Flamingo Arroyo Trail the Living Arroyo • a Civic Spine PUBLIC ART & DESIGN PLAN

Flamingo Arroyo Trail The Living Arroyo • A Civic Spine PUBLIC ART & DESIGN PLAN

The realignment of the Flamingo Arroyo and the Flamingo Casino under construction, 1946

Created for Clark County Department of Parks and Community Services

Kevin S. Berry • Barbara Grygutis • Buster Simpson September 2004

Wetlands created by Urban Las Vegas Water runoff, 2004

1 Artists’ Mission Statement historical concept, which adds continuity to the idea of establishing trails along waterways. The Flamingo Situated in the northern Mojave Desert, the Las Vegas Arroyo is such a place. It is a natural waterway carved Valley shares a unique connection with some of the out in the ground through centuries of water flow major desert regions of the world. Within these hyper- through the Las Vegas Valley. Traditionally waterways arid deserts, a variety of cultures have developed were revered. Water, a vital life source on this planet, innovative approaches which over the centuries is necessary for our survival. Many cultures have used exemplify a sustained graceful cultural relationship waterways as places of baptism, signifying that they with the desert. It is our intention to contextualize a are holy places. Only in the twentieth century, and new paradigm of paradise in this new desert city, and with the advent of industrialization, waterways have the conveyance, the Flamingo Arroyo Trail, will serve as deteriorated into despair, and have been treated as that connector. dumping grounds for waste and trash. It is the goal of this project, along with the creation of the path, to The Flamingo Arroyo Trail Public Art and Design Plan restore the concept of “waterway as sacred place” to introduces the notion of a LIVING ARROYO as a the Flamingo Arroyo. civic spine, which essentially creates a linear park. The Flamingo Arroyo trail will serve as a connector for The Flamingo Arroyo is part of a watershed system habitat and humanity, linking neighborhods together extending over 1,600 square miles, descending from an to create a significant Clark County ammenity. This elevation of 3000 feet at its western edge to 1500 feet report offers a series of processes, approaches and at the east outflow of the valley. Intermittent fluvial methodologies to reinforce a meaningful episodic flows of a once wild Arroyo, have been contained as a journey along the trail and at trailheads and oases. result of recent growth patterns of Clark County. Specifically designed, integrated works of art will play a significant role in creating place and providing a higher The Flamingo Arroyo is a vital artery serving many degree to the overall design. needs of the Las Vegas community. The Arroyo has a rich history that spans from prehistoric times to the The Flamingo Arroyo Trail will serve as a connector for present, revealing the integral nature of water in the habitat and humanity, to innovation and sustainability, desert as tied to the transformation and growth of this linking neighborhoods together, to create a significant metropolis. The evolution of this Arroyo includes the Green Civic Spine. This spine becomes the citizens’ earliest times, when the Arroyo was in its most natural promenade, reaffirming a natural connection between state, existing in harmony with the indigenous people, communities and their sence of place. Through this plants and animals that once thrived here in the high report a series of approaches are offered to begin desert area. the journey of possibilities. Multi-layered stories, with habitats at trailheads and episodic oases begin to Recognizing the importance of the Arroyo as a vital establish this experience as a grounded one, rich in the and valuable asset to the community, Clark County has assets of this place, its history, ecology and poetics. engaged with the community to embark upon creating a multi-use trail system that will lead its users to the The idea of sacred places, places from time immemorial Desert Wetlands Park at its end. that have been revered by human beings, is an important Aerial view of historic Qanats in Persia which mark shafts that lead to underground aquaducts. These “manholes” serve as cleanouts for the accumulation of subterranian silt.

2 The enchroachment of the built environment into together through the trail system. The trail, through the flood plain of the Flamingo Arroyo has created our artwork, could serve as a metaphor for the local an irresolvable engineering dilemma. What would be history of the area, revealing significant influences as if required is the reclaiming of the breadth of what was traveling through time as one travels the trail, telling the flood plain. There are examples of successful Arroyo the story of the Arroyo and the place. restoration in Phoenix, where the land has become a major shared community asset. To reestablish the We wish to celebrate natural phenomena that exist Flamingo Arroyo flood plain would require a paradigm in this high desert region. We intend to create spaces zoning shift, slowly removing all building encroachments where one can become closer to nature, places that into the Arroyo, to a respectful setback. honor the natural world and spaces that are both recreational and meditative. We venture to change We, as Artists, have been chosen to sculpt and shape public perception of the Arroyo, to see it for more the image of the trail, taking into consideration the than just a concrete lined ditch used to dispose of history of the Arroyo and the practical needs of flood and waste water. We hope to create a common the community it serves. Our mission is to design link between neighborhoods and communities by artwork and art amenities that create a sense of place, weaving a thread of artistic enhancements throughout responding to the context of the site, and to provide the Arroyo and trail system. a rich, meaningful experience that brings the user closer to the natural state of the Arroyo and an acute The LIVING ARROYO plan begins by installing awareness of the surrounding desert environment. community awareness and appreciation for the We want to create a place that allows the user to potential of the Flamnigo Arroyo trail. It is imperative Geologic map of the Las Vegas basin contemplate and participate in their relationship to to the success of this project for the community of this earth as well as a legacy for future generations. Clark County and the City of Las Vegas to be involved We wish to emphasize the precious nature of water and engaged in the development of the trail. It is in the desert and to propose ways in which to harness essential that the design of the trail convey to the waste water to create a sustainable habitat along the community a sense that this is their trail, for their use. trail through artistic means. The more the trail is used, the less it will become a “no-man’s” land. Currently the Flamingo Arrroyo is Our artwork pays respect to the natural architectural strewn with garbage. All of the sub-divisions along forms and structures found within the desert botany the Arroyo are walled out of the Arroyo, creating a that exists throughout the Flamingo Arroyo arroyo. land of no stewardship. The object of this plan is to Our goals include bringing nature back into the transform what is currently a dumping ground into a Arroyo and creating a series of desert oases linked valuable community asset, where neighbors want to be. This can be done through design. Beyond that it is important that the community participates in various aspects of the restoration of this natural resource.

Kevin S Berry • Barbara Grygutis • Buster Simpson Grid imposed by the Arroyo, into the grid a weave of August 2004 shade and habitat

3 Table Of Contents

Artists’ Mission Statement ...... 2 Nature And Human History ...... 6 The Flamingo Arroyo Trail Executive Summary . . . . 8 Why Artists? ...... 9 Flamingo Arroyo Trail Storyline ...... 10 Trail Design Principles ...... 11 Trail Design Overview ...... 13 Design Elements ...... 14 Additional Elements For Design Consideration . . . . . 22 Palette Of Materials ...... 24 Planning Considerations ...... 28 Projects ...... 29 Community Particiaption ...... 31 Conclusions ...... 32 Appendix Community Survey And Results ...... 33

Cover Photo : Fabulous Flamingo, 1950s’; ‘Las Vegas Then And Now’, Chung, Su Kim

CLARK COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLANNING

FLAMINGO ARROYO TRAIL SYSTEM CLARK COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLANNING FLAMINGO ARROYO TRAIL SYSTEM

