Reno’s Vast Riverfront Acreage: Balancing Flood Control and Community Recreation
Amidst Reno’s urban landscape lies a sprawling area by the Truckee River, destined for transformation. This nearly 170-acre tract between McCarran and Rock boulevards is at the heart of a promising flood mitigation and recreational project, set to redefine the region’s interaction with natural spaces.
George Robison, executive director of the Truckee River Flood Management Authority (TRFMA), highlighted the area’s vulnerability to flooding. “We would be underwater right here during a big flood,” he stated, underscoring the urgency of the project.
Robison elaborated on the agency’s strategy to bolster infrastructure against floods. “We’re going to do that with levees that can protect the water from going out into the industrial areas,” he explained. The goal is to “slow this water down” through natural means, such as creating side channels to reconnect the river with its floodplain.
The project envisions a dual-purpose redevelopment. One proposal focuses on creating a nature park, complete with fishing platforms, outdoor learning spaces, and wildlife observation points. Alternatively, a more complex plan suggests integrating 11 grass fields with lighting, which could also serve as a water retention basin. This proposal, however, requires Ferrari Farms, currently leasing part of the land, to relocate.
Naomi Albertson, a local sports medicine physician, advocates for the recreational fields to address the shortage of playing areas in Reno. “In order to support your athlete who is playing one of these sports, you may end up having to leave your job early to get them from South Reno to Golden Eagle,” she noted, highlighting the logistical challenges faced by families.
The City of Reno Parks, Recreation and Open Space Master Plan outlines a need for 45 flat fields to match national standards, yet only 83 fields existed as of November 2023.
The debate continues as to which direction to take. While Sparks Mayor Ed Lawson, a TRFMA board member, is keen on flood mitigation, he remains undecided about the fields. He pointed out that the Golden Eagle Sports Complex attracts substantial revenues for local businesses but emphasized the importance of immediate flood control.
Recalling the 1997 flood’s devastation, Lawson remarked, “We had 25,000 people out of work. I was one of them.” The incident resulted in two fatalities and $700 million in damages, underscoring the need for robust flood defenses.
However, the project’s timeline remains uncertain. Federal approval from the Army Corps of Engineers is necessary due to the river’s designation as a federal waterway, a process historically beset by delays.
Funding for the project is secured through a $70 million fund, accumulated from a sales tax increment enacted post-1997 flood. The TRFMA board of directors is set to meet on Friday, Oct. 10, with representatives from the Washoe County Commission and city councils of Reno and Sparks expected to discuss the project’s future.
