NEWSDESK
New Attraction Opens in Nevada
Last October 28 was a special day in Nevada for two reasons. The date marks the annual Nevada Day celebration and in 2011 it also was opening day for the new Nevada State Museum at the Springs Preserve in Las Vegas.
The 70,000-square-foot building is double the size of the former museum at Lorenzi Park and includes permanent and temporary exhibit space, a research library and educational labs.
“Museums play a key role in society – they engage people with their heritage and they stand as a place of learning and education,” Nevada Gov. Brian Sandoval said. “I’m pleased that this important cultural resource is opening, for both Nevadans and visitors to enjoy.”
Museum highlights include the first dinosaur fossils documented in Nevada, Benjamin “Bugsy” Siegel’s 1946 Flamingo stock certificate, mineral specimens from Nevada mines, preserved Nevada wildlife and Las Vegas showgirl costumes. Through interactive exhibits, video presentations and other displays, visitors will learn about Nevada’s people, geography and history.
The $51.5 million museum is at the Springs Preserve, a 180-acre cultural institution with museums, exhibits, gardens, interpretive trails and event space. Built on the site of artesian springs that once nourished desert life, the Springs Preserve is owned by the Las Vegas Valley Water District and showcases water conservation.
“This new museum is a great asset to Nevada, both for visitors and residents,” said Peter Barton, administrator for the Nevada Division of Museums and History. “It tells a multi-faceted story of our state and provides a place for researchers and students to learn more about Nevada.”
The new museum is open four days a week, Friday through Monday. Visitors will pay one fee that allows entry into the preserve, as well as the museum.
The Nevada State Museum is located at 333 S. Valley View Blvd., between U.S. 95/I-515 and Alta Drive. For more information, call
702-822-7700 or visit
www.springspreserve.org/
Colorado KOA Named Campground of the Year
The Durango, Colorado KOA Campground, owned by Carol and Jay Coates, has been named Kampgrounds of America 2012 Campground of the Year.
The award was presented during the opening day of KOA’s annual convention at the South Point Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas.
“They are always supportive of the KOA system and our programs, and they are quick to help other owners in need,” said KOA President Pat Hittmeier. “They put the needs and desires of their camping guests first. They are perfect examples for other owners to follow.”
The Coates have owned the Durango KOA for 20 years. Hittmeier said the couple has worked tirelessly to make the Durango KOA one of the jewels of the Kampgrounds of America system of more than 475 campgrounds in North America.
Jay is a founding member of the KOA Green Team, which is developing environmentally sound policies and procedures for campgrounds through KOA’s Kamp Green Program. He also serves on KOA’s Marketing Partners Team, a group of 10 campground owners that act as marketing advisors for the KOA corporate marketing staff.
The Durango KOA Campground is located at 30090 U.S. Highway 160. For more information, call
(970) 247-0783 or visit
www.durangokoa.com/
Fountain of Youth Spa Introducing Outdoor Feature
What could you possibly add to a popular resort that already features an eclectic mix of activities, including clown classes, line dancing and six lighted bocce courts?
How about disc golf?
That is the new game in the works at the Fountain of Youth Spa RV Resort in Niland, Calif.
“We will be installing a nine-goal/basket course between December 2011 and March 2012,” said Jolene Wade, the resort’s managing partner. “Generally, the game involves the use of several size discs thrown toward a goal one at a time, depending on distance. It’s similar to traditional golf. Most holes are 150 to 250 feet from the start, or tee.”
Wade said the course would probably encompass between four and six acres on resort-owned land across the street from the main complex.
The 90-acre Fountain of Youth Spa is located near Highway 111, about 40 miles southeast of Indio and about 13 miles north of Niland. (See page 72 for area map.) It has 835 full hook-up sites with 30- and 50-amp electric service, water, sewer and cable TV. Phone lines are available. It also has 165 dry-camp sites. Other major features include two swimming pools, an artesian mineral water hot spa, three fresh-water hot spas, including an oversized waterfall spa, and his-and-her natural steam rooms.
Originally conceived as a snowbird RV resort with healing natural hot springs, the Fountain of Youth Spa has since become a diversified, year-round vacation resort with cottage rentals, vacation homes and an increasing array of health and wellness services, including onsite hair and nail salons, massage therapists. Therapeutic exercise classes, including water aerobics, tai chi, yoga and Zumba, are also offered. Classes include painting, quilting, Spanish and computers. Bocce ball, horseshoes, hiking, line dancing and square dancing, as well as cribbage, bingo, pinochle and Scrabble, are among the group activities.
Weekly special events include farmers markets, pancake breakfasts and potlucks. The resort has an on-site café with nightly specials.
The Fountain of Youth Spa is located at 1500 Spa Rd. For more information, call
888-800-0772 or visit
www.foyspa.com
Mob Museum Set to Open in February
There are two sides to every story–and then there’s the truth. Visitors may uncover the real life battle between organized crime and law enforcement when The Mob Museum in downtown Las Vegas opens to the public on Feb. 14.
The museum, also called the National Museum of Organized Crime and Law Enforcement, will showcase high-tech theater presentations, iconic one-of-a-kind artifacts and interactive, themed environments. It will be housed in the city’s first federal building, which opened in 1933. The $42 million re-construction project features the restoration of the courtroom as it appeared in 1950 during the famed Kefauver hearings, named for Tennessee Sen. Estes Kefauver.
The opening date is the 83rd anniversary of the infamous St. Valentine’s Day Massacre, considered one of the most significant days in Mob history, during which seven men affiliated with the Bugs Moran gang were murdered by the South Side Italian gang led by Al Capone.
The museum includes a well-regarded board, including professionals from local and state government, law enforcement, the judicial system, media and the business community.
The museum is also working with the FBI and many famous undercover agents who made a career of fighting the Mob, including legendary agents Joe Pistone who infiltrated the Mob posing as a small time jewel thief, Donnie Brasco; and Cuban-born Jack Garcia who successfully ingrained himself into the Gambino family.
In addition, many items relating to historic eras and specific industries, such as prohibition, money laundering and gaming, will help to tell the story of the mob’s influence on these areas. Items and artifacts relating to law enforcement’s role in helping to eradicate and control the Mob include weapons, wiretapping tools and tactics and crime scene photos.
The 41,000-square-foot museum features exhibition space on three floors in addition to a specialty retail store, special event areas, educational areas and office space. The hours will be Sundays through Thursdays, from 10am-7pm, and Fridays and Saturdays until 8pm. The museum is located at 300 Stewart Ave.
For more information, visit
www.themobmuseum.org or Facebook at
www.facebook.com/themobmuseum.
The complete NewsDesk can be found in the current issue of RV Journal, available at quality campgrounds, RV dealers, parts, and service suppliers. Subscriptions are also available for this quarterly publication.
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