5 Nature And Human History Of trade, animal bone and charcoal pit structures have Flamingo Arroyo been found in Wetlands Park, and an underground Prepared by Clark County Department of Parks and home has been excavated. Three groups, the Anasazi, Community Services the Mohave (also called Patayan) and the Paiute left most traces in the valley. Flamingo Arroyo originates in two main branches in the southwest corner of the Las Vegas Valley. Runoff from For 300 years the Las Vegas Valley was the unexplored Mount Potosi and the south end of the Spring Mountain territory of Spain, a fact which would have surprised range cut the Arroyo, which flowed east and became a the valley’s residents. In 1821 war made Mexico single deep gully by the time it passed the Flamingo independent and claim to the Las Vegas Valley passed to Hotel, from which it took its name. The Flamingo Hotel that new country, again beyond the valley’s knowledge. was named by its creator, Billy Wilkerson, who earlier created the Hollywood Reporter and the tropically- History entered the valley through its Arroyos. Near themed Sunset Strip restaurants the Trocadero, Ciro’s New Year’s Day, 1830, on foot, leading pack mules and the Mocambo. along the Colorado River, Antonio Armijo’s Mexican exploratory party turned up Las Vegas Arroyo and Today Flamingo Arroyo disappears into concrete culverts followed it through what is now Lake Mead into a to pass beneath the Strip. From the Strip it winds its valley full of springs, mesquite and grassy meadows, Artesian well, circa 1913 way west north west to Desert Rose Golf Course, where called in Spanish “Las Vegas.” The company followed it meets Las Vegas Arroyo. The latter is not just a runoff Duck Creek and left the valley to the south. channel, but was originally fed by the Las Vegas Springs, a few of the uncounted springs which originally drew In 1848 the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo ended another humans to the valley. Well pumping eventually lowered war in a faraway place and turned over the Las Vegas the water table, and the springs stopped flowing. Valley to the victorious United States. This event finally brought real change. In 1855 a group from Salt Lake From Desert Rose the conjoined Arroyo flows into City built what is now called the Old Mormon Fort on the Las Vegas Arroyo Wetlands, where it is joined by Las Vegas Creek. The fort was used as a base for lead Duck Creek, another major channel. From there water mining on Mount Potosi, but was soon abandoned. Reinforced concrete box culvert originally found its way down the desert to the Colorado carries storm water to the River, but now it empties into Lake Mead. A period of ranching began around 1872. Then in 1905 Flamingo Arroyo at Manhattan St. the San Pedro, Salt Lake and Los Angeles Railroad The many traces of early humans found in the Las created the city of Las Vegas. Vegas Valley cluster near water sites, including Las Vegas Arroyo and Duck Creek, which also carried spring water. Few such traces have been found along Flamingo Arroyo, because for most of its existence it was dry, Las Vegas Wash as it reappears just east of Lake Las Vegas where it is culvertized under except during flash floods. In the wetlands and below, the manmade lake. much ancient human debris has been found. In the last few years, a four-inch shard of pottery (Colorado River buff ware), grinding tools, projectile points including a Clovis point, bifacial stone tools, shell beads indicating

6 As people began to build around Flamingo Arroyo, they On August 23, 1995 a thunderstorm shed 1.5 inches began to experience the floods which created and of rain in 10 minutes. A man’s body was found in maintain it. Although the channel is dry more than 350 what was then the Las Vegas Hilton Country Club days a year, when it fills, it fills fast. When heavy rains Golf Course, now National Golf Club, where Flamingo fall in the southwest mountains, the desert soil, unused Arroyo passes through it. The man had apparently been to absorbing much moisture, sends nearly all the water sleeping under a bridge at Koval Lane, two and a half down the Arroyo. Paving and concreting much of the miles away. valley has accelerated floodwaters. On July 8, 1999 three inches of rain caused more than Channels in the north half of the valley caused flooding $20 million in damage as floodwaters raged down in Las Vegas for decades, but by 1967 development Flamingo Arroyo through the Strip area, closing Caesars’ had spread south into the area of Flamingo Arroyo. Forum Shops and the Imperial Palace Parking Garage. On June 19 of that year, thousands of shoppers Miles downstream at the Boulder Highway, a mobile and motorists were stranded by a flash flood. A boy home park was extensively damaged and seven homes drowned, and Caesars Palace employees had to move destroyed. Two dozen homeowners were paid damages their cars as Flamingo Arroyo spilled into the parking by the county. lot. But 1967 was only the beginning. On July 3, 1975 Flamingo Arroyo swamped the Caesars’ parking areas, In recent years major flood retention basins have been submerging 100 cars and damaging up to 500. Total built and others are under construction on the upper Flamingo Arroyo headwaters west of the “Strip” valley damage was estimated at $5 million. reaches of Flamingo Arroyo. These basins are designed to hold massive amounts of water, releasing it slowly On August 10, 1983 four inches of rain fell on the rather than all at once. In urban areas emphasis has Flamingo Arroyo watershed. Damage was estimated been placed on culverts and bridges to allow floodwaters at $3 million. Days later a child died in an Arroyo to pass safely beneath roadways. The flood channel has soil collapse. In the late summer of 1984 flooding in been encased in concrete in many places to protect its Flamingo Arroyo, Las Vegas Arroyo and Blue Diamond banks and nearby structures. Arroyo killed seven people in two incidents and caused $9 million in damage. On July 16, 1990, floodwaters The Flamingo Arroyo Trail is the first major effort in swept a woman’s car off Arville Street into Flamingo the opposite direction; instead of building impermeable Arroyo. Her body was later found in the lower level of walls between humans and the forces of nature, the the Imperial Palace parking garage, which was built to trail promises to bring people to the Arroyo, where, double as an emergency channel for Flamingo Arroyo. with increased runoff from lawn watering, lush plant That month storms caused $8.7 million in damage. communities have attracted an amazing variety of insects, crawdads, fish, birds, and animals. The Flamingo Arroyo Trail Design Plan will emphasize the natural beauty of the urban watercourse, demonstrating that nature and the built environment need not collide, but can complement one another.

Patrick Gaffey, Cultural Program Supervisor Flamingo Arroyo in a Culvert behind Ceasar’s Palace, a modern day Ganat. Clark County Department of Parks and Community Services August 2004

7 The Flamingo Arroyo Trail path, used by walkers & joggers (including wheelchairs), Due to this configuration, the trail must be separated trailheads, along with design enhancements to give this Executive Summary bicycle riders, and skaters. This type of use requires a from the channel with an approved railing. In partially trail its own specific look and identity. Some possibilities Prepared by Clark County Public Works hard surface, such as asphalt or concrete, and will be urbanized areas, and areas where the Arroyo alignment of this type of enhancement include bridge and railing 12’ wide. is rather flat and wide, the Arroyo varies in its amount enhancements, trail surface coloring and texturing, The Flamingo Arroyo Trail will be the first trail built by of natural state (generally the eastern portion of the landscaping, signage, and educational opportunities. Clark County in the urban area of the valley funded Considered a major link in the overall valley trail system, trail). This condition has a wider available corridor. The by the Southern Nevada Public Lands Management it will connect to several other future and existing trails. trail will be located more than 12’ away from the edge Tail construction will be phased from the east to the Act (SNPLMA). The trail in its ultimate configuration Most notably, it will connect to the existing US 95 of the Arroyo. This allows for maintenance vehicles to west, with the first constructed segment being from the will connect The University of Nevada, Las Vegas on the trail, proposed trails along the Las Vegas Arroyo, Sloan travel between the Arroyo and trail, and allows a more Sunrise Trailhead to the connection of a developer built west to The Las Vegas Wetlands Park on the east. This Channel, and Hollywood Blvd. to the north, and the open and natural look since railings are not trail segment, which will end at Desert Inn Road. This alignment includes over 11 miles of trail, along with up complete trail network of the Wetlands park. The trail required. construction is expected to begin in the winter 2004 to 9 “over-street” and 3 “over Arroyo” bridges. passes through several distinct neighborhoods, and / spring 2005. Other segments will be constructed as near many schools, parks, and other public facilities. The first phase limits are Pecos-McLeod to The approved designs and funding become available. From west to east, the trail will generally follow the Wetlands Park. The required funding is being supplied Tropicana Arroyo, the Flamingo Arroyo, and the Las The condition of the trail environment, while consistently by 4 SNPLMA requests. Three are for construction Joseph A. Glick, Principal Engineering Technician, Vegas Arroyo. It will pass through the proposed Sunrise following Arroyoes, will vary. In the most urbanized areas purposes and amount to $9,800,000. One request is Department of Public Works, Clark County, Trailhead and continue to the northwest area of the (generally the western portion of the trail), the Arroyo for trail amenities in the amount of $2,500,000. August 2004 Wetlands Park. has been reconstructed as vertical wall or trapezoidal wall concrete channels. With a limited corridor width, The amenities funding was requested to provide trail The “trail” is considered a “multi-use”, non-motorized the trail will double as the channel maintenance road. support items such as benches, shade structures and

