Northern-area Las Vegas farm J.R. Pony Parties seeks public’s help to stay open

J.R. Pony Parties in the northwest valley has been teaching and inspiring children about Las Vegas’ rural glory for more than 20 years.

Three years ago, the Clark County Commission and the Southern Nevada Health District notified the owners that they must have a larger septic tank installed to continue being open to the public. They received an extension, but the deadline is nearing.

If the tank is not replaced by August, the farm at 1744 Leonard Lane must close its doors.

“We are a small family business. We do not have the money for this upgrade,” said Kathleen Meehan, manager of the business. “Our goal is to stay in business and continue to care for and provide for all of our animals for years to come. This place is one of a kind in Las Vegas. We need to keep this Old West experience and living history opportunity in these modern times we live in.”

The cost of a new septic tank is estimated at $15,400, which covers the engineers, equipment, tank, new leach field and permits.

As of June 9, the farm has raised $10,075 but still needs $5,325.

Meehan said she’s received $2,660 in Gofundme donations and $6,200 in private donations. She also has received $1,215 through fundraisers.

The farm started as an accident, according to Meehan. Her mother and owner Judith Roberts purchased a pony for Roberts’ grandchildren. After Meehan’s stepfather was diagnosed with cancer, Roberts opened the farm to children from the Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation of Nevada. Soon after, children were lining up to have their birthday parties at the farm, Meehan said.

The farm is home to ponies, llamas, sheep, goats, pigs, miniature donkeys and other farm animals. There are roughly 100 animals, according to Meehan.

“Most are rescues,” she added.

Take 1-year-old Bella, for example. She’s a potbelly pig who was impregnated at 4 months old. She had a litter of six piglets — all stillborn. Due to the heavy weight put on her small body, she became blind, Meehan said.

There’s also Half Moon, a mustang who was rescued from an irresponsible owner. Meehan regularly opens the door to elderly animals so they can live out their days getting love and treats from children.

Jeremy Tiderman, 20, has been volunteering and working part time at the farm since he was 12. He credits Meehan with giving him a chance to volunteer at a farm when no one else would.

“I’ve been volunteering and working here for almost 10 years, and I can tell you that we treat everyone like family,” Tiderman said. “We’ve watched kids grow up and have gotten to know their parents. That’s what sets this place apart.”

Parents are also fighting to keep the farm open to the public.

“J.R. Pony Parties is an intrinsic force of localization, farm-to-table exploration and our children are enthralled by the non-stop duties of this fully functioning ranch,” said Desiree Dawn Solis, mother of 5-year-old camper Maximus Solis, in an email. “The farm is an honest, integral and invaluable look into days of yesteryear. As a community, we need to nurture this mom and pop farm, not only is it a home to animals but to the ranchers as well. We can not let this local jewel be swallowed up by rules and regulations they are struggling to afford.”

The farm thrives on its youth activities and camps. It offers everything from birthday parties to summer day camps, school field trips and volunteer experience.

“I love taking care of the animals here and being around them,” said Ivy Dietrich, 11, a summer camp participant. “I look forward to coming here every year. I would be heartbroken if they closed.”

Meehan added that the farm is open to nonprofits and children with special needs.

“The goal of the farm is to educate children about the Old West and to keep and preserve this life on a farm,” Meehan said. “We want to stay here for everyone, including the kids that will be born tomorrow.”

Call 702-631-4142 or visit jrponyparties.com. To donate, visit gofundme.com/fn2hurzc or mail a check to Meehan at 1744 Leonard Lane, Las Vegas, NV 89108.

To reach North View reporter Sandy Lopez, email slopez@viewnews.com or call 702-383-4686. Find her on Twitter: @JournalismSandy.