WASHOE COUNTY NEWS RELEASE
For the first time in four years, the recently renovated historic Bowers Mansion is once again open to the public and the spring-fed swimming pool re-opens Saturday, June 8.
Due to budget cuts and the recent recession, both the mansion and the pool have been closed since 2009. Now, thanks to several generous donations and grants, Washoe County will celebrate the renovations and upgrades June 14. Upcoming events include:
The Bowers Mansion pool
- The spring-fed swimming pool at the historic Bowers Mansion Park will open for the first time since 2009 on Saturday, June 8.
- The William N. Pennington Foundation donated $150,000 to renovate the Bowers Pool, which will be open seven days a week through August 18.
- Bowers Pool Hours: 12 p.m.-5 p.m., June 8-August 18. The cost is $5 for adults and $4 for children and seniors.
Washoe County hosts a celebration of Bowers Mansion at the Park with free tour
- Washoe County Commission Chairman David Humke, Commissioner Marsha Berkbigler and other dignitaries will speak at 11 a.m. on Flag Day, June 14, to celebrate the renovation of the park.
- Immediately following the celebration, there will be a free guided tour of the mansion for both media and the public.
- The recently renovated historic Bowers Mansion in Washoe Valley is also open for tours Saturdays and Sundays through September 29. Tour hours are available online.
- Two $100,000 grants from the State Historic Preservation Office Commission on Cultural Affairs were received for the seismic and structural rehabilitation of the mansion.
“Programs on the Porch” at the Mansion
- 7 p.m. Friday evenings through June 28. Washoe County Parks Ranger Jerry Buzzard hosts the programs, which include music and guest speakers and are free with donations accepted. This Friday, June 7, the featured speaker will be Frank X. Mullen, Jr. who will discuss the extraordinary story of the Donner Party.
All events are at Bowers Mansion Regional Park, 4005 US Highway 395 North (21 miles south of Reno on old US 395).
For more information, call (775) 849-0201.
Bowers Mansion offers a rare glimpse into Nevada life during the 1860s. The mansion was built in 1864 by Comstock millionaires L.S. “Sandy” Bowers and his wife Allison Oram. Their story reflects the rags-to-riches-to-rags tales so commonly associated with Nevada’s first silver boom. Along with the history, visitors are sure to enjoy the beauty of the mansion’s 16 rooms, each elegantly furnished with Victorian antiques. For more information, visit www.washoecounty.us/parks.