Arroyo in urbanized area with trapezoidal concrete wall Arroyo in a natural state

8 Why Artists?

As artists we bring an alternate view of aesthetics and the environment to the planning process. Our goal for this Flamingo Arroyo Plan is to merge planning concepts with a unique aesthetic and a conservation and sustainability view. Our goal is to emphasize place through aesthetics and sustainability. The City of Las Vegas, historically, has hosted visual experiences from around the globe. Our intent, as artists, is to highlight the unique characteristics that pre-historically have shaped the geography and the natural environment, and to concentrate on these elements as an artistic expression. This goes beyond mere expressions of landscape or planning issues. As artists our intent is to develop an aesthetic throughout the trail that involves shape, color, form and texture, creating a LIVING ARROYO deeply rooted in place.

Cartesian overlay, civil engineering revealed. A graphic application of technical information applied to the concrete surfaces of the channelized Flamingo Arroyo. Application of painted graphics would be located at viewpoints where the city street grid bridges overlook the Arroyo.

Concreted channel with some signs of wildlife Flamingo Arroyo where it reappears east of the strip, Audrie Street

9 Flamingo Arroyo Trail Storyline It is our intention to create a Master Plan trail design that follows this concept of passage through In many ways, the site of the Flamingo Arroyo time. The trail design, including the many integrated trail system, emerging near the famous Las Vegas artworks and functional amenities will reflect some strip and winding it’s way Southeast towards the of the significant elements that have defined the recently completed Wetlands Park, reflects the Arroyo overtime. This is meant to create a greater multi-layered and colorful history of this unique sense of place for residents and visitors to this urban desert environment community. site.

Using the Artist’s Mission Statement as the The themes that will express the story of the Arroyo foundation, we wish to explore this rich history will be expressed in terms of visual “zones” that a by creating artwork that is relevant and meaningful user would travel through from end to end. The to this extensive site, and both innovative and zones can be described as creating a visual story functional to its visitors. It is our intention to line in terms of the environmental and community’s represent visually and conceptually, the essence present and past, visually developed to include of the area’s history and surrounding desert the modern influence of the spectacular urban environment through a cohesive approach to the environment of the Las Vegas strip at the City’s trail’s design. core and reaching back as far as the indigenous Moapa Paiute Indians who once thrived here when The entire length of the Flamingo Arroyo’s trail the Arroyo was in its natural state, represented by system design can be seen as a visual expression of the landscape and raw desert at the Wetlands Park the Arroyo’s evolution through time, reflecting the area. various stages that represent the area’s local history. Because water only flows downhill, the city core Specific design opportunities that we have identified will be a visual and historical reference and starting include native landscaping, trail materials including texture and color, trailhead designs for specific point for this trail concept. The Wetland Park will Historic Persian Water Garden, Circa 1100 AD be a conceptual destination point and represent focal points along thesite, pedestrian bridge designs the oldest history in our visual development. and enhancements, lighting, and oases sites. The flow of the Arroyo’s water itself can be seen metaphorically as movement and passage through There exists a global commonality with other time. cultures who also share a desert existence. These include the social, technological and aesthetic As if travelling through time, the users of the trail approaches from past to present, rural to urban. will be able to experience many of the significant We must consider a regional approach to the influences that have shaped this continually Mojave Desert which includes its history, ecology growing metropolis, while at the same time able and economy. to contemplate the Arroyo’s vital and multifaceted significance to the community at large, from the The continuum is the Arroyo, the trail, the water past to the present. entering and flowing along the Arroyo, the habitat, the built edge encroachment, the plantings, the irrigation ditches and small waterways.

10 Trail Design Principles 8. Introduce solar vault toilet systems 9. Provide solar lighting along the trail A. Return to values that emphasize the harmony of humans and the natural E. Social Engagement - The role of the public environment - emphasis on the value of in this project. Ongoing meetings with the the natural environment within an urban community to update them on the plan so they context (preservation/restoration) to include will be involved, maybe every three months. models and cultural solutions from ancient and 1. Adopt a park, start on a neighborhood by contemporary hyper-arid regions of the earth. neighborhood basis and let the edges meet in their time. B. Waterway Restoration 2. Create a presents where Flamingo Arroyo crosses under the “strip”. Create a design C. Restoration of Wildlife Habitat which can accommodate future infill 1. The re-introduction of native plantings as by community involvement; design that habitat for endangered birds as species accommodates change and is dynamic in traverse from one oasis/plaza to the next nature. along the Arroyo. 3. Engage the public in the dialogue and 2. Create spaces and structures that attract process of creating the trail. birds to the Arroyo and encourage bird 4. Create opportunities for the public to have watching. “hands on” types of experiences in the 3. Plaza and oasis plantings which replace “sculpting” of the Arroyo trail. habitat lost in the channelized Arroyo. 5. Create an atmosphere that encourages and 4. Create tree lined arbors along the trail that emphasizes community pride and ownership. provide shade. F. History of the Arroyo D. Sustainability 1. Global respective 1. Strive for LEAD certification on design and 2. Historical Geology and climatic perspective construction 3. Early relationships, to the Arroyo. 2. Low impact solar lighting. 4. The Arroyo at Flamingo Casino (its 3. Capture gray water from washing machines namesake and why) for landscaping/diversion 5. Urban sprawl and land-use practices 4. Gray water for landscaping needs. 6. Perversity of interventionism 5. Passive energy designs 7. Create artwork that is inspired by and 6. Incorporating recycling materials pays homage to the early inhabitants of the 7. Solar golf carts as part of the maintenance Arroyo. fleet. 8. Create artwork that emphasizes place

Flamingo Arroyo Trail: A serpentine journey counter to the Desert Hackberry Tree, although non-native, is very drought city grid. An inviting meander of shade, habitat and ameni- tolerant and would provide excellent shade for human beings ties linked by trailheads and oases dynamic in design and and a new green habitat for wildlife. engagement.

11 G. Conveyances Of Gray And Nuisance Water Along The Flamingo Arroyo Trail As the LIVING ARROYO meanders its way through the urban fabric it becomes a recipient of excess urban water runoff. This water is called “nuisance water.” This readily available supply could become an important interim irrigation source, to be used in irrigating Trailhead Groves and episodic Oases along the trail. In time, this “nuisance water” supply will decrease as water sources continue to diminish. An as yet untapped and dependable source of Deep Springs Dryer, NV Flexible pipe system in use Walk-in-well at Papago village, Genoa, NV Concrete lined irrigation ditch Poso Verde, Sonora recyclable water is the vast amounts of gray water generated by businesses and residences The signiﬁcance of the community nurturing is which could replace and sustain the Flamingo civic amenity with their grey water presents an Arroyo habitats of the oases and trailheads. important inter-dependent relationship we must In some cases the conveyance used to deliver learn when living in this hyper-desert with its lim- “nuisance water” could be retro-ﬁtted to carry ited water resources gray water. Homes and businesses adjacent to the trail could direct their washing machine and shower water into sources such as when cleaning out swimming pools, into a collection and dispersal system along the trail. The whole system would be designed to be gravity fed.

