Nellis Air Force Base inspired names for park, its amenities

When Ward 6 Las Vegas City Councilman Steve Ross first joined the council, he said he was approached by lacrosse players who had no field dedicated to the sport in the city. He wanted to change that.

The Thunderbird Family Sports Complex and Viper Lacrosse Fields, 6105 N. Durango Drive, is scheduled to add two lacrosse fields, as is Teton Trails Park, 7850 N. Bradley Road.

Lacrosse has roots with Native American sports, Ross said, which is why he initially reached out to the Paiute tribe.

"So I went to the Paiute tribe to come up with names related to lacrosse but I couldn't pronounce any of them," Ross said. "So, I said, 'OK, what else is significant to Southern Nevada and Las Vegas?' " It was immediately clear to him: the U.S. Air Force.

But it was not as simple as just naming the sports complex for the Thunderbirds at Nellis Air Force Base. Ross had to get permission.

"They jumped on board right away, Ross said. "It was a quick yes."

Nellis Air Force Base public affairs specialist Benjamin Newell said the Thunderbirds' team of precision demonstrators live and practice at the base.

"We're proud to hear any time we learn of civilians who are honoring military members," Newell said. "It really shows how connected this community is to its military."

Phase two of the park complex is scheduled to open Feb. 16 and is scheduled to add a quarter-scale F-22 Raptor Fighter Jet exhibit, landscaping and turf areas, lighted sidewalk extensions, a picnic shade shelter, benches and tables and off-site improvements.

The Thunderbird Sports Complex, Viper Lacrosse Fields and Raptor Play Park, which is also part of the complex, are named for U.S. Air Force aircraft to honor those who serve at Nellis Air Force Base. The complex opened in February 2011, according to the city.

"It's huge to our economy," Ross said. "We don't recognize the men and women who wear those uniforms often enough."

Ross said the park will be a great benefit to the surrounding community.

"As part of the Thunderbird Family Sports Park, these new features are going to provide tremendous benefits for the community when the work is completed early next year," Ross said in a July release.

Lacrosse is not formally offered as a team sport in northwest public schools, Ross said, so building a public space for teams to practice and play was a priority.

Before moving forward on the development of the land, back when Ross had a large parks and recreation fund to work with during a booming economy, he said he reached out to the residents first.

He said residents responded overwhelmingly in favor of lacrosse and baseball fields.

"I'm real proud of the fact that we're the only location I know of in Southern Nevada that has dedicated lacrosse fields," he said.

Funding for the park came from the residential construction tax collected through housing developments in the area. The tax money must be spent in the ward where it was generated and fund parks and recreation improvements and projects.

The off-site improvements under way include paving, streetlights, storm drains and sidewalks on the north side of Tropical Parkway from North Durango Drive to North Bonita Vista Street. Median landscaping will be added to portions of North Durango Drive near the park. The finished portions of the park, including the play, exercise and picnic areas, a splash pad water feature and restroom facilities, are set to remain open.

Contact Centennial and North Las Vegas View reporter Laura Phelps at lphelps@viewnews.com or 702-477-3839.