Changes are being made to the future master plan for the Rancho San Rafael Regional Park after concerns from the once a year busily attended Great Reno Balloon Race that their event would no longer be able to be held there due to proposed modifications.
A parks board meeting this week was full of passion and opposing views on the location and strategies.
In the end, the Washoe County Open Space and Regional Parks Commission accepted to add over 100 new spaces of parking to their initial expansion plan, and agreed to consult with balloon organizers on any new trees.
The board didn’t like how balloon organizers took to social media and media to present their initial opposition.
“You brought it to the public, and said ‘oh, we're just horrible and mean,'" commissioner Mark Neumann complained.
The new master plan also has more trails, new tennis and pickleball courts as well as a renovated amphitheater.
A statement sent to media indicated: “After a series of conversations, Washoe County and the board of directors for The Great Reno Balloon Race (GRBR) are pleased to announce they are in agreement of minor adjustments to the final master plan for Rancho San Rafael Regional Park. Park staff and the consultant team, Dig Studio, were able to identify ways to ensure the continuation of a safe hot air balloon festival while honoring the community’s vision for growth capabilities and offerings for all 3.5 million annual visitors. Both entities are pleased that the revised plan was adopted in the January 22 Open Space and Regional Parks Commission meeting after finding an amenable version for all. The two parties look forward to contributing to the beloved park in the coming years.”