Nearby resource

Center's programs designed to meet needs of residents

Mountain Crest Neighborhood Services Center is like a stone's throw away compared to how far northwest residents would otherwise have to travel for the services and programs that the facility now offers.

"We want to make Mountain Crest more community oriented," said Kim Bush, northwest community liaison.

The center, located at 4701 N. Durango Road, is the furthest north of all community facilities and has previously been known strictly as a meeting place for homeowners associations and local government since it opened in 2001.

But the County Parks and Recreation Department-run facility has added classes and activities to its list of services for the new year.

"If we're the hub in the community, we want to provide what the community needs," said Kelly Woods, program supervisor.

The first activity planned for the new year is an Immunization Fair, scheduled from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Jan. 11. The fair will partner the facility with the Clark County Health District and is for children, adults and seniors.

All immunizations will be available, including flu shots. Prices vary and most major insurances are accepted. A battery of immunizations will cost seniors $30 without insurance.

Children's vaccines cost $16 and up and Nevada Check Up and Medicaid are free. Participants should bring shot records and insurance cards. For more information, call the health district at 759-0787 or Mountain Crest at 455-1905.

A Community Open House will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Feb. 2, which will inform the community of the additions Mountain Crest has made, as well as allow a time for residents to make suggestions for services that are needed.

"A lot of people utilize the park but they are not as aware of the building as a place for community use," said Doug Miles, recreation specialist.

One of the biggest changes this year are the classes now being offered at Mountain Crest. Courses are for children and adults and include art, sports and a floral design workshop.

Registration for the next session is in February. For a full class schedule, contact Mountain Crest of visit www.accessclarkcounty.com/parks.

"We will offer more classes based on sign up and suggestions," said Woods.

The facility still has a liaison to community government working on site to ensure residents' needs are met. Also still in place are mediation sessions. Residents of the northwest are encouraged to use this program, which is offered through the Clark County Neighborhood Justice Center.

The free sessions allow citizens who are having trouble with issues such as business, housing, money, real estate, animal complaints or land use to speak with a case manager. To make an appointment for those sessions, residents can call 455-3898.

Case managers organize a time for all parties to come together and talk about an issue. Approximately 76 percent of mediated disputes result in written agreement which are more likely to be fulfilled than court orders.

Code enforcement services also can still be handled at Mountain Crest. Forms are available to file complaints, which can be anonymous.

Activities at Mountain Crest are not only inside, but also in the surrounding park, which was voted No. 1 by the Las Vegas Review-Journal in 2001 and 2002.

The park is open to the public from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily. There are three pavilions which can be rented for birthday parties, company meetings or family reunions. The park has picnic areas, barbecues, basketball courts, a horseshoe pit, children's playgrounds and a fitness course.

For more information on any of the programs offered at Mountain Crest or to make a reservation, call 455-1905.