Residents celebrate opening of Polly Gonzalez Park

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Residents were invited to the grand opening of Polly Gonzalez Memorial Park on Aug. 17. The park is located at the northwest corner of El Campo Grande Ave. and Bradley Road in the Centennial Hills community.

The park, named in memory of KLAS-TV, Channel 8, anchor Polly Gonzalez, is a 5-acre passive park adjacent to Carl Elementary School. The park features a large natural turf area, a splash water feature and a covered children's play area.

A safety feature of a raised berm at Bradley Road was built to separate the park from the busy street.

"It was a tragedy to lose such a dedicated person," Councilman Steven Ross said of Gonzalez. "She made an impact on our city and was a role model to young women. In addition to her work at Channel 8, Polly was very involved with the Latin Chamber of Commerce, as well as being an activist in the community. It is only fitting that a park that also will serve the community be named in her memory."

A memorial garden and tile mural project in memory of Gonzalez will be completed in the coming months with a dedication to be held in March 2007.

Along with the park dedication, the event also featured a back-to-school fair. School supplies and binders were available to the first 500 school-age children.

Attendees were treated to refreshments from Memphis Championship Barbecue and entertainment by a balloon artist, face painters, air jumpers, mechanical calf roping and live music by the Tony Marques Band.

Construction of the park started in January 2006. The project contractor is C.G. & B. Company; the project consultant is Larson and Associates.

Funding for the $1.8 million park was provided by the city of Las Vegas residential construction tax. The city of Las Vegas Department of Public Works provided oversight during the construction.