Grants sought for park, events center in Lyon Co.

Two recreation venues in Lyon County could get a boost if federal grant requests are approved by the Lyon County commissioners at today's meeting.

Visitors to the Dayton Rodeo Grounds eventually won't have to use Port-o-Potties if the fairgrounds gets the $75,000 grant from the Federal Lands and Water Conservation Fund. The grant will pay for restrooms and a concession stand at the rodeo grounds, something parks and recreation supervisor Jannette Hoffert said is sorely needed.

The commissioners must approve any grant proposal that requires county funds as a match. The match for the rodeo grounds work will come from $150,000 approved by the commissioners as surplus building maintenance reserve funds.

Hoffert said the county funds will be used to pay for a pavilion suitable for concerts and other uses.

"Once they get those, it will open up a whole new venue for the community to use that facility," she said.

Hoffert is also requesting a $75,000 grant for the 33-acre Santa Maria Ranch Park and River Trails System. The funds will be used for parking areas and access roads to the park, which is funded but not yet developed, Hoffert said.

"It is very important to get the access road in first," she said, adding that part of the grant will pay for warning signs on the river to alert rafters of take-out areas and dangers ahead.

"It's important to get those in before next spring," she said. "Rafters need to know to take out here, it's not safe farther down (river)."

Matching funds for the Santa Maria park will come out of Question 1 money, which is state funding dedicated to water quality, open space, parks, recreation and historic and cultural resources. Question 1 was a ballot initiative approved by Nevada voters in 2001.

• Contact reporter Karen Woodmansee at kwoodmansee@nevadaappeal.com or 882-2111 ext. 351.

If you go

WHAT: Lyon County Commission meeting

WHEN: 9 a.m. today

WHERE: 27 S. Main St., in Yerington

CALL: (775) 463-6531