Las Vegas is known for doing things in a big way and the delivery of recreation and cultural services in this growing metropolitan area is no different. Five local public parks and recreation departments with staffs ranging in size from nine to 180 offer a wide array of programs and services to residents in the Las Vegas Valley and throughout Clark County’s 8,000-square-mile radius. With more than 280 parks, 57 recreation and cultural centers, before-and-after-school recreation enrichment programs at 200 local school sites, 35 aquatic facilities and hundreds of miles of trails, these entities work closely to align programs and identify service areas so as to offer a seamless experience to the public.
This year’s designated local host committee, dubbed Team NEVADA, is excited to showcase the people, places and programs that contribute to the high quality of life experienced by Southern Nevada’s more than 2 million residents. Retired professionals, The Outside Las Vegas Foundation, the University of Nevada Las Vegas and the Nevada Recreation and Park Society joined professionals from Clark County Parks and Recreation, Boulder City, Las Vegas, Henderson and North Las Vegas to form “Team NEVADA.” This robust alliance welcomes 2015 NRPA Annual Conference attendees and looks forward to providing guests with a glimpse of life and leisure beyond the neon!
Notable Team NEVADA Facilities
Darling Memorial Tennis Center — City of Las Vegas
The Amanda and Stacy Darling Memorial Tennis Center, the largest of its kind in the state of Nevada, consists of 23 tennis courts, including one main court with stadium seating for approximately 2,800 spectators. It also includes a small pro shop, locker rooms and office space. The tennis center is part of the Charlie Kellogg and Joe Zaher Sports Complex, which is expected to be a huge draw for large tennis and soccer tournaments, and a wonderful addition to the surrounding area.
Aventura Park — City of Henderson
The City of Henderson’s 20-acre Aventura Park features lighted fields, basketball, tennis and volleyball courts; a dog park; playground; and splash pad to meet the needs of one of Henderson’s newest master-planned communities.
Craig Ranch Regional Park — North Las Vegas
Encompassing 170 acres, the City of North Las Vegas’ newest park, Craig Ranch Regional Park, opened to the public in 2013. Refurbished from its prior life as a golf course, the park offers a skate park, dog park, sport courts and fields, multiple playgrounds, picnic areas, open grass areas and a garden plaza.
Heritage Park Aquatic Center — City of Henderson
This LEED Gold-certified facility offers two indoor pools, designed for both competitive and instructional uses. It meets national standards for diving, water polo, synchronized swimming and competitive use. The Aquatic Complex is situated within Heritage Park, which offers 160 acres of recreational fun, including a senior center, sport fields, amphitheater, dog park, picnic areas and walking trails.
Whitney Mesa BMX Track — City of Henderson
Available for practices and racing events, the city of Henderson’s Whitney Mesa BMX Track offers three distinct courses for riders of all levels and interests. Courses include a wide-open, downhill track, a pump track for endless riding and a pump/jump track that sports a wall ride for an added degree of difficulty.
Hemenway Park — Boulder City
Not only do residents enjoy Boulder City’s 10-acre Hemenway Park, but bighorn sheep from the River Mountains are regular visitors as well. It is not uncommon to see more than 100 sheep come down from the mountains in the summer months for water, grazing and respite from the desert heat.
Nature Discovery Park — City of North Las Vegas
Nature Discovery Park in Aliante has quickly become one of the most popular new facilities in North Las Vegas. The site features a large man-made lake and waterfall, walking paths, a multistory playground unit, and a dinosaur-themed nature discovery area. In addition, the park offers tennis, volleyball and bocce courts, soccer fields, horseshoe pits, several picnic sites and an amphitheater.
Nearby Parks for Hiking and Enjoying Nature
After you’ve experienced Team NEVADA’s excellent sites and facilities, rent a car, plug in the GPS and head out of town for some beautiful desert scenery. You’ll want to make sure your smartphone is fully charged, as you’re sure to snap dozens of pictures while taking in all the gorgeous sites.
Valley of Fire: Located just 55 miles northeast of Las Vegas, this is the oldest and largest state park in Nevada. Areas of petrified wood and 3,000-year-old Indian rock carvings provide interesting and educational scenery for hikers and photographers alike. The park is open all year. Take Interstate 15 and exit 75.
Lake Mead: Just a short drive from the Strip, this man-made lake offers swimming and jet skiing for water enthusiasts and sunbathing for those who just want to get away and relax. A trip to the Lake Mead Recreation Area offers hiking trails, scenic views and picnicking, along with a vast array of flora and fauna adapted to survive in a desert environment.
Hoover Dam: While at Lake Mead, take time to visit the Hoover Dam where two tours are available daily — a one-hour, guided tour of the power plant and passageways within the dam, and a 30-minute guided tour of the power plant only. There’s also plenty of opportunity to learn about the dam’s history and take in some breathtaking views of the dam face.
Mount Charleston: Part of the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, this is the highest mountain in Clark County and, with an elevation of 12,000-feet, it is one of the highest in the state. The peak and park are noted for an abundance of hiking trails, wildflowers and waterfalls. Mount Charleston is a 40-minute drive from the Strip.
Death Valley National Park: A two-hour drive from the Strip will put you at the front door of more than 3 million acres of wilderness and hundreds of miles of back country roads. Take plenty of water. The park’s average high in September is 106 F.
Grand Canyon National Park: Feeling particularly expansive? Then rent a car and drive 280 miles to the South Rim or 270 miles to the North Rim of this natural wonder with awe-inspiring scenery. The entry fee to both rims is $25 per car.
Rod Dickens is a well-traveled freelance writer.