Board approves splash pad contract for Simpkins Park; commissioners split on location

The Nye County Board of Commissioners voted to award the splash pad installation contract for Simpkins Park to Great Western Installations Inc. under a cooperative contract in the amount of $299,349.32.

Jimmy Martinez, representing Town of Pahrump facilities, told commissioners the project has been under study for roughly a year and that staff sought a contractor who fit the county’s budget and timeline so the North Side of town could have a water play feature. Martinez said the design had been re-scoped to fit budget constraints and stated the site choice responds in part to a desire to keep the pad away from homeless encampment concerns at another park.

Several residents urged caution. Opponents and questioners highlighted a lack of schematic drawings in the public backup, uncertainties about ongoing maintenance and water-management costs, shade and restroom access, vandalism risk and whether the Simpkins Park parcel could adequately accommodate the proposed features. One speaker calculated potential water use and urged a clearer plan for drain and recirculation systems.

Comptroller staff confirmed the town capital fund (Fund 25401) included a fiscal-year 2026 allocation of $390,000 for the project and said the fund balance was sufficient to cover the award; the board was told the FY2026 capital improvement plan will include the project funding. Commissioners discussed neighborhood use, proximity to the pool, and the potential for future pads elsewhere in county. Vice Chair made the motion to award and to fund the contract from the town capital fund; the motion passed with a recorded vote of 4–1.

Votes at a glance: Award bid TOP2025-02 to Great Western Installations Inc., $299,349.32 — passed 4–1.

Next steps: Contract negotiations and execution; staff to return with construction schedule and any additional site plans or permit details as work is scheduled.