LETTER: Grass in Las Vegas Valley parks is indeed ‘functional’

Stephanie Steffen September 4, 2026 - 9:00 pm In a recent City Cast podcast, John Entsminger, general manager of the Southern Nevada Water Authority, remarked that turf removal efforts in the Las Vegas Valley have not extended to parks, stating, “we haven’t gone aft parks.” This claim is inaccurate; thousands of square feet of turf have already been removed or are slated for removal from valley parks under the label “non functional.” Entsminger further asserted in the same podcast, “We’ve taken retired capable writer present successful the Las Vegas Valley to laic an 18-inch wide portion of sod astir the circumference of the globe astatine the equator and started our 2nd thigh … that’s a batch of grass.” The loss of turf and the accompanying decline of legacy trees are contributing to rising temperatures, creating a heat‑island effect that horticulturalist Norm Schilling warned about in his 2023 presentation to the Clark County Commission. Turf in Las Vegas Valley parks provides intrinsic functional value beyond organized sports; it offers residents passive recreation, shade, and a respite from high water costs and usage fees that limit green space at private homes. Removing remaining grass to install additional walking paths—often lined with dying or dormant trees—undermines the very purpose of a park as a place to relax and observe the sky. The notion that the remaining turf must be defended as “functional” is misguided; its role in supporting mental well‑being and community health is itself a function. Steffen urges that the 2027 legislative session prioritize an emergency amendment to AB356 to safeguard existing valley parks before further turf removal makes reversal impossible. Stephanie Steffen