The design of the urban gray water collection system, the needed storage cisterns and the approach to creating irrigation water ‘features’ would draw from a rich history of irrigation practices globally and regionally, and provide another theme to the story line ribbon. Celebrating these techniques can be educational and engaging. Our models will include those irrigation practices seen at Las Vegas Ranch, the Pioneer Irrigation System, Genoa, NV community system still in use in Genoa, NV, classic examples from ancient Persia and the latest technological approach of this day. Flamingo Arroyo Conﬂuence: a network of neighborhood social and ecological connections gathering recycled water, nurturing a promenade of civic proportions Piped irrigation system, Deep Springs Dryer, NV

12 Trail Design Overview Oases Each Oasis is similar to the Trailhead Grove, The LIVING ARROYO manifests itself in the responding to smaller design guidelines and combination of elements along the entire Flamingo response to neighborhood and trail user needs, Arroyo Trail including the episodic occurences at but smaller in size and amenities provided. The trailheads and oases, thus providing a cohesive Oasis creates a dependable rhythm to the journey design to the entire trail system. and a refuge from it. Like the groves, the oases supports a theme to the episodic journey and can Trailheads embrace a variety of planting approaches, such Trailheads will be designed to serve as both as orchards, date palms groves and indigenous a neighborhood destination amenity and as a landscapes comprising of Desert Hackberry, departure point for Flamingo Arroyo Trail users. Mesquite and Desert Willow. The scale also enables a community to “adopt-an-oasis” as an extension Aesthetically and functionally, each trailhead site will of their community and as a linkage to adjacent provide a shaded grove for habitat and humanity. communities and their adopted oasis. This is an Amenities could include parking, lighting, restroom important community building mechanism and facilities, bicycle facilities, drinking fountains, water fosters stewardship and respect along the Arroyo features (possibly from the irrigation system), Trail. railings and picnic enhancements. Bridge Design By providing distinctive bridge designs, the motorist A water course in Persia Salt River watershed, study of meanders for trail design Each trailhead will contribute to a historic approach, referencing a combination of regional based residents of Las Vegas will begin to “connect history, ecology and a global approach to living in the dots” as the meander of the green Arroyo predominant desert conditions. The social intent develops. Combined with the trailheads and Oases, of the trailhead is to provide a place of rest, or the design will lure the citizen from the car to the of destination or departure, depending upon the trail. user.

Groves Groves of trees will provide much needed shade along the trail. These tree-clusters could respond to the adjacent neighborhod land use patterns and exemplify sustainable practices such as active and passive solar designs.

Arizona’s Lake Powell has lost nearly 60 percent of its water, making some boat ramps useless (NY Times)

13 Design Elements Stabilizer Solutions Inc. Phoenix, Arizona. This product is an eco-friendly alternative to All design elements will be guided by the following asphalt or concrete. The product is available trilogy: history, native issues, and indigenous in a variety of colored aggregates. Product materials. is easily repaired by mixing with water and recompacting. Material has good potential A. TRAIL as a way to create patterns in the walkway. 1. Color - naturally occurring sands and light Product is less expensive than a polymer gravels based binder material. 2. Material - natural 3. Natural Pavement Resin Binder. Stabilized 3. Texture - natural and varied crushed stone trail material with polymer 4. Pattern Language - trail design responds resin binder. Product supplied by Soil to the fluvial landforms, and current sand Stabilization Products Company Inc. Merced, formations California. This hard resin and aggregate trail 5. The trail concept consists of a meandering material is another alternative to asphalt or path (where possible) composed of sections concrete. Product comes in many different of colored aggregate, defined by a water colored aggregates. Material is supposed to pattern motif that resembles the water be able to handle heavy equipment traffic marks left behind in a desert Arroyo after it although their have been reports of it rains. cracking. Proper sub base preparation and engineering are key to avoid cracking in Trail between backwaters of Lake Mead, Overton, NV The color of the trail will set the tone for the any case. Product is expensive. Product has entire Flamingo Arroyo Trail project. While it is been said to break down from UV sunlight understood that maintainenance vehicles will exposure. Material is expensive to repair. be driving on portions of the trail and that any Currently in use at the Las Vegas Springs material used must support the weight of these Preserve. vehicles, it is paramount that the color and surface 4. Asphalt with colored aggregate rolled into of the trail also be pedestrian-friendly. the top surface.

Trail color to match with the tan local soil color Asphalt should not be used on this trail. The black color will generate too much heat and will render the trail unusable for most pedestrians for approximately six months of the year.

The following trail materials are recommended: 1. Exposed aggregate concrete. 2. Stabilized earth with colored aggregate over a six inch bed of compressed, crushed stone. Stabilized crushed stone trail material with organic binder. Product supplied by Study for public/private access along Flamingo Wash Images to be created in aggregate along the trail

14 B. TRAILHEADS/PLAZAS AND EPISODIC 6. Tree groves and arbors. OASES (Located at increments between 7. Ramadas designed based upon natural trailheads) structures found within desert Arroyos. 1. Each plaza could have a theme. 8. Create shade structure designs based upon 2. Determine locations. the magniﬁed leaf pattern of a Cottonwood 3. Consider zoning and multi-use at trailhead tree leaf. areas. 4. Plaza/trail/bridge interrelationship. E. RAILINGS / WALLS / BARRIERS 5. Amenity package to include shade structures, drinking fountains, restrooms, picnic and F. ACCESS FROM NEIGHBORHOODS seating, and interpretive/community postings. 1. Create entries (security may be a design 6. Trailheads shall serve as prominent focal consideration). points where artwork is integrated into the 2. Enhance entries where street ends in front entire design. of the Arroyo right of way. 7. Trailhead locations will include various 3. Create the “plumbing” for social nodes amenities such as restrooms, shade (community picnic areas) and work with structures, information areas, benches, them to develop the design. signage, and drinking fountains. Nurseries transformed into oasis planters lift shade of native shrubs, support catenary light/irrigation poles, and seating. Concrete planters are designed to brace against the ﬂow of high water. C. OASES 1. Placement locations between trail heads. 2. Function / amenities. 3. Immediate neighborhood node/ “community grove”. 4. Restrooms. 5. Solar vault toilet system. 6. Community composting.

D. SHADE Traditional native shade structure 1. Provided by plantings. 2. Incorporated into any structures required (bridges) 3. Construct taller south side walls to provide shade to trail. 4. Fabricate shade structures based on native structures and natural ﬂuvial forms. 5. Create a trellis shade structure that pays homage to the Paiute Indians basketry used for the collection of water.

Shade screen pattern

15 G.SIGNAGE 1. Durable and unaffected by ultraviolet degradation. 2. Clear and readable. 3. Multi-layered. 4. Refrain from design clichés.

H. GRAFITTI AND VANDALISM PREVENTION 1. Use materials that are maintanence-free and durable, such as unpainted weathering steel. 2. Natural stone which could be sealed if necessary for grafﬁti prevention. 3. Create open spaces that discourage unwanted loitering.

