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Nye County approves Simpkins Park splash pad award after public debate on location and costs
Summary
After extended public comment over site suitability and long‑term water and maintenance costs, commissioners approved a $299,349.32 award to Great Western Installations for the Simpkins Park splash pad, funded by town capital and grant sources.
The Nye County Board of Commissioners on July 1 approved awarding the Simpkins Park splash pad bid to Great Western Installations Inc. for $299,349.32, using Town of Pahrump capital (fund 25401) and available grant funds.
Several dozen public commenters urged reconsideration of the Simpkins Park site, raising concerns about limited parking, lack of shade and restroom facilities, water management and evaporation, vandalism risk, and long‑term maintenance costs. Mary Ann Hollis and other speakers asked whether reuse or recirculation systems were specified and warned of potential added costs for fencing, shade structures and water‑quality systems.
Jimmy Martinez, Town parks staff, said the vendor was within the county’s budgeted range and that the site choice was intended to serve the north side of Pahrump; he described a reduced scope after earlier higher estimates and said the bid brought the project into the county’s funding envelope. Comptroller Honey Strozzi confirmed $425,000 was budgeted for the project in FY25 and that the CIP will include $390,000 for FY26, with a T‑Mobile grant extension pending for December 2025.
Vice Chair moved to approve the award and funding; after discussion the motion carried. Commissioners noted concerns about managing usage and avoiding unintended uses (for example, unsheltered people turning the pad into a bathing/overnight site) and asked staff to report back on management plans and any additional capital needs before construction.
What’s next: Staff to finalize the contract with the vendor and return contract documents for filing; town and parks staff will develop operations and maintenance plans and report on any additional funding requests.
