Clark County seeks regional parks task team as growth pressures mount

Ross Hoover, Clark County Parks and Nature, told the La Center City Council on June 11 that the county expects substantial population growth through 2040 and is forming a regional parks task team to create a coordinated approach to parks, trails and natural areas.

Hoover said county forecasts have been revised upward and that Clark County could grow to roughly 660,000 residents by 2040, increasing demand on parks and recreation. He showed maps of county parks and natural areas and described distinctions between county regional parks and smaller city parks. "The county council is initiating what's called our regional parks task team," Hoover said, and asked that La Center appoint a council representative to participate.

Hoover said the task team will benchmark local parks data, compare models from other U.S. jurisdictions, identify funding mechanisms (including grants and case studies of other communities), and recommend a regional vision and financing approach. He noted current challenges: aging park infrastructure, rising maintenance costs and limited dedicated funding sources.

Councilmembers asked about accessibility for users with disabilities and grant partnerships; Hoover said accessibility (ADA) upgrades are part of county work and that the task team will study funding options, not merely rely on development impact fees. Hoover said the county will contact cities for park inventory data (acreage, staffing) and expects to convene the task team in late summer.

No formal council vote was taken; councilmembers discussed potential representation and agreed to provide a name by email or at the next meeting.