The $2.2 million water splash park at the North Valleys Regional Park, near Stead Boulevard and U.S. 395, at its current stage on Sept. 8, 2013 / Photo by Natasha Vitale
By Natasha Vitale, Nevada Media Alliance
While Summer is coming to an end, the Washoe County Services Department is hoping to have its North Valleys water park completed by early October and open to the public by the spring of 2014. Division Director Al Rogers met with the Reno City Council on Sept. 4 to give an update on construction progress that began in March. Originally, the $3.2 million project was to be completed by the end of July. Rogers said that the project is about 90 percent complete and that the delays were caused by electrical and soil issues.
“We could possibly have a soft opening for the community out there [in October],” Rogers said. “We do have to obviously test the system once it’s built and up. Unfortunately, we won’t have much of a season – but we are planning for a grand opening in the spring.”
The water park is located near Stead Boulevard and Highway 395 and is part of the preexisting North Valleys Regional Park. It is about 7,000 square feet and contains over 15 water elements with the expected visitor capacity at about 250. The park is aviation-themed, which was inspired by community input. Several of the elements are modeled after the Reno-Stead Airport and a water-play plane is inspired by a popular craft from the Reno Air Races.
The Washoe County Services Department sees the water park being used for special events and educational purposes, in addition to its everyday use by the public.
“This is a fairly significant recreational amenity that will be added to this community,” Rogers said.
