City's largest family park nears with transfer of land

North Las Vegas is one step closer to a new park.

An agreement calling for the transfer of 34 city acres to Pardee Construction Co. in exchange for the development of a $3 million park on about 23 acres owned by Pardee was introduced to the City Council Wednesday.

The establishment of parks is one of the council's goals for 2003, and the need for additional parks and recreation in the growing city was one of the top issues to surface during the municipal election campaign.

The council is scheduled to vote May 19 on the ordinance which, if approved, would amend an earlier development agreement between the city and Pardee Homes, the developer of the Eldorado master-planned community in the city's northwest.

The proposed park would be on the northwest corner of Camino Eldorado and Tropical Parkway.

Pardee representatives have proposed revisions of the development's original land-use plan to build a 23-acre recreational complex, rather than a 10-acre park that remains to be built within the project.

In exchange for the expanded family park, Pardee is asking the city to rezone the 34 acres for residential use.

Klif Andrews, Las Vegas area manager for Pardee, told the council during an earlier presentation that the proposal is an attempt by the developer to reduce the overall density of the project.

The proposed park, Andrews said, would be the largest neighborhood park in the city once complete. Pardee is proposing building six youth soccer fields and two lighted youth baseball fields along with volleyball, tennis and basketball courts. In addition, there would be tot lots, restrooms and picnic areas.

Also proposed are two separate parking areas to alleviate congestion in the surrounding neighborhoods following big events such as soccer tournaments.

If approved and built, the park would increase the city's park space by 16 percent and cost the city an estimated $212,000 to maintain for the first six months. That price tag would include hiring two new maintenance workers and capital outlay costs such as a truck and radios.

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