As community demand for parks and recreation services continues to grow, the City faces an increasing gap between needs and available funding. Currently, most park funding comes from the General Fund, which is subject to economic volatility and competing priorities. The Reno Parks and Recreation system lacks sustainable funding in several critical areas:

• Capital Maintenance and Asset Replacement
• Capital Improvement
• Operational Maintenance

Council's overarching goals highlight enhancing the community’s living experience through the arts, its public parks, and historical resources. Council has already endorsed multiple strategies that seek to address the lack of sustainable funding for parks and recreation facilities and services as established in the following plans:

• Identify dedicated and creative funding sources for parks and recreation to address aging facilities, maintain parks and trails, expand recreational opportunities, and complete the Parks, Recreation and Open Space (PROS) Plan. – City of Reno Strategic Plan (Goal F- Strategy 4)
• Complete a Service Plan, working with community agencies and stakeholders, to investigate and support the formation of a park and recreation special district. – Parks, Recreation and Open Space Master Plan (Goal 1 – Objective 1.2)
• Establish and Special Park District for long-term management and funding for the Truckee River Corridor. – Truckee River Vision Plan (Key Recommendation for Parks & Open Space)

On June 4, 2025 Council approved a professional services agreement with PROS Consulting, Inc. to develop the Service Plan to investigate the formation of a park district in the amount of $223,550. On July 23, 2025 Council approved an Interlocal Agreement between Washoe County and the City of Reno to reimburse the City for the Parks Service Plan, in the amount of $100,000. The Redevelopment Agency has also confirmed a contribution to this plan in the amount of $60,000. 

Since then, City of Reno Parks and Recreation staff has been working with Washoe County and the City of Sparks to coordinate the development of this Service Plan. 

What is a Service Plan?

A Service Plan is a feasibility study that is outlined in by NRS Title 25 Chapter 318A – the Nevada Parks, Trails and Open Space District Act as a pre-requisite to consider the formation of a park district. A Service Plan must include a financial survey showing how the proposed services are to be provided and financed. The plan must also include a map of the boundaries of proposed districts and an estimate of the population and assessed valuation of the proposed district. Description of proposed facilities, improvements or projects with estimated costs must be included. 

If you’d like more information about the development of a service plan, we’d encourage you to view this presentation provided by PROS Consulting at the Joint Recreation and Parks Commission meeting.

What is a Park District?

A park district is a special-purpose local government created to provide parks, recreation facilities, trails, and open space services to a defined geographical area. This district operates independently, has a dedicated purpose and can be cross-jurisdictional. 

Funding methods available to park districts in Nevada include:

• Property Taxes - Ad valorem taxes can be levied with voter approval to support operations or capital improvements.
• Special Assessments (CFDs, SADs) - Localized fees assessed on property owners to fund specific improvements.
• Sales Tax Revenue - With voter or legislative approval, local sales tax increments can fund regional parks or amenities.
• Transient Lodging Taxes - Room taxes from hotel stays may be allocated to park infrastructure that supports tourism.
• Grants - Federal, state, and nonprofit grants like LWCF and RTP are key for capital projects and require matching funds.
• Park Impact Fees - Fees charged to developers to mitigate impacts of new growth on park systems.
• User Fees and Program Revenues - Revenues from facility rentals, entrance fees, and programs help support operations.
• Private Donations and Sponsorships - Park foundations and conservancies can raise supplemental funding and support.
• General Obligation Bonds - Voter-approved bonds secured by property taxes for large-scale capital projects.
• Revenue Bonds - Debt repaid through dedicated revenues like user fees; does not require voter approval.

If the created district seeks to impose any taxes or issue bonds, then a public vote is required. If no new taxes or debt are included, the district can be created by governing body resolution. If taxes or bonds are proposed, a ballot measure must be submitted to voters within the proposed district and a simple majority vote is required to pass the measure.