October 12, 2010

 Las Vegas, NV—Nevada Senator Harry Reid today broke ground on a new park in Las Vegas at Decatur and Tropicana which is named after Las Vegas businessman and philanthropist Charlie Frias. The park is funded by a combination of funds $15.8 million in Southern Nevada Public Lands Management Act (SNPLMA) funds, monies from the Regional Flood District and a $1 million donation from the Frias family. The 28-acre park will include athletic fields, a dog park, horseshoes, picnic areas, walking paths and two playgrounds. It is scheduled to be completed in the next 18 months.

Below are Reid’s prepared remarks.

“Charlie and Phyllis are known for making Nevada a better place.  This park is going to be one of those great places.  It will be a great place for children and athletes to play, for parents to spend time with their kids, and for a community to enjoy the outdoors.

“But it also serves an important purpose for our environment.  This park will be a critical floodplain that protects the development all around us.

“Everyone knows about the Frias family’s business successes.  Decades ago, Charlie Frias started his career driving a cab in Las Vegas.  Today Frias Transportation helps more locals and tourists get around Las Vegas than any other.

“Phyllis’s pride and joy – the Cowboy’s Dream in Alamo – is one of the most unique destinations in Nevada.  Like Phyllis, it has as much character as any other, in a state full of distinctive settings.

“But I know that while they made their name in business, Phyllis and the Frias family are most proud of the difference they’ve made through their philanthropy.  Charlie felt the same way. It’s hard to keep track of all the ways Charlie and Phyllis so selflessly made life a little easier for so many Nevadans.

“They’ve supported Nevada’s schools and those schools’ marching bands and athletic teams.   They’ve established scholarships for Nevada’s students and helped many afford college.  They’ve contributed generously to cultural and community organizations around town.

“And, of course, the beautiful park that will soon sit where we’re standing today is only the latest effort on that list.

“Urban Las Vegas needs more parks and areas of recreation like this one.  And like the Frias family itself, these 28 acres will be a model for the rest of Las Vegas, the rest of Nevada and the rest of the country.”