Las Vegas park remains closed due to criminal activity, public-private

Correction: Quotes regarding the city’s response to plans for the park were changed to reflect the quotes were made by Jace Radke, a Las Vegas City spokesperson, and not by Councilwoman Oliva Diaz.

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) – The chain lock on the park fence rattled as a stark reminder of the safety concerns in the Huntridge community, however, residents said they want city officials to consider unlocking their neighborhood park’s potential.

Built in 1941, Huntridge Circle Park has been caught in the middle of recent unwanted attention after closing for a few months in 2018 due to criminal activity. One year later, investors in the historic Huntridge Theater encouraged city officials to bring the park back to life.

For nearly six years residents told 8 News Now they have seen their park open and close in reaction to safety concerns. Fernando Ruvalcaba, partner of A+ Property Management, can see the chain link fence from his office across the street and said he has appreciated the few times this year the park has opened.

“They had parties here like for Mexican Independence Day,” he said. “So, the park closing is always kind of sad, I would like to see it open.”

<em>Fernando Ruvalcaba, partner of A+ Property Management, can see the chain link fence from his office across the street and said he has appreciated the few times this year the park has opened.(KLAS)</em>” loading=”lazy” width=”900″ height=”506″ decoding=”async” data-nimg=”1″ class=”rounded-lg” src=”https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/ujAc9VurDwucWUXjdQTGRg–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTU0MA–/https://media.zenfs.com/en/klas_articles_549/67c0e8378c7aaa223bb4d98cd921cc53″><button aria-label= — *Fernando Ruvalcaba, partner of A+ Property Management, can see the chain link fence from his office across the street and said he has appreciated the few times this year the park has opened.(KLAS)*

Ruvalcaba said the area has had its share of issues but defended the community as up-and-coming, noting the nearby historic theater.

“Of course, we have a little bit of problems but more than anything,” Ruvalcaba said. “But you know I’m very happy.”

<em>Built in 1941, Huntridge Circle Park has been caught in the middle of recent unwanted attention after closing for a few months in 2018 due to criminal activity. One year later, investors in the historic Huntridge Theater encouraged city officials to bring the park back to life. (KLAS)</em>” loading=”lazy” width=”900″ height=”506″ decoding=”async” data-nimg=”1″ class=”rounded-lg” src=”https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/MKVihOty.KvidcQuxAQLfA–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTU0MA–/https://media.zenfs.com/en/klas_articles_549/4c68e59cf32547de455ac83fa27ac3e6″><button aria-label= — Built in 1941, Huntridge Circle Park has been caught in the middle of recent unwanted attention after closing for a few months in 2018 due to criminal activity. One year later, investors in the historic Huntridge Theater encouraged city officials to bring the park back to life. (KLAS)

Jace Radke, a City of Las Vegas spokesperson, responded via email to an 8 News Now request for comment regarding the plan for the park.

“Huntridge Circle Park was originally closed due to safety concerns and requests from surrounding neighbors to close the park,” Radke said. “The city’s top priority is always public safety.”

However, residents have not decided on the future of their park, according to Radke.

“Over the years many options, including exploring potential public-private partnerships in that space have been explored,” he wrote. “Councilwoman Diaz looks forward to continuing the conversation about this space with [residents].”

Cars honking at wrong-way drivers on Maryland Parkway, next to the park, were another indicator of the difficulties of the area, according to recent resident Lilith Lee. She said the construction on the one-way roads posed an issue to children at the park but defended its recreational potential.

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“Traffic [is] never great with all this going on, but at the end of the day, I think it’s nice to have a park there if you’re going to try to help people get one accessed,” she said. “I feel like the kids are going to be in the street if they’re not in the park and it’s kind of a double-edged sword. But I like the idea. And when it has been open, it looks like it’s nice, so I would like to see it function.”

<em>Lilith Lee said the construction on the one-way roads posed an issue to children at the park but defended its recreational potential. (KLAS)</em>” loading=”lazy” width=”900″ height=”506″ decoding=”async” data-nimg=”1″ class=”rounded-lg” src=”https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/V7n5Og2QPwuf.pwfGi82Dg–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTU0MA–/https://media.zenfs.com/en/klas_articles_549/92f1bd32e58743a3293fd7f2cd272324″><button aria-label= — *Lilith Lee said the construction on the one-way roads posed an issue to children at the park but defended its recreational potential. (KLAS)*

Lee said the park has been open twice for special events since she moved the area, and said she encourages city staff to explore more opportunities for the future.

“I would hope that we can get, you know, the money’s worth if we’re going to have it there in the first place,” she said. “Might as well put some use to it.”

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