the city should hire them chauffers to keep them safe and coming back.... get real - people need to take some personal responsibility for their own safety - here's an idea - take the damn sign down - then we won't have to pay for a parking lot or worry about stupid people getting killed for the sake of a souvenier picture.........after all they know they're in Vegas so they really don't need a sign to welcome them do they?