Red-eared slider turtles sunning themselves on rocks. That’s how our story of Craig Ranch Regional Park begins. This 170-acre park in North Las Vegas wasn’t always a haven for turtles and families.
Craig Ranch Regional Park’s story is one of transformation. It started life as the Craig Ranch Golf Course back in 1962. Lois Craig a land baroness donated the land. Years later the City of North Las Vegas saw an opportunity. Using Southern Nevada Lands Management Act funds they bought the course. They saved it from becoming another housing development. In 2009 construction began transforming the old golf course. The park opened in 2013.
The park is more than just green space. It’s a community hub. Families flock to its playgrounds. Children squeal with delight on the enormous rattlesnake slide. The sounds of laughter echo through the treehouse. Adults appreciate the skate park. The dog park allows pets to roam freely. There are also picnic areas and even a community garden. Sixty-two plots are available to rent. Each is only $150 a year.
Craig Ranch has undergone several expansions. An amphitheater seating over 8000 was added in 2015. This brought major events to the park. Think music festivals and even the Las Vegas Pride celebration. More recently in 2020 six new sports fields were added. This was thanks to a $9.5 million grant. The park also received upgrades after a severe storm damaged trees pathways and playgrounds in 2021.
The ponds at Craig Ranch Regional Park are a surprising element. They attract mallard ducks and Canada geese. But the red-eared slider turtles are a recent addition. Nobody knows exactly how they arrived. Some believe they are native turtles. Others speculate they were released pets. Regardless their presence adds to the park’s unique charm.
Craig Ranch Regional Park is more than a place to play. It’s a testament to community vision and investment. It transformed a golf course into a vibrant community space. This park offers recreation for all ages. It showcases the potential of urban renewal. It’s also a surprising habitat for unexpected wildlife. Take some time to explore this unique park. Discover its beauty and its story for yourself.