Current Projects

Rancho San Rafael Regional Park Master Plan

Rancho master plan graphic Washoe County is looking for input to guide the future of Rancho San Rafael Regional Park. Get involved by taking a survey, and share you ideas and concerns on an interactive map. Continue to check back and keep informed as additional input will be needed once the vision and alternatives have been developed. Visit the Rancho San Rafael Regional Park Public Engagement Website to participate!

Sierra Front Trail

Ballardini Trailhead Sign

Washoe County Regional Parks has completed the first segment of the Sierra Front Trail connecting the Thomas Creek Trailhead to the Ballardini Ranch Trailhead. Approximately 3.5 miles of new trail construction was completed in June of 2022 to finish the first section. Washoe County Parks is currently working in partnership with the Forest Service on planning for the next segment of the Sierra Front Trail that will connect from the Ballardini Ranch Trailhead to the Michael D. Thompson Trailhead. Natural and cultural resource surveys are underway and expected to be completed by the end of 2023. Construction and planning costs for the Sierra Front Trail are partially funded by the Recreational Trails Program (RTP) grants.

Park Playground Replacements & Improvements

Ellens Park Sign

Washoe County Regional Parks is working on playground replacements and improvements at several park locations in 2023. Locations include Virginia Foothills Park, Golden Valley Park, Ellen's Park, and White's Creek Park.

Fuels Reduction on Arrowcreek Open Space

sheep grazing

In partnership with the Forest Service and Borda Land and Sheep Company, we will continue annual sheep grazing to reduce fine fuels and weeds in our Arrowcreek Open Space areas. Grazing services are donated by Borda Land and Sheep Company. Please help us keep this valuable program going by keeping dogs on leash when utilizing trails in the Arrowcreek area. Trails include Ballardini Ranch, Thomas Creek, and Whites Creek on both Forest Service and County managed property. Grazing typically occurs April through July.

Riverbend Trailhead and Access Path

Truckee River Picture

Washoe County Regional Parks is working on the final design and permitting for a new trailhead and access path that would provide additional public access to the Truckee River from our Riverbend Open Space property near Verdi, NV. Construction is anticipated to begin in 2024. This project is partially funded with a Land and Water conservation Fund grant.

Rancho San Rafael Regional Park "All-Inclusive" Playground

Inclusive Playground

Washoe County Regional Parks is beginning design work for an "All-Inclusive" playground at Rancho San Rafael Regional Park. The new all-inclusive playground would replace an existing playground to better serve the community and provide play opportunities for children of all abilities. Construction is anticipated to begin in 2024. This project is partially funded with a Land and Water conservation Fund grant.

Regional Archery Facility Phase 1 Improvements

Archery Facility Sign

Washoe County Regional Parks recently received a Nevada Department of Wildlife Shooting Range grant to begin Phase 1 improvements at the Regional Archery Facility. Phase 1 improvements are based on the Regional Archery Facility Master Plan that was completed in 2019 and include a new parking lot and restrooms. Construction is anticipated to begin in 2023.

Historic Galena Creek Schoolhouse Restoration

Galena Schoolhouse

Washoe County Regional Parks recently received a Commission for Cultural Centers and Historic Preservation (CCCHP) grant to restore the historic Galena Creek schoolhouse building located in Phillip & Annie Callahan Park. Design work was started in 2023 and construction is anticipated to be complete in 2024. The long-term goal of the project is to add the building to the Parks reservable facilities network.

Other Projects Include:

Swan Lake Dock Repairs
Implementation of the Washoe County Integrated Vegetation Management Plan
Safety improvements for the Melio Gaspari Water Park located at Lazy 5 Regional Park
Lemmon Valley Park restroom replacement and ballfield improvements
Installation of fitness courts at Rancho San Rafael and South Valley's Regional Parks