The city of Las Vegas plans to begin a $1.3 million park improvement project at the northwest corner of Tropical Parkway and Durango Drive today, Aug. 16. The project, by JNJ Engineering Construction, is slated for completion in December 2010.

Funding for the park was made possible through Residential Construction Tax that is collected through development of homes in the area. Monies from the Residential Construction Tax must be spent in the ward in which they were generated, and must fund neighborhood parks and recreation projects.

“I look forward to the improvements at the Raptor Play Park moving full steam ahead,” said Ward 6 Councilman Steven D. Ross. “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 later this year.”

Phase I of the improvement project will grade the entire park area; the west portion of the site will include installing utilities, sidewalks, shade structures and trails; and constructing play and picnic areas. A splash pad water feature and restroom facilities will be built. Trees, shrubs and two acres of open grass areas will be planted. Portions of nearby streets will be reconstructed to improve park access and a parking lot will be added.

Work will be performed Monday through Friday, during the hours of 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. Temporary traffic disruptions may occur during the construction, however, vehicle access will be maintained for area residents.

The city of Las Vegas Department of Public Works is managing the project.