With the approach of spring break and warmer weather, Clark County Commission Vice Chairwoman Chris Giunchigliani, the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department and other agencies are reminding students and their parents that a crackdown on crime continues at Clark County Wetlands Park.
Officials report much progress since last spring when an inter-agency effort was launched to crack down on vandalism, graffiti, underage drinking and other illegal activity at Clark County Wetlands Park. Much of the problem activity occurs after dark and on weekend nights or on spring and summer nights when school is out, and the area becomes a location for unauthorized parties, bonfires and other illegal activity.
Officials say the problem activity tends to increase with the onset of spring and summer. They want to remind local teens, young adults, and their parents of ongoing efforts to ensure safety in the park and surrounding areas.
At 2,900 acres, Clark County Wetlands Park is the valley’s largest and most undeveloped park. The Las Vegas Wash flows through the area, creating a vast haven for wildlife and desert foliage and also posing a challenge for law enforcement.
In July 2015, vandals destroyed the restroom at the Sunrise Trailhead, costing $110,000 in damage. The restroom remains closed.
Since launching the crackdown last spring, Clark County has seen less vandalism in the park. Costs to clean up and repair graffiti and vandalism dropped from $77,000 in 2015 to $53,000 in 2016. LVMPD reports a significant reduction in crime in the park since last spring. Overall, crime is down 50 percent, and the number of disturbance calls has dropped 31 percent.
LVMPD encourages visitors and residents in the area to call 311 to report any suspicious activity and 911 to report actual crimes in progress.
In addition, nearly 1,000 volunteers participated in eight community cleanups in the park over the last year, resulting in an estimated 13,000 pounds of trash being picked up. The public also is invited to join in a spring cleanup on April 8 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Sunrise Trailhead and along the shoulders of Hollywood Boulevard.
To participate in the April 8 cleanup, volunteers are asked to sign up in advance by emailing Clark County Wetlands Park at wetlands@clarkcountynv.gov or calling (702) 455-7522.
Sunrise Trailhead is located on the north side of Clark County Wetlands Park along Hollywood Boulevard, about 2.5 miles south of Vegas Valley Drive. All supplies will be provided. Participants are asked to wear closed-toe shoes.
Clark County Wetlands Park is open from sunrise to sunset each day. The Clark County Wetlands Park Nature Center at 7050 Wetlands Park Lane is open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily.
