May '10 Nevada Government—City of Henderson Column

River Mountains Loop Trail Earns National Recreation Trail Designation

May 27, 2010 – Henderson, NV – United States Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar announced the designation of the River Mountains Loop Trail as a National Recreation Trail on May 25. It is one of 31 trails in 15 states to receive the designation, with the announcement being made just in time for National Trails Day on June 5.

The River Mountains Loop Trail is a 35-mile paved multi-use trail surrounding the River Mountains. A multi-jurisdictional trail, it connects Henderson, Boulder City, Hoover Dam and Lake Mead National Recreation Area to the rest of the Las Vegas Valley.

“This announcement is significant because it recognizes more than 13 years of hard work, planning and teamwork by public and private entities to make the River Mountains Loop Trail a reality,” said Henderson Mayor Andy Hafen. “The River Mountains Loop Trail provides recreational and educational opportunities for Southern Nevadans as well as visitors from around the world. Since it is so expansive and is completely separated from highway traffic, the trail also serves as an alternative transportation mode, which has long been one of the City of Henderson’s sustainability goals.”

One nonprofit organization that has played an important role in planning, developing and promoting the River Mountains Loop Trail is the River Mountains Loop Trail Partnership (RMLT Partnership), which is comprised of public agencies, community groups, businesses and trail enthusiasts. John Holman, RMLT Partnership chair, said community partners had a well-defined vision and mission and everyone has been dedicated to seeing the project through to completion.

“Key land managers, like the City of Henderson, saw the value of a loop trails system providing connection or linkage to Lake Mead, Hoover Dam, Boulder City, and beyond,” said Holman. “Now we are in sight of the last few miles being completed. The real reward for me is seeing families use the trail on weekends, riding bikes or walking the family dog, that’s what it is all about. An unexpected reward has been the telephone calls and emails from folks all over the United States wanting to know more about the trail, where to get a map, where to rent a bike, where to stay near the trail…it has turned into a tourist destination trail.”

For additional information, call 267-4000 or visit cityofhenderson.com.

Jump’N Movie Offers Family Friendly Fun

May 26, 2010 – Henderson, NV – Whitney Ranch Recreation Center, 1575 Galleria Dr., is hosting a family event called Jump’N Movie from 1:00-3:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 26. The all-ages event is sponsored by the City of Henderson Parks and Recreation Department. Participation is $5 per person or $15 for a family of four. Register online at cityofhenderson.com (activity 153075-36) or at any City of Henderson recreation center.

The event includes an afternoon of bounce houses, popcorn and a showing of “Cloudy With A Chance of Meatballs” on a giant inflatable screen. The movie is rated PG. Bounce houses will be open until the movie begins and will reopen for more jumping action when the movie is over.

For additional information, call 267-5850 or visit cityofhenderson.com.

Henderson Parks and Recreation Memorial Day Weekend Hours

May 25, 2010 – Henderson, NV – City of Henderson recreation centers, including Heritage Park Senior Facility, will be open 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Memorial Day, Monday, May 31. No classes will meet and the Kids Zone/Teen Zone program will be closed. Recreation centers will be open for normal operating hours on all other days. The Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve (2400 B. Moser Dr.) will be open for normal hours of operation on all days, including Memorial Day.

Heritage Park Aquatic Complex (300 S. Racetrack Rd.), Henderson Multigenerational Indoor Pool and Competition Pool (250 S. Green Valley Pkwy.), and Whitney Ranch Indoor Pool (1575 C Galleria Dr.) will be open from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Memorial Day, Monday, May 31. These pools will be open from 9:00 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, May 29, and 1:00-5:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 30. The Competition Pool will be closed May 30.

Black Mountain Aquatic Complex (599 Greenway Rd.), BMI Outdoor Swimming Pool (105 W. Basic Rd.), Henderson Multigenerational Activity Pool (250 S. Green Valley Pkwy.), Silver Springs Outdoor Swimming Pool (1951 Silver Springs Pkwy.), Wells Outdoor Swimming Pool (1608 Moser Dr.) and Whitney Ranch Activity Pool (1575 C Galleria Dr.) will be open Memorial Day weekend (May 29-31) from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. daily.

For additional information, pool admission, or normal hours of operation for any City of Henderson facility or pool, visit cityofhenderson.com or call 267-4000.

Frog and Princess Tea Party Set for Dads and Daughters

May 24, 2010 – Henderson, NV – Daughters and their dads are invited to celebrate Father’s Day in style at the City of Henderson Parks and Recreation Department’s Frog and Princess Tea Party. The event will be held 1:00-2:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 19, at Whitney Ranch Recreation Center, 1575 Galleria Dr.

Registration is $25 per parent/child pair and $12 for each additional child, and is open to children ages 1-8. Register online at cityofhenderson.com (activity 173007-36) or at any City of Henderson recreation center by June 12. Space is limited.

Daughters should dress in their finest princess attire and bring their fathers for a themed tea party featuring arts and crafts and games.

“Parent/child participation programs are always in demand, especially those with a unique or memorable theme,” said Lenore Budyach, Recreation Services supervisor, City of Henderson Parks and Recreation Department. “The Frog and Princess Tea Party provides a perfect opportunity for fathers and daughters to enjoy some quality time together in honor of Father’s Day.”

For additional information, call 267-5850 or visit cityofhenderson.com.