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Educational Tools
Construction at the Wetlands Park
With 12 of the 22 planned weirs complete and two more in development, seeing construction equipment in the Clark County Wetlands Park surrounding the Las Vegas Wash is not unusual. But for the past several months, the equipment has been at a different location.
Located within the Nature Preserve, construction on the Nature Center began in fall 2010 and is expected to be complete in summer 2012.
Once finished, the Nature Center will be approximately 35,000 square feet of gathering, exhibit, classroom, and office facilities as well as observation decking. A circular interpretive kiosk will be the first contact for visitors, orienting them to the park. An administrative section of the structure will be comprised of classrooms and offices; an auditorium area will house the auditorium and restrooms; and the remaining building will be the home of the exhibit gallery, gift shop, café, lounge, and research lab. This project also includes expanding the existing parking lot to 88 spaces plus parking for three buses.
The initial phase of the Wetlands Park took shape in 2000 in an area known as the Nature Preserve. Located in the western portion of the Wetlands Park, this interpretive area lets visitors explore the many facets of the dynamic Las Vegas Wash environment.
In addition, two other construction projects are coming up. Bids for those projects are expected to be awarded in April. Those projects will include the construction of the Pabco and Wells trailheads.
During construction, the Information Center will reside in the western portion of the Nature Preserve, just off of Wetlands Park Lane (follow the signage). The Information Center is open daily from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and can be reached at (702) 455-7522. The Nature Preserve continues to be open from dawn to dusk, daily.
The Wash is a natural channel that carries shallow groundwater, stormwater, urban runoff and reclaimed water from the Las Vegas Valley into Lake Mead. However, many valley residents may not know that in addition to playing an important role in our watershed and as habitat for plant and wildlife, the Wash is a valuable resource for leisure and relaxation. Whether you prefer to take a jogging or walking trip along the trail, or bird watch, lounge or picnic at a park off the trail, we encourage you to enjoy it.