I. BRIDGES Continental Bridge Systems Clark County has chosen to use prefabricated Continental Bridge Systems Continental Bridge Systems bridge systems for the eight road crossings throughout the trail. These truss systems should be enhanced visually with added design elements that emphasize the Clark County, Nevada unique visual and natural environment.

Prefabricated bridge over Lake Las Vegas

Future bridge and trailhead location at conﬂuence of Sloan Channel Trail and Flamingo Arroyo Trail

16 Spine Bridge Bow Truss structure to span Boulder Highway, Thorns on bridge evoke the multifunctional structure of the spine typically found on arid land plants which serve as protection, cooling and conservation of resources. The cast concrete piers evoke the interior rib structure of plants unique to the desert region.

Three-dimensional perforated metal lighting element

Detail showing bowstring truss system and lighting element relationship

Detail, showing sandstone pier pattern for Detail, showing sandstone pier pattern for ‘Approach A’ ‘Approach B’

17 Willow Bridge The concept behind this art integrated bridge design is inspired by the water vessel basketry that was commonly made and used for water collection and transportation by the Paiute people. The concept represents the imagery of two large scale water vessels spanning across a bridge structure. The tilted water vessels create a shady canopy that casts it’s shadow upon the bridge’s walkway. The image of water ﬂowing out of the vessels could be Kevin S. Berry © 2004 achieved through the use of a water pattern design in the pathway’s trail material composition.

Flamingo Wash Gabion Wall The designs for the bridge and entry ramp are Willow branches. Local Paiute Indians made use of this common desert Arroyo material to create various utilitarian inspired by both the indigenous people’s use of objects and structures. “Survival Arts of the Primitive paiutes” willow branches as a primary material to create by Margaret M. Wheat their basketry and shelters, as well as the use of gabion of gabion retention walls in some areas along the Arroyo. A series of rock ﬁlled rebar support columns representing the gathering of willow branches and “woven” rebar fence railings create a grand entryway leading up to the bridge.

18 Cottonwood Tree Leaf Bridge Fence/Railing Concept Cottonwood Tree groves are commonly found One possible conceptual approach to designing along the banks of streams and Arroyoes throughout fence or railing barriers would pay homage to the the Southwest desert region providing shady relief woven materials techniques used in Paiute basketry. from the sun for both humans and animals. The This concept offers an alternative to common concept generated for this art integrated bridge fence and railing design and would serve as one of design both pays respect to the regional historical the many cohesive artistic elements contributing signiﬁcance of the Cottonwood Tree and celebrates to creating a sense of place within the community the architectural nature of its shade producing Arroyo. leaves. The concept for integrating artwork into the bridge involves creating a shady canopy through a series of large scale metal Cottonwood Tree leaves. The magniﬁed vein pattern of the leaves are revealed through the cut out metal foliage. Sunlight trickles through the overlapping leaf composition creating a map like shadow pattern across the bridge’s pedestrian walkway. Kevin S. Berry © 2004 Kevin S. Berry © 2004

Cottonwood Leaf Shade Structure And Mesquite Seed Pod Bench Shade structures are another important pubic amenity that offer an excellent opportunity for creating artwork into the trail project. This Community Trail Entryway Concept concept incorporates the Cottonwood tree leaf One possible concept for a community portal canopy idea used for the previously shown bridge visually represents a woven Paiute infant cradle structure into a smaller scale ramada and seating board. The image of the cradle board both area. These rest areas would provide relief from symbolically pays respect to Paiute basketry and the sun and could be placed at intermittent conceptually serves as a metaphor for the passage locations along the length of the trail. The bench into another world. The woven rebar archway and design beneath the leaf canopy is inspired by the gate convey an organic form representing the willow historical signiﬁcance of the mesquite tree seed branches utilized in making the cradle board.The pods as a primary food source for the indigenous entryway could be aesthetically enhanced through people of the region. The sculptural bench could desert landscaping, a colorful trail material design be made of cast concrete. and artistic wall treatment. Kevin S. Berry © 2004 Kevin S. Berry © 2004

19 Pedestrian Bridges Desert Inn Road Bridge The pragmatic prefabricated bridge design ap- There are two possible approaches for the bridge proach to the eight proposed pedestrian bridges alignment at Desert Inn Road. One is shorter and is a historical approach often seen in the west. The requires one span, the other approach is longer, utilitarian Pratt Truss bridge, a prefabricated bridge and requires two spans although this alignment used extensively by the railroads around the turn may present less of an easement issue for support of the century, sets the tone for the prefabricated structures. This longer route takes advantage of a bridges being considered for the Flamingo Arroyo triangular bit of property which could be developed Trail highway crossings. From the pedestrian point as a mini trail head or Oasis. Like with the other of view there are lookouts from the cargo tower’s proposed bridges, the cargo containers provide bridge and ramps down onto the Arroyo and out an adaptable armature for supporting the bridge over the county. as well as providing space for amenities retail, community sheds view overlooks and stairwell As a contemporary compliment, the readily available access. Studies for two ways to Bridge Desert Inn Road and relatively inexpensive cargo containers provide the vertical support for the bridges and ramps. Their structural characteristics enable a variety of applications including the ramp itself. It may be that a steel ramp is preferred to an earth ﬁll ramp which is more costly, requires more space and or walls, and blocks views. These cargo containers set on end become the columns for the bridge, the stairwell for street access to the bridge and space for public facilities, venders or community storage.

This bridge design approach is intended to be a cost effective use of off the shelf bridge trusses and cargo container structures. Cargo containers are designed for structural loading in excess of what will be required in this application. If necessary, additional structural supports could be added. When bridge locations coincide with trailhead plazas, the cargo containers could be used as bike rental shops, iced tea cafés, restrooms, and storage facilities complimenting the trailhead programming.

20 Boulder Highway Bridge The Boulder Highway bridge consists of two prefabricated spans connected at the highway medium and supported by stacked containers spread to resist lateral forces. The container support columns at the west sidewalk are placed below the bridge due to space restrictions (further dramatizing the ﬂexibility of the system). This is one of the most visible bridge “gateways” along the trail system and provides an important opportunity to reveal the existence of the trail and invite its discovery.

Lamb Boulevard Pedestrian Bridge (see also Lamb Boulevard Trailhead, pg.28) This bridge serves to connect a neighborhood with its public school as well as providing a safe crossing for the Flamingo Arroyo Trail over a busy city street. The cargo support columns for the bridge and ramps could provide stairwell access as well as facilities and amenities. Consider an Studies of bridge at Boulder Highway educational component to this trailhead to relate to the adjacent school.

21 J. ADDITIONAL ELEMENTS FOR DESIGN CONSIDERATION

Solar Lighting Solar pannels double as reﬂectors, LED lights (battery storage is an issue).

Solar Golf Carts

Solar Golf Cart Exchanger Drinking Fountains Exchanger Fountain, 1993 A drinking fountain Composting Toilets cooled by gray water. The gray water also waters native willow tree. Picnic Amenities (BBQ pits, tables, sinks) Anaheim, CA.

Solar Cookers (In the shape of Hoover Dam) with siltation strata projections on back side.

Tufa Cool Haus An enclosed shade structure with tufa ﬁlled gabion walls and a water drip system could function like a walk in swamp cooler, providing a cooling rest spot during the heat of the summer day. An optional shape could be in the form of an igloo built of tufa block or recycled air conditioners.

Public toilet with one way mirrored surface exterior, London Patron has a view outside

Solar Lighting Studies

Solar Powered Archimedes screw Public Toilet Study

22 Benches And Amenities Trail amenities such as benches, tables, seating walls, and planters could be constructed of materials found along the Flamingo Arroyo Trail. River stone, discarded sandstone, concrete slabs and building components could provide a cost effective substrate to build upon. As the trail grows in popularity, the material palette would transform to a civic level of detail.

