Reno City Council members last week voted to increase the footprint of city parks. They approved a measure to designate all land that is owned, operated or within the City of Reno right-of-way along the Truckee River corridor between Booth and South Virginia streets as a City of Reno park.
According to city park planner Karina Mercier, the decision was made to provide consistency in maintenance, enhance user experience, and streamline regulation of the area.
City Council members approved bringing park rangers back to Truckee River parks areas in 2021 citing safety concerns and the need to enforce no-camping rules amid a growing population of people who are homeless.
City of Reno park rangers have faced challenges in controlling the areas along the river because of the patchwork of property types. According to Mercier, there are inconsistencies in regulations between city property and park property, much of which comes down to park paths vs. sidewalks.
For example, vehicles allowed in parks and long paths are different from vehicles allowed on sidewalks. Park regulations prohibit blocking paths, but sidewalks can be blocked as long as they remain “accessible.”
Mercier said changing the properties to parkland would help mitigate visitor issues and confusion and allow for more efficient maintenance.
In addition, council members approved the Truckee River Vision Plan by Dig Studio, and directed staff to pursue projects within the beginning stages of the plan.
