Old park to look like new

     By Sonya Padgett
     View staff writer
      One of the city's oldest parks will undergo some much-needed improvements this fall, including the addition of a soccer field, restrooms, picnic tables and playground equipment.
      Baker Park and the adjacent Baker Swimming Pool, 1100 E. St. Louis Ave., are in dire need of upgrades and additional amenities to ensure they are able to accommodate the schools and residents who use them, said Stacy Allsbrook, spokeswoman for Las Vegas Leisure Services.
      "This is the renovation of one of our oldest parks," Allsbrook said. "The park has one of the highest uses so this is a good thing (because) it's in such bad shape right now."
      In addition to being opened to the public, several schools use the fields for various sports, including Bishop Gorman High School, Fremont Middle School and Baker Park Community School.
      The $3 million project, currently in the initial design phase, is slated to start during the fall.
      Work will start on the pool first, in hopes it will be ready for next swim season. A heated pool will be built, as will as a bath house and restrooms.
      Construction on the park isn't expected to be completed until late next year, and the schools that use it for soccer and other fall sports may have to make other arrangements.
      "It will affect some of our programs until the upgrade is complete," said Baker Community School coordinator Mel Oliver. "But it's a great project. It's going to be a nice park with new grass, so it's a good thing."
      The ball fields will be redesigned and a small softball field will be converted into a soccer field. Two playgrounds, one for smaller children and toddlers and one for older youths, will be installed with age-appropriate equipment. In addition, barbecue pits, shade shelters and new picnic tables will be added, Allsbrook said.
      Once completed, the park and pool will be in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, Allsbrook said.