Bench possibilities using native materials Landscaping Possibilities The Trailheads and Oases along the trail should be planted as soon as possible through various approaches such as community plantings, county civic nurseries, or possibly private/public nurseries. The readily available source of “nuisance water” present, ﬂowing in the Arroyo, could provide an interim irrigation source until a more dependable system is established. The irrigation system design should allow an integrated transition from the temporary water source to the permanent source. The nature of gray water may require a below grade irrigation system, otherwise the more transparent the irrigation infrastructure, the better. A natural cleansing system such as the “green machine” Concrete landﬁll recycled for amenity elements Natural rock wall Sandstone would allow a transparent system while using gray water. This water scrubbing system would also provide habitat and water features along the trail.

Landscaping studies

Nursery

23 Palette Of Materials material and its use throughout the trail will create a very striking visual line that tells the story of the It is the goal of this plan to lay out a palette of earth in this place. materials which will create a unified look throughout the trail. This palette is seen as a visual element Aggregates used in the path will reflect the color that will strengthen the themes described in the of native stones. Local River Rock could be used in plan. The pallette will emphasize the connection smaller amounts for special areas and for accent. of the trail to its place. The goal of the palette is to call attention to regional colors and textures FOUND MATERIALS through the use of specified materials consistently As the Arroyo is cleaned out, many objects which throughout the trail design. are relics of our civilization will be found, such as glass items, metal items, plastic items, ceramic THE PALETTE items. Taken individually, these objects are perhaps The elements on the pallet of materials include not so interesting. However, used collectively, for Glass, Concrete, Unpainted Steel, Painted Steel example, embedded in a concrete wall, it is possible and Plastic, River Rock, Boulders and Sand, to make a very interesting visual statement about Adobe, Caliche, Red Sandstone, plus the trail our civilization in this time and era. These items stone material. become part of a recycling public art project and will be used along the trail in locations where they PLANTS are found. Plant materials will consist of Desert Hackberry, Cottonwood trees, native Mesquite trees and These objects of varied material will be used in Prickly Pear. In addition to the trees, shrub material concrete walls or as wall adornments, or assembled will be chosen based on low water tolerance and as works of art along the trail. color. A range of greens from the deeper green of Lake Mead slopes west - native flora the Desert Hackberry tree, to the much grayer The palette will be influenced by shapes, colors green of the Sage Brush will emphasize this range and textures of historic objects that were used for of green that is unique to desert regions. living in this high-desert.

STONE Native Stones are the preferred stone for use. Stone could be used in retaining walls, as tables and benches, or simply in boulder form for seating. The sandstone quarried by Las Vegas Rock in Henderson is a good local material and perfect for this range of use.

Caliche is found in abundance and can be used in the same manner as the stone, for buttressing soil and creating retaining walls. Caliche is a native Portable landscape nursery business becomes community landscape

24 CONCRETE Concrete will be used by the County Core of En- gineers to cement the Arroyo in some locations and thus it becomes a highly visual element of the entire trail. Other ways of using concrete along the trail are as described above, retaining walls embedded with found objects or retaining walls with exposed local color aggregate.

Quite a lot of broken up concrete has been dumped into the Arroyo over the last decade. Instead of hauling this concrete to the dump, this material could be ground up and used as aggregate, used as rip wrap, used in gabions, or used as Caliche in retaining walls.

UNPAINTED STEEL All fabricated steel items, such as ramadas, bridges, ramps, etc, if possible, will be unpainted steel, and sealed. The use of steel in this form, throughout the trail, in various design forms, will create a uniﬁed Concrete will be used by the core of the engineers on some of the channeling and on some retaining walls. Exposed aggregate concrete look allowing for a wide range of design variation.

All steel to be the color of rust, in keeping with the continental bridge colors which will be used for the eight bridges throughout the project.

Rust colored, perforated metal

25 Native Stone Palette

Cache of building rubble Retaining wall, galvanized steel, rock Flexible irrigation pipe

Native river stone work Sandstone Concrete rubble Stone

River stone gabions Native stone wall Locally crafted red sandstone tables Gabion walls

26 Ocotillo Palo Verde Willow Blue Agave Historic Cottonwood

Native Plant and Arid Region Palette

Prickly Pear

Sotol Mesquite grove Desert Hackberry Desert Hackberry’s unique trunk

27 Planning Considerations LAMB BOULEVARD TRAILHEAD The triangle of land on the west side of Lamb TRAILHEAD AT PECOS-MCCLEOD Boulevard provides a landing for one of the The Pecos-McCleod Trailhead may be one of the proposed pedestrian bridges, the possibility of first to be designed and will be a focus during limited parking spaces and a landscaped trail head design development. The segment of the trail which with limited amenities. The section of the Arroyo departs the trailhead heading northeast, following between Lamb and Nellis Boulevard is to remain the Flamingo Arroyo down river, constitutes the in its natural state, and may provide one of the scope of trail design at this point. The connection first demonstration projects enlisting community of the future trail up the arroyo (to the south west) involvement. The adjacent middle school should is under consideration with a number of design consider the Flamingo Arroyo as an extension of issues to be resolved. Present thinking is to join their curriculum by engaging with the ecology, these two segments of the trail with an underpass habitat and civic actions, to capitalize on the beneath the existing highway bridge. For now Arroyo as a learning laboratory. A secure portal the focus will be on the Trailhead and trail to the from the school grounds to the trail provide easy northeast with improvements to include amenities, access and could also become a point of entry and parking and adjacent private property interfaces. departure for students using the pedestrian bridge and trail. Two large tracks of land remain to be developed adjacent the trailhead site. It is recommended DESERT ROSE GOLF COURSE, that there is a coordinated design effort by the FLAMINGO ARROYO TRAIL private development to embrace the potential of Recommendation For Trail To Go Through This a shared amenity. Flex time parking, eyes on the Golf Course. park, redirecting gray water to supply the grove landscape, and ‘dark sky’ lighting approaches are It is recognized that the neighbors are not some of the enhancements which could increase enthusiastic at this time, about running the trail the value and quality of both the private and public through the golf course. Many older residents have realm. lived around this course for many years. However, this is a public course and public land. In order The Grove would consist of the planting of large not to interfere with golfing activities and yet Cartesian grid adjustment with the meander of the Flamingo Arroyo Arroyo - employing the grid to create passageways and shade trees, perhaps scions of the old cottonwoods allow pedestrians on the trail to continue through gateways, unifying the site. presently growing adjacent the arroyo nearby the golf course, a way must be found to satisfy all marked as “habitat zone”. This heritage grove parties concerned. reinforces the historicity of native landscapes and early farming settlements. The following recommendation makes use of concrete golf cart road would be widened by 4’, the path would be created. Pedestrians would the existing golf cart concrete path which would and an 8’ arbor would be built over the concrete cross Nellis and get onto the golf cart path inside Visioning workshops will be conducted to assess serve all citizens and become a multi modal path path. Entrances would be maintained through the the trellis which would lead them to the other side the aspirations and needs of this trail head as both through the golf course. A new trail through the arbor to allow golf cards to go in and out through of the golf course. a regional and neighborhood asset. golf course would not be built. Instead the current the path. In this manner much needed shade along

