Ice cream + dogs = fun

An ice cream fest and a pet adoption event are scheduled today at Nature Discovery Park in Aliante, a master-planned community in North Las Vegas. From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., visitors are invited to enjoy free ice cream, courtesy of Anderson Dairy, and get acquainted with some of the dogs who will be visiting from the Lied Animal Shelter.

Bill Edwards, a Lied board member, said dogs representing a variety of breeds will be brought from the shelter, which currently has about 150 dogs awaiting adoption.

"We will bring the dogs in groups of approximately 40, and as they are adopted throughout the day, we will continue to bring more," said Edwards, adding that all of the adoptable dogs have been spayed or neutered, micro-chipped, and are current on their shots for the next year.

The adoption process can be handled at the event, so families will be able to take their new pets home the same day.

"We're even providing a free leash with each dog," Edwards said. "With so many families now living in Aliante, we're hoping to find lots of happy, loving homes for our dogs."

North Valley Enterprises, the developer of Aliante, and a local radio station are sponsoring the day's festivities, which will also include a bounce house, face painter and clowns, in addition to the many attractions at the 20-acre archaeological-themed park.

Kimiko Haight, community marketing manager for Aliante, said the developer is delighted to support a fun event that is tied in with such a worthwhile cause.

"Lied Animal Shelter does a wonderful job, and they really need the community's support and help in finding suitable homes for so many abandoned animals," Haight said. "We're encouraging all of Las Vegas to bring your family out today, enjoy some free ice cream and activities, and possibly consider expanding your family a little by adopting a dog."

To attend, take U.S. Highway 95 to Centennial Parkway, exit east to Sky Pointe Drive and turn right. Turn right at Frontage Road, then left onto Interstate 215. Exit at Aliante Parkway and go south past the information gallery.

North Valley Enterprises is an affiliate of American Nevada Co. and Del Webb Communities.

More than 420 of the community' 1,905 acres are designated for recreational and public purposes, including an 18-hole municipal golf course. Nature Discovery Park features a picnic area, amphitheater, tennis courts, three soccer fields, a volleyball stadium, horseshoe pits and bocce courts.

A 15-acre park is planned to include soccer fields and a playground; while a 10-acre sports park will offer ball fields and picnic areas. More than 20 miles of concrete trails, linear parks and an arroyo are also planned.

Two elementary schools and a middle school have been proposed, and a site has been earmarked for a fire station.

Commercial development will include about 60 acres of retail centers and office parks, as well as a planned 40-acre gaming hotel.

The participating builders are D.R. Horton, KB Home, Pardee Homes and Pulte Homes. Residences are priced from the $120,000 to the $370,000s. Del Webb is building the age-qualified Sun City Aliante, where homes are priced from the $160,000s to the $250,000s.

The information gallery is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.

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