Reno City Council approves service plan for potential park district funding

The Reno City Council meeting on June 4, 2025, focused on advancing a contract for a parks district service plan, a crucial step towards potentially establishing a dedicated funding source for the city's parks and recreation services. The discussion emphasized the need for a feasibility study to explore the implications and structure of a park district, which could address the city's significant deferred maintenance costs estimated at $150 million.

City officials highlighted that this service plan aligns with the City of Reno's strategic plan adopted in February 2020, which called for sustainable funding sources for parks and recreation. The recommendation to move forward with the service plan was supported by the Recreation and Parks Commission in August 2023 and reinforced by the adoption of the Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Master Plan in November 2023.

The proposed contract, amounting to $223,550, is intended to cover the costs of developing the service plan, which will involve extensive community engagement and data gathering. The plan will serve as a strategic blueprint, outlining potential governance structures, funding options, and operational costs for a future park district. It is important to note that the council is not making a final decision on the creation of a park district at this meeting; rather, they are approving the contract to begin the necessary planning process.

Public comments during the meeting were overwhelmingly supportive, with speakers emphasizing the importance of prioritizing funding for parks, trails, and open spaces. Community members expressed hope that the service plan would lead to actionable steps rather than becoming another document that collects dust.

The council is expected to receive additional funding support from Washoe County, which is tentatively scheduled for approval next week. This collaborative effort aims to ensure that the parks and recreation services can meet the needs of the community effectively and sustainably. The timeline for the service plan's development is projected to take about a year, with the goal of preparing for any necessary legislative processes and potential ballot initiatives in the future.