We are working together for parks...
The City of Reno, City of Sparks, Sun Valley General Improvement District and Washoe County are exploring a better way to provide parks and recreation.
The four park systems are looking at whether combining into one district could make services better and more efficient for everyone.
We’re starting with a feasibility study and your input through a community survey. Your feedback will help shape the future of parks in our area!
Why a Parks District
Parks are the lifeblood of our communities, providing spaces for recreation, relaxation, and connection. Parks serve as communal backyards where neighbors meet, children play, and families create lasting memories. Parks host a myriad of activities, from picnics and sports events to community festivals and concerts, fostering a sense of belonging and community spirit.
The connection between parks and mental health is profound. Time in natural environments can ease anxiety, depression, and stress. Parks offer safe, accessible spaces for physical activity, boosting mood through endorphins. Their green spaces and fresh air provide mental rejuvenation, reducing stress and supporting overall well‑being.
Today, most park funding relies on the General Fund, which is subject to economic volatility and competing priorities such as police, fire, and social services. As a result, the parks system lacks sustainable funding in several critical areas including:
- Capital maintenance and asset replacement
- Capital improvements
- Ongoing operational maintenance
The Regional Parks District Feasibility Study evaluates whether a dedicated, single-purpose regional parks district could provide more stable funding, improved maintenance, and equitable service delivery in our community. Studying the concept of a regional parks district is a community request and recommended as a part of the City of Reno Parks key planning documents including parks master plan and Truckee River Vision Plan.
A park district is a special-purpose local government created to provide parks, recreation facilities, trails, and open space services to a defined geographic area. The exploration of a parks district is not new. Across Reno, Sparks, and Washoe County, community engagement consistently identified issues in our park systems including:
- Inconsistent service levels across jurisdictions
- Fragmented systems that are confusing for residents
- Deferred replacement of aging parks and facilities
- Growing demand for trails, aquatics, and sports facilities
- Chronic underfunding of maintenance
Make Your Voice Heard
A survey is currently live and gathering input on:
- Park and trail usage
- Satisfaction with current maintenance
- Priority improvements
- Trust, transparency, and governance
- Willingness to support a variety of funding approaches
What is a Service Plan?
Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS) Title 25, Chapter 318A – Nevada Parks, Trails and Open Space District Act creates the framework for a Park District.
A Service Plan is the first step of the public and transparent process and includes public outreach and an analysis of feasibility. The staff from City of Reno, Washoe County, Sun Valley General Improvement District and the City of Sparks along with PROS Consulting, Inc. have been working together to coordinate development of the Service Plan. The Reno City Council approved a professional services agreement with PROS Consulting for the development of a Service Plan during its June 4, 2025 meeting, and the Washoe County Commission approved a resolution to initiate proceedings for the development of a Park District Service Plan and an interlocal agreement between the County and City of Reno during the June 6, 2025 meeting. The interlocal agreement provides for the County to reimburse the City of Reno up to $100,000 for development of the service plan performed by PROS Consulting.
The initial phase for the service plan will be information gathering over the next several months. At this stage, the service plan is simply a study. No decisions have been made and no immediate changes are planned. The purpose is to evaluate the feasibility, benefits, and implications for our community.
What This Study Does Not Do
- Does Not Create a Parks District
- Does Not Approve a Tax or Fee
- Does Not Eliminate Local Parks or Services
This study provides information and options only. Any future action would require additional public process and approvals.
What Comes Next
- Completion of the Service Plan
- Public release of findings
- Community review and engagement
- Policy discussions by participating jurisdictions