28 Projects upon creation of a trail with amenities in a timely place to create some doors from the residential would have to take place in order to create the fashion for the following reasons: units to the Arroyo, thus providing a direct amenity trail. DEMONSTRATION PROJECT for these residential complexes. It is the goal of this plan to immediately embark a) There is no plan by the Clark County Flood e) A new middle school is being constructed on upon a demonstration project that would involve Control District to concrete the sides of the c) This would be a very good testing ground the East side of Lamb Blvd., and a trail along the the community in many of the suggestions of the Arroyo. The Flamingo Arroyo in this section has for community involvement. Knowing that the Arroyo and park would be a terrific new asset for plan as well as serve as a “laboratory” for some of a very nice gradual slope from the bank to the waterway would be restored with a trail and children living in these residenial complexes to the ideas that are outlined in this master plan. Arroyo. Some plant life can be observed and in fact shade trees and a small plaza area, it is hopeful use on their way home. It is hoped that some some wildlife such as a variety of birds, including that members of these residential units would projects relating to the Flaming Arroyo restoration The section of the Flamingo Arroyo trail that is best ducks, have been observed in this section. participate in Arroyo clean up. This would have to could be initiated in the middle school to get the suited for this demonstration event is the section be the first phase of the demonstration project. community involved in this project. along the Arroyo between Lamb Blvd. and Nellis. b) This section of the Arroyo is flanked on both This particular stretch has a lot of qualities about sides by residential/apartment units with large walls, d) The banks of the Flamingo Arroyo along the it that would lend itself to immediately embarking walling the Arroyo out. This would be a perfect subdivisions are flat and very little earth moving

29 HERITAGE NURSERY A nursery should be established to propogate scions of signiﬁcant trees of the regions history and ecology. Included on this list are scions, historic cottonwoods from Las Vegas Springs and Sunset Part, any survivors from the original orchards of the valley and endangered indigenious ﬂora and fauna. Telling the story of a particular plant fosters an oral history and respect for the landscape. Analyzing the DNA of a tree’s lineage could provide additional historical information. This nursery could be sited along the Arroyo and contribute to the demonstration component.

When the trees mature enough to be transplanted, a ceremony with a community planting would be encouraged to foster stewardship for the future care of these specimens. Seeds could be started as soon as able.

Persian planting of tree Ceremonial Planting of the First Tree in Las Vegas, 1911

Scattering of native seeds as a performance art piece

Heritage Cottonwoods In Sunset Park

30 Community Participation d. Connectivity between private and public, C. Long Term Projects include growing the various plants used in doorways in the wall 1.Oral History Project Paiute medicine by the tribe and community A. Projects Involving the Community 5. Volunteer groups of neighbors from Trails of Flamingo Arroyo: An ongoing oral at large, possibly in coordination with the 1. Immediate. communities and subdivisions adjacent to history project relating to the Flamingo Nursury Project and horticulturalist. 2. Create a nursery at one of the Clark the trail could be organized to clean up Arroyo would be an interesting avenue to 4. Bird House Building Project County Parks. This project will involve their section of the trail. This could be a explore. The Arroyo has historically been a A collaboration workshop with high school the collection of native Cottonwood 2-hour clean up session once a month, early significant waterway and perhaps there are or middle school students creating various seed and other native plant seed and the Saturday mornings. Special areas for garbage stories relating to the Arroyo that could be types of bird houses to be installed in starting of a nursery to create seedlings will be designed and incorporated into the recorded and documented in some form. various places along the trail. The project that will be planted along the trail in the flamingo Arroyo trail plan. This project could be carried out by a local could also include college art, architecture future. This project would involve Clark 6. Consult with the new middle school historian. or industrial design students from UNLV. The County botanists, landscape personnel, adjacent the canal for design and program 2. Adopt a Trail Project project could also be a part of the Nursury and maintenance people. A Flamingo opportunities. This is a standard national program of which Project. Idea #1: Grow gourds to be used Arroyo volunteer horticulture group Flamingo Arroyo could become a part and as bird houses. Idea #2: Create bird houses could be initiated requesting folks from B.Middle Range Projects could be initiated through Clark County from cast off garbage materials collected the community to volunteer their time in 1. Garbage Project. Parks Dept where a specific service group from the Arroyo. maintaining this nursery. 2. T-shirts – High school design competition adopts a part of Flamingo Arroyo and works 3. Arroyo clean-up. for T-shirt promoting the restoration of the on a monthly basis to keep the trail clean D. Media Promotion Projects 4. Laboratory (section of canal not to be Flamingo Arroyo and Trail. from garbage, graffiti, pollution, etc. The 1. Television Promotion contained) 3. Demonstration Project national model will be further explored. 2. Billboards (Flamingo Casino Billboard?) a. Test trail surfacing material. Because the trail will take three to five years 3. Healing Garden Project b. Develop alternative erosion devises where to build, it would be a good idea to find a An educational project that explores the erosion occurs (gabions). location adjacent to neighborhoods that are various uses of native vegetation cultivated c. Develop a prototype for capturing walled out where some of these ideas could by the Native American Paiute Indian tribe adjacent residential gray water to establish immediately take place on a smaller scale. in curing various ailments. The project would a prototype oasis.

31 Conclusions

THE POWER OF PLACE The development of a pedestrian and bicycle trail along the Flamingo Arroyo is a unique opportunity for Clark County to reclaim one its most important assets, a waterway that ﬂows through many neighborhoods, a diverse population, and a variety of micro-environmental zones. In the southwest, Arroyos provide the corridors connecting places. The Flamingo Arroyo Trail Project is an exceptional opportunity to re-establish the importance of place in the Las Vegas Valley. This place, envisioned as a lush corridor in a dry desert, will provide a unique opportunity to return wildlife to the valley as well as re-establish native species in this dry place. The reclamation of this space as a “place” for the community to reconnect with the Las Vegas Valley native environment and to re-establish a bond with its own community is an opportunity to re-establish a regional identity. Waiting along Las Vegas Creek for the Las Vegas site to open, Persian Water Passage, Pre-Mughal era May 1905

