Washoe County Open Space and Regional Parks Commission Meeting - March 25, 2026

The Washoe County Open Space and Regional Parks Commission met on March 25, 2026, at 1:30 PM. The meeting included a presentation and vote on a new three-year special event agreement with the Great Reno Balloon Race, an update on the "Come in from the Cold" music series, a park operations report, and a progress update on the PROS Consulting service plan for a possible park district.

Consent Calendar

• The draft minutes of the January 28, 2026 meeting were approved unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Valerie Anderson (President, Northwest Nevada Bird Alliance, ~500 members) spoke during public comment. She expressed concern about fuel reduction and vegetation removal in parks during prime bird nesting season (March–June, with large raptors nesting January–February). She requested that such work be scheduled for August–December when possible.

Discussion Items

Item 5 – Great Reno Balloon Race Three-Year Special Event Agreement

• Aaron Smith (Community Services Division Director of Operations) presented the item, describing a shift from a sponsorship model to a revenue/park reinvestment model.
• Shaila Morris (new Board President, Great Reno Balloon Race) and Elliot Mallon (board member) presented details: the event is the world’s largest free hot air balloon event, started in 1982, draws ~150,000 visitors over four days, and is expanding to four days (adding Thursday as a full event day). The event is free to the public, family-friendly, and supports other nonprofits.
• Economic impact was last measured in 2013 at $6.6 million annually. 40% of attendees are non-local; one-third cite the balloon race as their primary reason for visiting, staying 4–5 days.
• The proposed agreement: three years (2026–2028) with two one-year extension options; compensation to the county of $9,920 annual fee plus $10,000 annual in-kind park improvements.
• Park improvements include culvert pipes, road base, drainage rock, tree planting (e.g., a $6,000 plan to remove two pussy willows and plant four new trees), and a five-year plan addressing barbed wire removal, parking lot improvements, and roadway improvements at the McCarran Boulevard entrance.
• Commissioner Joel raised a past communication breakdown: in fall 2024, after the park master plan was approved with no public comment, the balloon race criticized staff and the commission in the media, causing $4,000 in consultant fees to revise the plan. He noted the county had waived fees or provided cash sponsorship over $200,000 in the last 10 years. The new board members apologized, citing miscommunication and a desire for better partnership.
• Questions were raised about revegetation plans and traffic/transportation coordination with RTC. Staff noted the agreement includes protections for sensitive areas (e.g., Herman’s Pond) and cleanup requirements. Park damage would be covered by insurance.
• Commissioner Kinsler asked about the change from fee waivers to fees. Smith explained the fee structure is unchanged: it covers parks’ direct costs and opportunity costs (lost reservation revenue). The $10,000 in-kind is for park reinvestment.
• Commissioner Baker asked about the five-year park improvement plan. Elliot Mallon said it is developed in coordination with park staff, addressing issues like barbed wire removal and drainage. Aaron Smith confirmed that all improvements must be approved by parks.
• A motion was made and seconded to approve the agreement as presented. The motion carried unanimously.

Item 6 – Park Program of the Month: "Come in from the Cold"

• Jason Alberry (Recreation Coordinator) presented: a free 10-week winter music series (January–March) at the Western Heritage Interpretive Center at Bartley Ranch. Attendance in 2026 was 773 (up 18% from 655 in 2025), averaging 77 per show. Peak nights: Sage Creek (bluegrass) with 107, and Reno Youth Jazz Orchestra with 108. Donations totaled $3,701 (average $4.79), covering musician fees (minimum $250 per show) and supplies. The series provided 1,137 cookies, 373 muffins/brownies/tarts, and 470 hot drinks.

Item 7 – Park Operations Update (Director Aaron Smith)

• Quarterly car counter data shows park attendance at regional parks reached 8.2 million annual visitors (up 82% over 10 years, while population grew 16%). The same methodology has been used for over 20 years, showing a clear upward trend.
• Early spring has triggered early irrigation, sports field permitting, and maintenance.
• Rangers hosted multiple programs; upcoming events listed.
• Volunteer hours increased: nearly 350 volunteer hours in the last two months.
• Washoe County May Arboretum saw almost 13,000 visitors in one month; greenhouse seedling production underway.
• Infrastructure updates: Lazy Five master plan public input spring/summer 2026; Canopa Ranch Trailhead design complete, bidding next month; trail improvements at Bowers Mansion and Hidden Valley completed; 39.5 acres of fuel reduction near Bowers Mansion.
• Davis Creek Regional Park: day use area, pond, and trailhead are open. The campground is closed due to failing electrical infrastructure. Options include dry camping (no services).
• Staffing: approximately 50 full-time and 20 seasonal employees (including maintenance, rangers, aquatics). Seasonal hiring is underway.

Item 8 – PROS Consulting Service Plan for Possible Park District

• Eric Crump (Community Services Director) reported: a joint park commission meeting with City of Reno and City of Sparks is scheduled for April 30, 2026, at 6:00 PM (location: Washoe County). The consultant will present survey results from a statistically valid community survey (748 responses, ±3.9% margin of error) and a levels-of-service analysis across agencies. A community-wide survey received over 500 responses and is now closed. Results will be posted on a parks landing page.
• In response to a commissioner question about staff sentiment, Crump acknowledged the need for consistent communication, noting that park staff prioritize good parks regardless of delivery model. Commissioner Joel noted that even after consolidation, staffing would likely remain below pre-2008 levels, but dedicated funding (e.g., through a district) could increase resources.

Key Outcomes

• Approved (unanimous): Three-year special event agreement (2026–2028) with Great Reno Balloon Race, Inc., including $9,920 annual fee and $10,000 annual in-kind park improvements, with two one-year extension options (administrative).
• Next Steps: The joint park commission meeting on April 30, 2026, will review survey results and levels-of-service data. Public comments on fuel reduction timing will be agendized for a future meeting.