Pahrump's future fairgrounds could also be home to two theme parks spread out over about 45 acres, according to Michael A. Jenkins, president of Leisure and Recreation Concepts Inc. (LARC).

The company presented its phase-one findings for theme park feasibility to the Tourism Advisory Board and several members of the town board at a special meeting June 30.

The company's main idea so far is to build a water park and a sprawling, Western-themed attraction.

The water park would be a gated, admission-based development while the Western park would be set up in a pay-as-you-go format, featuring shows, restaurants and shops that would celebrate Pahrump's history and spirit.

The attractions are expected to draw people from all around the Pahrump Valley.

Bill Radtkey, director of research for LARC, explained that the company is excited about Pahrump's potential to attract visitors to the parks.

"One of the things that makes this so attractive is your growth as a town," he said.

He added that the primary market for the proposed attractions is people within 50 miles of Pahrump, a market Ratkey described as "robust."

The parks are tentatively expected to open in 2009.

Projected attendance for the water park in 2009 is 144,000 people, with nearly 200,000 attending the water park.

By 2018, combined attendance is expected to be approximately 501,000 people while the parks are opened.

And since all the tourists will be spending money, the parks are expected to generate over $2 million worth of revenue a year (after expenses but before taxes and depreciation) in the first year of operation alone.

Furthermore, the revenue is expected to increase to over $5 million by 2018.

The water park is expected to remain open for approximately a 120-day season, and the Western theme park is expected to remain open longer due to Pahrump's seasonal climate.

The proposed investment for the theme parks is approximately $12 million.

The town board has yet to approve a request for Phase II of the project.