1. What was the purpose of constructing the MSEC?
The MSEC was included on the Master Plan about ten years ago. The park is designed with two main objectives. One, is to have the opportunity to host events in Mesquite that would provide an economic engine for the community as a whole. Second, is to alleviate the use of our existing fields by events booked by organizations outside the community, so as to free up available time on our existing fields for use by local residents and organizations. When the Long Drivers of America (LDA) needed to find a new “home” for its World Long Drive Championships, the City put into motion the completion of phase one of the MSEC. This phase was completed just ahead of schedule.
2. What amenities are at the MSEC?
The MSEC has five full size soccer fields, all of which are lit and can be used for a variety of sports. Other amenities include a concession stand, three pavilions, a playground, a small splash pad, 2 bathroom structures, a large vendor booth area with power and water to each site, and a large parking lot.
3. Who is allowed to use the MSEC?
The MSEC is a reservation only park. To use the park a person or group must have an approved application form from the Recreation and Parks Department. Due to the synthetic turf and the remote location of the park, the Recreation and Parks Department needs to be aware of who has access to the park at all times and event supervision is required. Unauthorized users will be asked to leave the premises by the Recreation and Parks Department staff or the Mesquite Police Department.
4. How much did the MSEC cost and who paid for it?
The MSEC cost approximately $20M to build. This cost does not include the infrastructure improvements along Hardy Way and Bertha Howe Ave which were an additional $3M. The park was paid for from revenues obtained through land sales by the City as well as various grants, including dollars from the Regional Transportation Commission, the Southern Nevada Public Lands Management Act, and LVCVA.
5. What makes the MSEC different from area parks in the City of Mesquite?
There are Neighborhood Parks, Community Parks and Sports & Event Complexes in the City of Mesquite:
Neighborhood Parks are small parks that have limited amenities but give adjacent neighborhoods access to an area for simple recreation activities such as walking your dog, or visiting on a park bench. These parks usually have a grass area, sidewalks and lots of shaded seating. Examples of our neighborhood parks include Desert Rose Park, Pulsipher Park, or Redd Hills Park.
Community Parks are much larger parks that are designed with a lot more amenities and are set up for the entire community to enjoy what the park has to offer. They have parking lots, pavilions, playgrounds, barbeques, basketball hoops, volleyball courts, large grass areas, trail heads, fish ponds, splash pads, etc. Examples of our community parks include Hafen Lane Park, Marilyn Redd Park, and Jensen Trailside Park.
Sports and Event Complexes are designed to attract users from outside of the community. These are usually large scale complexes that have a variety of amenities such as trails, sports fields, amphitheaters, lakes or ponds, campgrounds, mom and pop stores, etc. These parks normally range in the hundreds of acres and are usually accessed through some type of user fee system, similar to our own MSEC.
6. What other events besides the LDA will be using the MSEC?
The MSEC is designed to host a variety of outside events, as well as various local events. Some of the events that will be hosted at the MSEC include:
• 4-8 LDA events per year
• Zone and State Soccer Championships
• Semi-pro football games and practices
• Youth football games and practices
• Adult and Youth Flag Football tournaments
• Lacrosse games and tournaments
• National Archery events
• Golf club demo days
• Youth Flag Football through the Recreation Department
• Youth Soccer through the Recreation Department
• Mesquite Days activities
7. How can I reserve a field at the MSEC?
To avoid scheduling conflicts and confusion, reservations for the MSEC should be made in person at the Mesquite Recreation Center, 100 W. Old Mill Rd.. If you have any questions please call the Recreation and Parks Department at 346-8732.
