WASHOE COUNTY NEWS RELEASE
Washoe County’s Bartley Ranch Regional Park in south Reno has been closed until further notice due to damage sustained during the Caughlin Fire. This closure includes Audrey Harris Park located on the top of Windy Hill.
The closure is for the safety of the public. Much of the park’s trail system and vegetation was heavily damaged when fire swept through the park on Friday, and Reno Fire Department advises that “hot spots” still exist within the park.
None of the major structures within the main area of the park, including the Robert Z. Hawkins Amphitheater, historic Huffaker schoolhouse, Western Heritage Interpretive Center and the park’s display of historic ranch buildings, were damaged in the fire. However, an unoccupied structure in the southern portion of the park that was used primarily for storage was destroyed.
Washoe County Regional Parks and Open Space staff and commissioners would like to express their great and heartfelt appreciation to the efforts of the many firefighters, county parks and public works department staff, and others who helped to minimize damage caused by the fire.
Bartley Ranch Regional Park is managed by Washoe County’s Department of Regional Parks and Open Space. The department’s mission is to provide exceptional parks and open space, and recreational opportunities while preserving our natural, historical and cultural resources. For more information, visit www.washoecountyparks.com.
