Construction begins on recreation center

DUANE PROKOP/View In her last day in office, North Las Vegas Councilwoman Stephanie Smith speaks at the groundbreaking for the SkyView Multi-Generational Center, which she lobbied for during her tenure. DUANE PROKOP/View From left, Mike Henley, North Las Vegas director of parks and recreation, Councilman Robert Eliason, Mayor Shari Buck, former Mayor Michael Montandon, Maxaction, former Councilwoman Stephanie Smith, Councilwoman Anita Wood and City Manager Gregory Rose break ground on SkyView Multi-Generational Center. Advertisement

The triple-digit heat wasn't enough to keep city officials away during the June 30 groundbreaking of the long-awaited SkyView Multi-Generational Center, located at the corner of Centennial Parkway and Statz Street.

The $11.3 million project will include an indoor pool, kitchen, fitness area and multipurpose rooms.

"This will be a facility for all ages," said parks and planning development manager Jon Jainga. "Not just because of the amenities, but because of the classes that will be offered for everyone, from kids to teens and seniors."

Jainga said that upon the center's opening, North Las Vegas residents could expect classes in everything from guitar to swimming. The 35,700-square-foot facility is projected to be completed in September 2010.

The facility will be the city's third recreation center.

The Neighborhood Recreation Center, 1638 N. Bruce St., which was built in the 1960s, and Silver Mesa Recreation Center, 4025 Allen Lane, built only a few years ago, have been both popular and overcrowded in recent years.

"They have been well-loved," Jainga said. "So, it will be nice for people to have a third option."

Jainga said the project was important to the city based solely on population, with cities of similar size around the country having up to 10 recreation centers to serve their populations.

"There's a lot of demand for it," he said. "Right now, a lot of families are staying home, trying to find ways to have fun that won't cost a lot. This will be another great place to come and enjoy."

During his last official speech as North Las Vegas mayor, Michael Montandon said he could recall lobbying in Washington, D.C., nearly a decade ago in an effort to free up swathes of Bureau of Land Management land in Nevada, with the vision of master-planned communities and recreation centers being built there.

"It's thrilling to say that we won a decade ago, and we've made it here," he said.

Incoming Ward 3 Councilwoman Anita Wood said she believes the center will be a great boost for the community in the northeast portion of the city.

"There's nothing currently stationed here in this area that is anything like the center," she said. "I am so happy for the residents of this ward and North Las Vegas as a whole. I think it is just wonderful."

Outgoing Ward 3 Councilwoman Stephanie Smith said she'd had a vision for the center for many years, and she was happy to finally see the project moving forward.

"I just want to say, I know a lot of people think that just one person can't make a difference, and you can't change the world," she said. "I know that isn't true. I came on board as a City Council member with a vision for a lot of things, and this was one of them. Dreams do come true. Don't give up."

Contact North Las Vegas and Downtown View reporter Amanda Llewellyn at allewellyn@viewnews.com or 380-4535.