Latest Park News

Fire Restrictions Are In Place!

Effective June 19, 2025, and until further notice, in accordance with Truckee Meadows Fire, all outdoor recreational and cooking fires are prohibited in the Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District (TMFPD), except for the use of propane, electric, and pellet-fueled barbecues. All other recreational appliances, including charcoal briquettes and any outdoor wood fires, including the use of fire pits, are restricted. Campfires and bonfires are also prohibited.

Rancho San Rafael Park - Temporary Playground Closure

We are excited to announce construction on the new all-inclusive main playground at Rancho San Rafael has begun! The area will be closed off to the public likely through midsummer 2025.

In the meantime, check out the dinosaur and log playground located in the Nevada Farms and Families area. The BBQ picnic areas located around the playground are currently still accessible for use (this may be subject to change).

Sun Valley Regional Bike Park

Exciting updates are underway at the bike park within Sun Valley Regional Park, aiming to honor the community's original vision while enhancing the experience for cyclists of all skill levels. Visit the Sun Valley Regional Park page for more information and view the collaboratively developed design.

Davis Fire Update

Davis Creek Regional Park/Campground and the Ophir Creek Trail remain closed until further notice. Heavy equipment is being used in these areas for fire clean up and park/trail use not only impedes this progress but is incredibly dangerous. Closed areas are also hazardous due to fire weakened trees and burned ash pits. We greatly appreciate your cooperation!

Living With Wildfire, Wild Nevada Episode 6, Season 7 - Take a look at not only the importance of being fire aware, but also how prevention, recovery and fire science work together to help us safely and sustainable enjoy the state's unique landscapes.

Join your community for the 'Up! The Creek' Benefit Event at Reno Public Market on Saturday, July 19th from Noon to 3pm as we celebrate Davis Creek Park. Find out what's been going on since the fire to restore this most beloved local treasure and find out how you can help contribute to the restoration!

Washoe County Park Rangers now have Citation Authority

As of July 1, 2024, Washoe County Park Rangers can now issue citations for violations to park rules and regulations. The most commonly violated rules are: off leash dogs, illegal parking, amplified music, defacement of park property, and illegal camping. For more information, visit Rules & Regulations.

Closures at Park Facilities

Washoe County Park facilities inevitably experience closures, many of which are unexpected and unavoidable. We regret that this happens but do our best to post updates as soon as possible. For more information, please look at why these closures happen, and what you can do to stay in the know.

Off-Leash Dog areas have been approved for select parks!

off leash dog image After a one-year pilot program, the Washoe County Open Space and Regional Parks Commission approved utilizing certain athletic fields for off-leash dog use during certain non-team use times. The program consists of three designated soccer fields in three different parks - North Valleys Regional Park, Lazy 5 Regional Park, and South Valleys Regional Park. Check out Dog Parks & Off-Leash Areas for more details!

Washoe County Parks has been designated Smoke & Vape-Free

Smoke free sign Washoe County and the Washoe County Health District, City of Reno and City of Sparks have worked together on a regional effort among all jurisdictions to ensure our city and county parks are designated smoke and vape-free locations.

Taking into consideration the health of people, pets, wildlife, environmental impacts, maintenance, clean-up costs, and fire risk, residents and agencies have agreed that ensuring our parks are smoke and vape-free is in the best interest of our community.

Pick up a Junior Ranger Activity Guide!

Looking for engaging, park-based activities to do with your children? Download our Junior Ranger Activity Guide or pick up a copy at your local park office. This free program includes a monthly Park Ranger-led program series in a Regional Park near you, can also be done at your own pace, is flexible enough to appeal to a large age range, and can be completed at any combination of Washoe County parks. Visit our Become a Junior Ranger page for complete details.

Parks and Open Space