Cirque du Soleil family’s plan for 30-foot backyard trapeze runs into opposition

LAS VEGAS ( KLAS ) — A family of Cirque du Soleil performers is fighting to build a 30-foot trapeze in a south Las Vegas valley backyard, but officials are against the proposal.

Renato Fernandes filed plans to expand an existing trapeze at his home, which is just southwest of the intersection of Pecos Road and Russell Road. It would be nearly double the standard height limit of 14 feet.

Fernandes is a sixth-generation circus performer and third-generation flying trapeze artist.

“The structure, intended solely for private personal training purposes, is essential for maintaining physical fitness and skills development, particularly for my family, who are Cirque Du Soleil performers,” Fernandes wrote in his request, which is scheduled to be considered at a Tuesday, Aug. 13, meeting of the Paradise Town Board.

The proposal wasn’t met with the enthusiasm for another item before the board tonight — Sphere’s request for a waiver allowing outdoor sound that’s louder than what is currently permitted by Clark County.

“While staff can understand the applicant’s desire to have the flying trapeze structure in the rear yard of the residence, the size and appearance of the structure disrupts the character of the neighborhood,” according to documents on the county’s website. Staff is recommending denial for Fernandes’ taller trapeze.

And that’s despite his assurances that the structure is temporary.

“The rig is designed for easy assembly and disassembly, requiring as little as 2 hours for complete setup or takedown,” Fernandes wrote.

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