Question of the Day - 15 October 2017

The only dedicated green space in close proximity to the Strip is the Park, behind New York-New York and leading up to the T-Mobile Arena. If you can't get farther from the Strip from this, you can still have a somewhat park-like experience at this outdoor promenade/piazza intended for congregating, chilling out, and catching some low-key al fresco people-watching under a fair amount of arboreal and horticultural splendor.

The closest park to the tourist corridor is Bob Baskin Park, a small green space on W. Oakey just beyond Rancho Drive.

Lorenzi Park, though, is a better choice; this was the first real park-like gathering place in Las Vegas, attracting families and visitors since the mid-1920s. Located at 3343 W. Washington Ave. just past Rancho, this is a big space that was renovated a few years ago to the tune of $30 million after it had become fairly rundown. It has a big lake where you can fish; a bridge connects the park to a bandshell on the island. There are also areas for picnics, baseball, basketball, and tennis, plus a splash pad and western-themed playground for kids. Signposts describe the park's long history.

Though not too close to the Strip, Sunset Park is the largest in the city and our top pick, located just east of McCarran International Airport, at Sunset and Eastern. Described as "the crown jewel in the Clark County's park system," it's been serving the entire Las Vegas Valley since 1967, with phased expansions over time having developed 185 of the 323 total acres. This place boasts a decent-sized lake, which is used to full potential during the annual Renaissance Fair that it hosts, plus a recently expanded dog park, tennis courts, softball fields, walking trails, a children's play area, numerous species of rare plants (and wildllife), plus free parking and good restrooms.

One final suggestion is even farther off the beaten path, but well worth a visit: Clark County Wetlands Park.