"One thing riders find is the sand here is so fine that it changes from day to day. It also makes things dangerous because people think they know the dunes ... and they don't. The sand has been here for a long time, but it seemed that people really didn't know about it. Few locals came here before the reservoir."

At the heart of the recreational use area is Sand Mountain, which is, as the name implies, a big mountain of sand with a few rock outcroppings.

There are also a number of trails leading from the park. One unimproved trail goes from the park to the town of Hurricane.

"I'm not sure how long it is. But when we rode it," said Melling, "it took about 3 1/2 hours and offered some great riding and some great views into Warner Valley. When complete, I think the trails will become a destination by itself."

As planned, Sand Hollow is a conjoined sister to nearby Quail Creek Reservoir, joined by large water pipes. The purpose is to move water where needed between the two reservoirs.

It was also the plan that water in Sand Hollow would seep down and be held in aquifers, where there is almost no evaporation loss during the hot summers. The water was then to be recovered by wells dug around the reservoir.

That, too, has worked better than expected said Melling.

The sand filters out all the impurities and when drawn out of the wells the water will go directly into the culinary water system.

"So far, it's passed all the test and has been certified as culinary grade. When all 14 wells are in operation, the reservoir is expected to go down between two and five inches a day," she said.

Another popular activity is fishing. Catch-of-the-day includes largemouth bass and bluegill, with an occasional catfish.

One concern park officials have is the same being expressed by those at Lake Powell and Quail Creek, which is protection from the zebra mussel. The mussel has been found roughly 100 miles southwest of the reservoir in Lake Mead.

Those using their boats on waters on or below Lake Mead will be asked to wash off the boat in scalding-hot water. A location for the washes is currently under review.

Future plans call for more improvement, small communities around the perimeter of the park, schools, businesses and churches ... "One day we'll be just one big city park," Melling projected.

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