Local residents show support for community park

Judging from public comments made at the second of two scheduled community meeting this month on Kellogg Park, it appears local residents, along with town and county officials want to move forward with the project.

Town of Pahrump Buildings and Grounds Supervisor Matt Luis said just like the first meeting, virtually all in attendance were in favor of the park project.

“People really like the overall concept of what we’re trying to do,” he said. “There was some concern with some of the residents living along Bridger Street about the walking trail being too close to their front yards and we’re going to adjust that because it was a very reasonable request. They love the park, the want the park, but that’s why we had the meetings, to hear any concerns about it.”

The meetings were scheduled to highlight the overall concept of the proposal.

The site sits on roughly 80 acres of land on the south end of town bordering Kellogg Road, Bridger Street and Squaw Valley Road.

A concept drawing of the site features basketball and tennis courts along with barbeque pits and a picnic area.

A dog park and walking trails are also present.

Luis said he recently met with Nye County Public Works Director David Fanning where they further discussed the project.

“I asked them if they saw any red flags in the initial concept drawings and if they had any suggestions,” he said. “We did that at this point instead of after we get the plans drawn up and they go to planning. We’re going to tackle all we can now, so we won’t have to go back and change the plans.”

Additionally, Luis said the proposal appears to have support from county officials.

“All of the commissioners that I have spoken to and the county manager want to keep it going,” he said. “At this point we have shown it to the public and they like the concept.”

Luis also noted that at present, the actual ground work on the park will briefly slow down before things start moving forward again in the spring.

Right now, crews are working to prepare local parks for the community’s little league season.

“We’re at the point right now where it seems nothing is getting done out there,” he said. “We’re getting all of the parts and pieces together before we go out for the engineered drawings. Town staff is going to be doing a little more cleanup with the Salt Cedar trees out there.”

Luis said he’s waiting for any input the public works director may provide on the project, including any suggestions regarding the waterline at the site.

On the issue of cost projections Luis said local officials already have a rough estimate.

“I think it’s pretty safe to say with the three things we’re talking about like the walking trail, the restrooms and the parking area along with a little bit of grass, You’re looking at about $1 million plus,” he said. “When we talked to the engineers, most of their experience of course is in Las Vegas, and they actually have a square footage price and we’re definitely under that square footage price.”

Luis also said he expects to have the set of engineering plans on his desk by June of this year.

“I want to stick to that. That’s all I can say right now,” he said.

Until the plans are complete, there will be no additional community meetings on the project.

“We’ll probably present them at a Parks and Recreation Advisory Board meeting instead of a special meeting to make sure the public knows about it.” Luis said.