Washoe County commission approves three‑year agreement with Great Reno Balloon Race

The Washoe County Open Space and Regional Parks Commission voted to approve and authorize execution of a three‑year special event agreement (2026–2028) with Great Reno Balloon Race Incorporated, with two administrative one‑year extension options, for use of Rancho San Rafael Regional Park. The agreement calls for $9,920 in annual direct revenue to the county and a minimum of $10,000 per year in in‑kind park improvements.

The commission approved the motion, made by Commissioner Kevin Joel and seconded by Commissioner Miles Kinsler, on a voice vote. Aaron Smith, Community Services division director of operations, told commissioners the fee reflects direct park costs and the opportunity cost of reservable facilities; the $10,000 figure represents guaranteed in‑kind park improvement work identified with parks staff.

Why it matters: the Great Reno Balloon Race is a high‑profile, largely free public event that organizers say draws regional visitors and supports local nonprofits and school programs. Organizers told the commission the race brings longstanding traditions and large crowds — they estimated roughly 150,000 visitors over the event’s four‑day span — and said they aim to reinvest in park infrastructure and accessibility through a multi‑year stewardship plan.

Organizers and safety: Shaila Morais, introduced as the board president for the Great Reno Balloon Race, described the event’s history and public‑access mission, saying "the free to the public piece is a very important cornerstone of our event." She reiterated the event’s safety protocols, coordination with the FAA and local first responders, and the selection of invitation‑only pilots. Morais also outlined educational programming, including an expanded two‑day tissue paper balloon launch for schoolchildren designed to demonstrate thermodynamics and provide STEM exposure.

Past communication breakdown and apology: Commissioner Kevin Joel raised concerns about a prior public dispute after the county’s park master plan vote, saying public messaging from the organization had "bashed Washoe County parks employees" and had required additional consultant work. Elliot Mallon, a board member representing the race, said the organization regretted the communication breakdown and apologized, telling the commission, "we are sorry that that happened that way" and committing to better coordination with county staff.

Questions on fees and protections for park resources: Commissioners pressed organizers and county staff on how the fee was set, reliance on prior fee‑waiver practices and protections for turf and sensitive areas. Aaron Smith said the agreement includes requirements for a recycling program, temporary fencing to protect sensitive areas (such as Herman’s Pond), a specified cleanup crew and financial consequences if the promoter exceeds cleanup windows. He said severe vegetation damage would be addressed through insurance and the county’s risk process.

Next steps and administration: The board clarified that the two one‑year extension options in the agreement are administrative and will not require a return to the commission. The approved agreement now moves forward as authorized and organizers and staff said they will continue to coordinate details such as traffic and volunteer deployment.

The vote: The commission approved the motion by voice vote; no roll‑call vote tally was recorded in the hearing transcript. The item was presented as a recommendation to the Board of County Commissioners under Chapter 95 authority that delegates special event approval to this commission.

What to watch for: organizers indicated they will follow up with parks staff to finalize the five‑year park improvement plan and operational details, and county staff and the commission signaled interest in monitoring revegetation, traffic management and the program’s expanded school outreach.