Dayton Riverpark residents could finally get their park

Homebuyers who chose the Riverpark development in Dayton as their neighborhood were promised a park. But, so far, it has been more promise than park.

Two years ago when the development was approved, Lyon County Commissioners requested that the developer, Reynen and Bardis Communities, donate land and $50,000 for a small "pocket" park, according to county engineer Dick Faber.

Today the 2.7 acre parcel on the corner of Grassland and Daffodil that was slated for the park is a lot full of weeds, and some Riverpark residents are tired of waiting.

"When we purchased our homes, we were led to believe that a park was planned," said resident Melissa Haynes. "The park is still a dirt lot with too many weeds to count."

Faber told the Central Lyon Parks Advisory Board that he would request $100,000 from the county to augment the $50,000 from the developer to begin work on the park, even though the park does not qualify for park tax funds.

He explained that to qualify for funding under the park tax ordinance, a park needed to be at least five acres.

"We're tying to make a nice, clean, safe park," he said. "But we have to work within a budget."

Faber was at the advisory board's meeting Wednesday to hear what residents wanted in the park.

His eventual plan for the park includes landscaping and fencing, a walking trail along the circumference, a large grassy area, a gazebo between two playgrounds, one for 2- to 5-year olds and the other for 5- to 12-year-olds. But budgetary limitations mean the work will have to be done in stages, he said.

Faber estimated costs at $25,000 for one playground, $25,000 for the surrounding landscaping, $40,000 for the gazebo and second playground, $20,000 for the perimeter fence and $120,000 for the grass.

He proposed beginning with the fencing, walkway, one playground and partial grass area. Later, he said, the rest of the grass, the second playground and gazebo, barbecues and a dog area could be added.

To cut costs for fencing and limit litter getting caught in the proposed 4-foot-high chain-link fence, resident Dennis Gordon suggested putting the fence inside the exterior landscaping.

Two other parks slated to be built in the same general area include a 13.6-acre regional park in Riverpark and a 19-acre park in the proposed Aspen Creek development, off of Fort Churchill Road.

Faber said he would present the park proposal to the commissioners at their Nov. 2 meeting.

• Contact reporter Karen Woodmansee at kwoodmansee@nevadaappeal.com or 882-2111 ext. 351.