Spring staycations

Sunrise residents can find a wealth of fun close to home

F. ANDREW TAYLOR/VIEWGrasses bend in the breeze at Clark County Wetlands Park, 7050 Wetlands Park Lane. F. ANDREW TAYLOR/VIEWThe wall-to-wall trampolines at Sky Zone, 4915 Steptoe St., No. 400, are among the unique spring staycation options Whitney-area residents can explore close to home. View file photoFrom left, Saxon Perez pushes his brother Lukas Perez as they race William Thomas and his brother Jacob Thomas during the 2008 Mega Scout Expo in Sunset Park. This year?s event, set for April 23-25, is only one of many ways to enjoy the park. ViEW File PhotoMario Moya practices tricks at Skate City indoor skate park, 4915 Steptoe St., No. 600. Advertisement

Money is scarce for many these days, and it seems likely that locals may have canceled out-of-town plans for spring break. But even outside the major resort areas, the Las Vegas Valley offers enough possibilities to fill up a spring break and beyond.

WINCHESTER CULTURAL CENTER

Spring break is a great time to check out some of Clark County's amenities. One of the most diverse is the Winchester Cultural Center at 3130 S. McLeod Drive. Although it may be best known for the theater that features shows such as the World Vibration Music series, there's more to the Winchester than performing arts. Visual arts also shine. Through April 9, the Winchester Gallery will showcase Reduced Part I, featuring two- and three-dimensional minimalist work by artists Daniel Habegger and RC Wonderly III.

Outside in the center's park, the Desert Demonstration Garden functions not only as a peaceful relaxing place to visit but also as a botanical laboratory for those so inclined. Books, measuring tools and scopes are available inside the cultural center. The garden was created by the Friends of Winchester Park and the neighborhood community.

At the other end of the park, the Winchester Skate Park is open to all ages. However, skaters under age 18 must bring a parent or guardian to complete and sign a liability waiver. Helmets must be worn. Classes are available, including short drop-in classes for beginners. Information is available at accessclarkcounty.com/parks or by calling 455-7340.

DOG FANCIER'S PARK

Dog Fancier's Park, a 12-acre facility at 5800 E. Flamingo Road, features five fenced-off canine enclosures. The park is open for pet and owner visits and frequently hosts competitions.

On Friday and Saturday, the Silver State Kennel Club has scheduled two dog shows beginning at 8 a.m. each day. The show dogs will be judged on obedience, agility and conformation, a contest of how closely a purebred dog conforms to its breed.

"We are having more and more breeds in our shows," said Silver State Kennel Club Vice President Suzie Sadler. "There will be about 100 breeds this time. There will also be something new this time. The American Kennel Club is trying to teach more responsible ownership, so they're starting a new mixed breed obedience category. This will be the first time that category is offered in the country."

Dog Fancier's Park also is scheduled to host a series of free dog park etiquette demonstrations offered by the Sit Means Sit dog training company. Upcoming demonstrations are set for 4 to 5:30 p.m. on April 14, May 12, June 9 and July 14.

OUTDOOR WONDERS

Spring is the best time to catch wildflowers in blossom. It isn't necessary to take a long drive to Death Valley to see the desert bloom. In the northeast part of the valley, a drive east on Lake Mead Boulevard will take you up the pass through Frenchman's Mountain. The land along the side of the road is often awash with color at this time of the year.

About a half-mile from the last buildings on Lake Mead Boulevard, trails lead from a dirt parking area to the Great Unconformity, a rare geological site. Due to a quirk in the geology of the area, newer stone pushed well past older stone, creating a place where there is a 1.2 billion -year gap in the geologic record. As if the scientific site isn't enough, the hike affords a spectacular view of the valley.

Not all views require a hike. The paved trails in Clark County Wetlands Park are a good spot to look for flowers and unusual birds migrating through the valley in spring. The best time to see birds is early in the morning, although there's a good chance to see them near the end of the day, too.

Birdwatchers also may find what they're looking for at Sunset Park. The park is undergoing the first phase of a major remodel, but most of the work is under way in its more wild parts. The major amenities remain open, including playgrounds, sports fields, the disc golf course and the pond, one of the few places in the valley to fish. While there is no admission charge to the pond or park, fishing licenses are required.

INDOOR RECREATION

Several indoor recreation facilities are offering extended hours for spring break, including the Crystal Palace roller skating rink, Skate City indoor skate park and Sky Zone, a unique facility with a warehouse-size room of wall-to-wall trampolines.

Sky Zone recently underwent renovations, enhancing the front desk, snack bar and seating areas.

"It was time to change things up a bit and freshen the look," said Sky Zone manager Braden Holcomb. "The new seating is a big hit with parents, who can watch the action without having to be on the field."

Contact Sunrise and Whitney View reporter F. Andrew Taylor at ataylor@viewnews.com or 380-4532.