Clark County outlines $33 million in new park plans

Clark County plans to spend $33.4 million on parks projects ranging from a new Siegfried and Roy Park named after the retired entertainers to low-profile projects such as landscaping upgrades.

On the county’s to-do list in the next couple of years are two equestrian facilities and trails around the Las Vegas Valley.

County officials have signed off on funding for the projects, using one-time money sources such as revenue from the sale of the old downtown courthouse and the settlement for problems with construction of the Regional Justice Center.

Much planning is ahead, especially for the larger projects:

• Siegfried and Roy Park, on about 20 acres on the north side of Russell Road between Maryland Parkway and Swenson Street. That is north of McCarran International Airport’s Terminal 3. The approval covers $4.57 million of the park, which has a total budgeted cost of as much as $7 million. The rest of the park’s money is coming from the Department of Aviation’s self-supporting enterprise fund, airport spokesman Chris Jones said.

The department still must negotiate a contract with a design firm and plan the park features. The final timeline isn’t set yet, but county officials anticipate breaking ground later this year.

The park will be a good buffer in an area where homes were taken out to build the terminal, said Commissioner Mary Beth Scow, whose district encompasses the area.

A statue honoring the now-retired Strip headliners might be part of the park, an interest expressed by fans of the duo, who wowed crowds with entertainment involving big cats until 2003.

• A $3.89 million equestrian center at Lone Mountain Park. Plans include a two-mile horse trail along the mountain’s base, a covered practice riding arena and a horse trailer parking area. The project is expected to be finished in late 2015.

Commissioner Larry Brown, whose district includes the park, said the equestrian center isn’t for high-profile events with crowds. The idea came after feedback from users of the park, he said.

“The constituency really didn’t want it as a destination for high-volume special events, so there won’t be those type of events you see at Horseman’s Park,” Brown said. “This is more down-scaled.”

• Another equestrian arena at a location yet to be determined, at an estimated cost of $5.58 million. The project probably will be located in the district of Commissioner Tom Collins, who is backing the effort.

• A new clubhouse and pro shop at Desert Rose Golf Course.

• Soccer fields at Southwest Regional Sports Park.

• Ball field lights and restroom upgrades at Hollywood Park.

• A new trail and park at a location yet to be identified.

The county’s Parks and Recreation Department has more than 100 parks.