North Las Vegas Community Gets Revitalized Park, New Opportunities

NORTH LAS VEGAS, Nev., Sept. 18, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Joe Kneip Park in North Las Vegas has received a makeover thanks to the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) and the City of North Las Vegas. Selected by NRPA for its 2015 Parks Build Community project, this cherished neighborhood park has been transformed into a stunning new space for the more than 4,000 children and families living nearby who depend on it as an outdoor gathering place. North Las Vegas Mayor Pro-Tem Pamela A. Goynes-Brown and other dignitaries celebrated the new park with a ribbon cutting on Thursday.

A number of generous donors and sponsors contributed to the updated Joe Kneip Park, which now features some of the newest park amenities in the country. Twelve equipment and service donors came together to provide new play and exercise equipment, surfacing, shade structures, a restroom, a splash pad, signs, lighting and more. A crowdfunding campaign hosted on NRPA's Fund Your Park platform in May also raised funds for construction costs to help make this park a reality. Donations and contributions from the City of North Las Vegas total $850,000 for the revitalization of this park.

During the ribbon cutting event, children and community members swarmed all 2.21 acres of the revitalized Joe Kneip Park. The park, situated in a community of low-income, single-family dwellings, had been in need of major improvements due to a tough economy. Today, though, it is an oasis that every community member can enjoy and use to relax, have fun, get fit and come together.

"Every year, we are amazed at the transformations made through our Parks Build Community projects, and Joe Kneip Park is no exception," said Barbara Tulipane, NRPA president and CEO. "The renovations made possible through our partners and sponsors aren't just cosmetic, though. This revitalized park has the power to reinvigorate the community — bringing people closer together and creating positive changes in conservation, health and wellness, and social equity."

The reopening event coincides with the NRPA's Annual Conference taking place in Las Vegas and celebration of the organization's 50th Anniversary. The Annual Conference brings together more than 7,000 park and recreation professionals, engaged citizens and industry suppliers from across the country for professional development, education and networking opportunities. This is the fifth Parks Build Community project completed in coordination with the NRPA Annual Conference — marking a tradition of NRPA leaving its annual conference city a little better than before.

NRPA's Parks Build Community is an ongoing national initiative to demonstrate the transformative value of parks and recreation on communities. Local parks are the essential foundation to vibrant, thriving communities. The environment, health, wellness and social equity of communities can all be improved through the revitalization of parks.

The National Recreation and Park Association is a national not-for-profit organization dedicated to advancing park, recreation and conservation efforts that enhance the quality of life for all people. Through its network of 50,000 recreation and park professionals and citizens, NRPA encourages the promotion of healthy and active lifestyles, conservation initiatives and equitable access to parks and public space. For more information, visit www.NRPA.org. To learn more about Parks Build Community, visit www.NRPA.org/parksbuildcommunity.