Parks and Open Space

Washoe County Parks received a grand from the Recreational Trails Program (RTP) to improve the trail system at Hidden Valley Regional Park based on recommendations in the Hidden Valley Regional Park Master Plan (2022). Improvements include installation of wayfinding signs, trail and interpretive kiosks, and sustainability and access improvements on the Highland Loop Trail. Construction began in Summer 2025 and is anticipated to be completed by Spring 2026. 

Washoe County Regional Parks recently received a Commission for Cultural Centers and Historic Preservation (CCCHP) grant to restore the historic Galena Creek schoolhouse building located in Phillip & Annie Callahan Park. Phase 1 historic building restoration was completed in 2024. Phase 2 historic building restoration and exterior site improvements including a parking lot, vault style restroom, and ADA sidewalk and access ramp are anticipated to begin in Spring 2026. Once construction is completed, the Galena Schoolhouse building will be added to the Parks reservable facilities network. 

Washoe County Parks received a grant through the Conserve Nevada Program to design and construct a new trailhead at the Canepa Ranch open space property along the Truckee River. The project is based on recommendations in the Carcione and Canepa Ranch Recreation Access Plan (2022) and will include a paved parking area, wayfinding signage, river access path, picnic area, and singletrack loop trail. Construction is anticipated to begin Spring 2026. 

Washoe County Regional Parks has completed the first segment of the Sierra Front Trail connecting the Thomas Creek Trailhead to the Ballardini Ranch Trailhead in June of 2022. Approximately 3.5 miles of new trail construction was completed to finish the first section. Washoe County Parks is partnering with the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, Carson Ranger District on the next section of the Sierra Front Trail that will connect from the Ballardini Ranch Trailhead to the Michael D. Thompson Trailhead. Planning was completed and a Decision Memo was issued by the Forest Service in 2025 for approximately 13.1 miles of new trail construction. Washoe County Parks was awarded grant funding through the Recreation Trails Program (RTP) to construct a portion (7.7 miles) of the new trail from the Michael D. Thompson Trailhead to where it crosses Hunter Lake Road. Construction is anticipated to begin in Summer 2026. 

 

In partnership with the Forest Service and Borda Land and Sheep Company, we will continue annual sheep grazing to reduce fine fuels and weeds in our Arrowcreek Open Space areas. Grazing services are donated by Borda Land and Sheep Company. Please help us keep this valuable program going by keeping dogs on leash when utilizing trails in the Arrowcreek area. Trails include Ballardini Ranch, Thomas Creek, and Whites Creek on both Forest Service and County managed property. Grazing typically occurs April through July.

 

Washoe County Parks is preparing an update for its Park Master Plan at Lazy 5 Regional Park. The last Master Plan for Lazy 5 occurred in 1998. This updated plan will set the framework for decision-makers in the planning, maintenance and development of the park's recreation facilities, amenities, programs, trail connectivity and open space for the next 10-20 years. Continue to check back for updates and to provide your feedback!

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