Organizers of the 43-year running early September Great Reno Balloon Race are expressing concerns on a new Washoe County Master Plan for Rancho San Rafael Regional Park "which overlooks the needs of the GRBR event and its ability to safely host the annual event.”
A change.org petition which can be found with the title Petition to Protect The Great Reno Balloon Race already has over 2,000 signatures.
In a message forwarded to Our Town Reno, a statement on the @renoballoon Instagram page indicates that “despite GRBR’s repeated attempts to have its concerns addressed during the planning process, we are concerned our needs have not been adequately addressed. Reno has already lost iconic events like the Reno Air Races in recent years and, without public input, we might risk losing yet another hallmark event that boosts our local economy and brings families together for one of the few remaining free, community-centered celebrations. Please take a moment to review our statement and take some time to share your thoughts with the Washoe County Commissioners.”
According to the petition, the Master Plan would reduce public access and event space, would fail to maintain safe and adequate parking, and would lead to increased safety risks for pilots.
It concludes: “Despite GRBR’s repeated attempts to have its concerns addressed during the WC’s planning process, GRBR’s needs have not been adequately addressed. Currently, there is no alternative location for the GRBR event in Washoe County that replicates San Rafael Park’s unique conditions for a free hot air balloon event.”
Our Town Reno reporting, November 2024