Las Vegas Aces to fund Desert Horizons Park court resurfacing, city to manage work

Doug Geil, director of parks and recreation, told the Parks, Arts, Recreation and Culture Advisory Board on Feb. 10 that the city will manage resurfacing work on two outdoor basketball courts at Desert Horizons Park under a partnership with the Las Vegas Aces. Geil said the Aces will reimburse the city for the project cost and the completed courts will feature Las Vegas Aces colors, Aces branding and the City of North Las Vegas logo.

The presentation said construction is scheduled to begin Feb. 16 and is expected to take approximately three weeks, with completion anticipated in early March. Geil also announced a ribbon-cutting planned for Sunday, March 22 at 12 noon and said the Aces have committed to hosting at least two youth basketball clinics later this year.

"This project represents both a physical investment in a neighborhood park and a strong example of how strategic partnerships can help us deliver meaningful improvements for our community," Geil said, describing the work as an opportunity to modernize park assets while stretching limited recreation resources. He told the board the work is primarily resurfacing and repainting: "Just we're gonna repaint. We're gonna repaste the posts and the backboard, and then we'll add their branding right at that location." Geil estimated the new surfacing typically lasts "five to ten years" depending on use, vandalism and weather.

Board members asked operational questions about the partnership and the project. Sandra Ward asked whether the March 22 ribbon-cutting intentionally aligned with school spring break; Geil said it was not intentional. Board member Ian Brown asked whether anti-graffiti coatings would be used; Geil said there is no graffiti coating planned but that if damage occurs the contractor will repair it and "we'll paint over it." Members also confirmed the project will not include new stanchions or backboards, only repairs and painting.

The presentation and Q&A were framed as an informational update; the board did not take formal action on the item at the meeting. Geil said the city will coordinate public communications and signage during construction and that the courts are intended to provide a higher-quality, professionally branded experience for local youth and park users.

The advisory board will be able to attend the ribbon-cutting event scheduled for March 22; staff said they will provide public notice when details are finalized.