Las Vegas historic swimming pool Persian Water Passage, Mughal era

32 Appendix 4. What types of wildlife have you encountered along the 6. “Clean, but leave all natural growth.” Arroyo? 7. “Keeping it as close to its natural state as possible.” SURVEY RESULTS Birds Chipmunks 8. “Keeping the natural wildlife.” Flamingo Arroyo Public Art Master Plan Frogs Lizards 9. “Trails, leaving it as natural as possible. Remove trash and cement.” Flamingo Arroyo, Clark County, NV Toads Cranes 10. “Clean up the garbage!” Fish Salamanders 11. “Clean up the construction debris.” Following are the results of a written survey completed by a group of community Roadrunners (lots) Butterflies 12. “Do not add more concrete.” members who attended the information gathering meeting, to introduce the None Cats 13. “Usability.” artists to the community along Flamingo Arroyo at the Winchester Center, Ducks Button Quail 14. “Minimize concreting.” Las Vegas, NV, on June 8, 2004. Subsequently 500 survey questionnaires were Doves Horny Toad 15. “A mosquito-free, non-smelling waterway, maintenance free art.” mailed to residents in proximity to the Flamingo Arroyo along the eight miles Fish, before it was dredged out Bugs & Dragonflies 16. “Plant trees, shade trees.” of proposed trails. A total of 68 surveys were returned. Black (Dobars?) 17. “Natural environment.” Rats Mice 18. “Public Safety, x4” 1. Do you live along the Flamingo Arroyo? Y/N Snakes Spiders 19. “Trails and beautiful, serene, park-like environment for enjoying nature.” 28 people live along, and 2 very near the Flamingo Arroyo. Cicadas Rabbits 20. “Bird watching – preserve original, open space.” Coyotes Turtles 21. “Somewhere for people to meet.” 2. Do you currently use the Arroyo in any form? Y/N Quail Waterfowl/Amphibians 22. “Leave it alone.” 13 people responded positively that they used the Arroyo in some way. Red Tail Hawks Algae 23. “Benches to rest, shade shelters, maybe picnic facilities.” 24 said no. 24. “I do not necessarily agree that it should be turned into public space.” “I live four blocks away, and do not use the Arroyo as it is difficult to access.” “I used to see frogs, fish, crabs and ducks before the concrete came!” 25. “I need more info re: planning.” “Many species of birds, a few mammals over the years of watching, some of 26. “Parks.” 3. Would you use the trail system along the Arroyo as a place to do which were before all the construction in the area.” 27. “Security, safe place to walk, ride bikes.” the following: “I live east of Nellis, between Sahara and Charleston. Thirty five years ago 28. “Protecting private property.” YES NO there were lots of quail and kit foxes in our area; and on occasion I would 29. “Getting people interested in natural environment as recreation/ A. exercise: jog, walk------53 6 see a Blue Heron. Now all I see in the area are giant-tailed grackles, appreciation.” B. meditate------26 17 pigeons, dove and sparrows. If I want to see more I have to drive out 30. “Cleaning green algae in areas where concrete floor is.” C. enjoy being outdoors------56 5 to the Flamingo Arroyo. I was kept from driving the Flamingo Arroyo for 31. “Citizen patrols to keep graffiti to a minimum.” D. enjoy nature ------52 7 many years because of all the gravel truck activity. I simply was not going 32. “I think it is a waste of tax dollars or any other money. Do something E. get from one place to another---- 26 25 to compete with them. Get rid of the gravel truck activity!!!” about the water and the drought, etc.” F. look at art ------34 20 33. “Get rid of the concrete as it speeds up the water and it doesn’t clean G. play with your children ------20 29 5) In your opinion, what would be a top priority in transforming the water as cat tails, brush, trees, etc. does.” H. ride a bicycle ------28 20 ** the Arroyo into a public space? 34. “Anything, as long as it doesn’t hurt the environment” I. use a trailhead as a destination - 15 16 1. “Green Beauty.” 35. “Turning a yucky, potentially ‘dangerous’ area into something ‘nice’ and J. other (describe)------2. “Walkways with small seating areas with shade, water, restrooms.” useful.” “Enjoy quiet and birds... horseback riding... sketching... photographs... quiet 3. “Bicycle Paths.” 36. “Several entrances, access, exits, safety” places... bird watching... walk dogs” 4. “Safety of homeowners who live along the Arroyo due to foot traffic.” 37. “If would have to be user friendly, safe, pretty, and no smell!” ** H – “No. Prefer separate bike marked space. Would like to ride to end.” 5. “Not sure at this point. Save the natural places along the Arroyo if “If it were wheelchair accessible it would be a nice outing.” possible.”

33 6. Would you be interested in participating in a “hands on” 11. Do you have any interesting stories or memories you could 14. “Water quality important. Keep bacteria down - mosquito free. I really like community art project along the Arroyo? Y/N share relating to personal experiences along the Arroyo? Y/N the art aspect.” 26 yes 6 people responded that they had memories about the Arroyo. 15. “STOP CONCRETING CHANNEL NOW!” 34 no 16. “The three artists are very professional and experienced and I like their “Daily, weekly, monthly?” The following people are willing to be contacted: interesting sculptures. However, I would have liked to see a So., NV artist “No, I’m not artistic myself” Ms. Toby V. Sulenski, “For people who like birds, etc – just observations involved in this project as well.” over time.” 17. “Staging area, parking, offshoot bird (not mosquito) pond, natural springs, 7. Would you be interested in volunteering to assist in a one day Gail and David Lyons, “Incredible fun with grandchildren in the Arroyo… paint 95 overpass, access.” clean-up of the Arroyo? Y/N very special!!” 18. “ What about its function as a Arroyo? Flood plain?” 40 yes Dixie Viesca 19. “Get rid of the gravel trucks. When I go to the Flamingo Arroyo it is 24 no [email protected] to commune with nature. I remember it from 35 years ago, before the construction boom, when you could observe 200 species of birds, without 8. Considering the drought, would you support the use of washing 12. Additional Comments being run over by a double tandem gravel truck.” machine and shower water (gray water) to irrigate groves of trees 1. “Do all possible to avoid concrete!!” 20. “We have too few beautiful areas in out neighborhood and this would be along the newly created Flamingo Arroyo Trail? Y/N 2. “How about incorporating the Anasazi Indians within your designs?” a great, drivable to, addition. Problem: It might be a have for the homeless, 61 yes 3. “Sunshades must be sun proof, not open mesh. Pre-engineered bridges, thus dangerous.” 3 no etc. usually cannot support additional loads. The picture with the 21. “I used the Arroyo for science projects while in High School 1970-1974.” “Good idea, but many problems is even one source gets out of control.” beautiful shades on the bridge probably will not work.” 22. “The Arroyo runs directly behind my house. Increased foot traffic back “No, it creates moss.” 4. “Get help from Las Vegas Bicycle Club.” there impacts my privacy and safety concerns.” “I would need to understand grey water” 5. “On my walks from McCleod to Twain to Eastern the Arroyo is so 23. “Great article in Cerca – want to visit wetlands park. “No, absolutely not. You are talking about untreated water that contains a lot attractive, I stop for 10 minutes. There are Roadrunners in that area.” 24. “Do your job – need to spend money on getting more water to the Las more than washing machine and bath water.” 6. “I want to save my part of the Arroyo” – west of the Pecos-McLeod Vegas area” bridge, and a few blocks south. 25. “I have talked to Gale Frazier (Clark County Floor Control District) Many 9. If yes, do you live adjacent to the Arroyo? Y/N 7. “Please contact me. I would love to help.” Bekki Lukens (702-791- time about using the Arroyo. Since 1985 I have walked along the Arroyo. 21 yes 3639) (Tough climbing the fence! In Anchorage AK the parks are connected with 22 no 8. “Thank you for not just cementing the Arroyo between eastern & Pecos- trails for biking, skiing, etc.) What a waste of resources! His answer was “Yes, but it’s going to be concrete. I want to save my part of the Arroyo, McLeod.” liability! Post it! “Use at own risk!” Post it! Use common sense!” which is west of the Pecos-McLeod bridge, and a few blocks south.” 9. “I hope the trail will include the walking of dogs, properly posted with 26. “Walk my two dogs daily in the Arroyo basins. Don’t like the development, reminders to clean up any pet messes. Community gardens would be graffiti.” 10. Do you have any old photographs of the Flamingo Arroyo that nice too.” 27. “Our neighborhoods on this side of town are seriously lacking nice areas you could share with us? If so, please provide contact information 10. “ I was under the impression we would see models and pictures of the that Summerlin and Green Valley have in such abundance. It would be a big below. Y/N actual Arroyo with designs of a trail; not art. I suggest the artists visit the improvement.” For many years, I was run out of the Arroyo by gravel trucks (no contact info master-planned communities of Green Valley,Summerline,and Southern 28. “It is disappointing that we have no access to the nice improvements that left) Highlands.” were made in our area.” Yes, Marda Straub – see contact info in list at end of report. 11. “It is now used by construction as a dump!” One, yes - [email protected], 12. “What about graffiti? Safety? Planting?” One maybe, will check – Bobbie Ann Howell 13. “Keep channel no concrete, native planting, shade. No artificial art. Keep it natural. Use Gabien structures.”