Knickerbocker park in Providence opens

Knickerbocker Park located in the Providence master-planned community opened to the public Dec. 10.

It was introduced with a free concert, baseball-themed events, carnival food and the unveiling of the new community mascot. The grand opening culminated in a spectacular fireworks display by Pyrotecnico.

The $2.2 million, 15-acre park was the day's real star with more then 800 people in attendance. Amenities include play areas for 2- to 5-year-olds and 5- to 12-year-olds, swing set, dog park with small and large dog areas, splash pad, youth baseball field, multiuse events field, jogging path with exercise stations and picnic areas. Located at 10695 Dorrell Lane, Knickerbocker Park's design offers great views of the Las Vegas Valley.

Sporting a Providence dog tag, the new community mascot is a 7-foot, caramel-colored dog with chocolate spots and big floppy ears called P.D., short for Providence Dog.

He was created after residents provided input and voted this summer.

Quickly becoming a crowd favorite, P.D. and Providence developer John Ritter, Focus Property Group founder and CEO, participated in the ceremonial first pitch on the baseball field that afternoon in the park.

Cosmo, the Las Vegas 51s mascot, and Councilman Steve Ross followed with their own ceremonial pitch. P.D. and Cosmo subsequently distributed Providence balls and Frisbees.

Built by the Providence Master Homeowners Association, Knickerbocker Park's upgraded amenities are the result of collaboration between community residents, their homeowners association and Providence Park Committee, and Focus Property Group, with city of Las Vegas and Councilman Ross support.

"The grand opening of Knickerbocker Park is a defining moment for the Providence community," said Brandon Exline, Capital Consultants Management Corp.'s community manager for the Providence Master Homeowners Association.

"Thanks to support from our residents, city of Las Vegas and community developer Focus Property Group, we have the chance to share an upgraded park to serve as a convenient location for our neighbors to meet one another."

According to Councilman Ross, opening Knickerbocker Park now is particularly worthy of celebration.

"Providence residents and those in the surrounding area are fortunate to have this beautiful new park to enjoy as open space and parks are important to quality of life," he said. "Unfortunately in this economic climate, municipalities just don't have the funds to build parks. We're grateful for the Providence Master Homeowners Association's leadership and the collaboration between all parties. It reflects not just the city of Las Vegas and Focus Property Group's vision for Providence, but the residents and community's vision in tailoring Knickerbocker Park for their needs."

The event's baseball theme complements Providence's small town America ambience and design.

"Knickerbocker Park is a great addition to the Providence master plan, which follows our philosophy of providing residents with many avenues for outdoor recreation and social gathering," said Ritter, also referencing the community's existing park and trails system.

"The joint effort in which Knickerbocker was developed is a testament to residents' commitment for their community, and comes at a time when few other master plans are adding such features. It also allowed the park to be built on a faster time frame and with upgraded amenities. The sense of community at Providence is another reason why it has successfully remained a top-selling master plan in the country."

The Providence Parks Committee provided input throughout all stages of park development.

"The opening of Knickerbocker Park represents homeowners and the homeowners association coming together to provide an amenity for Providence residents," said Bob Ruszczyk, committee chairman.

"The Parks Committee worked to incorporate suggestions from the community with its own concepts to bring to life a great outdoor facility for all ages to enjoy."

Further capturing the spirit of Providence's theme, the park's name was inspired by American literary and historical icons after Washington Irving's 19th century "Knickerbocker Tales" collection of stories.

Since opening in 2006, Providence has consistently ranked among the country's best-selling master plans by leading independent real estate advisory firm RCLCO, and is Nevada's second best-seller. Homebuilders include Beazer Homes, DR Horton, KB Home, Lennar, Meritage Homes, Richmond American Homes, Ryland Homes, Warmington and Woodside Homes.

To learn about Providence, visit the information center, open daily from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., at 7051 N. Hualapai Way, off Las Vegas Boulevard north and Hualapai, call 433-5084 or visit providencelv.com.