Federal sites eyed for regional park

Staff are ready to unveil a vision for a large, mostly natural park within Carson City that would attract locals and tourists.

The park would be on 868 acres comprised primarily of Silver Saddle Ranch and Carson River Park. It would cost $12 million to $15 million, which would be put together in pieces over a decade or two, said Roger Moellendorf, parks and recreation director. Money for the endeavor would come from federal sources, he said.

"It's an ideal setting for a regional park," said Moellendorf. "And it's centrally located."

Members of the Parks and Recreation Commission will consider the idea today and the Carson River Advisory Committee will discuss it on Wednesday.

The aquatic trail proposed his year to run along the river from Silver Saddle to Dayton State Park is within the expansive land-use proposal. Also planned for the regional park are traditional offerings, such as picnic areas and large open-turf areas, various trails, an events facility separate from what's offered at the Carson City Fairgrounds, and an amphitheater.

Much of the acreage, however, would remain in its natural state, though a variety of enhancements would be sought to improve conditions for native animals and plants.

Neighbor Joe Childs, a member of the group Save Buzzy's Ranch, another parcel sought for preservation that sits nearby, doesn't envision problems with this type of arrangement for the federal sites - as long as traffic isn't too heavily increased and the amphitheater too disruptive for people living in the area.

"Nature lovers are people I wouldn't mind in my back yard," Childs said. "Anyone's going to welcome the addition of park land that can be preserved."

These types of parks also have a potential economic benefit because they add to an area's list of tourist attractions, Moellendorf said. "They bring people into your community."

While the city and federal government work together on management of the 700-acre-plus Silver Saddle, it's an "underused resource," according to Moellendorf.

The lack of a regional park is detailed in the parks and recreation master plan, which was adopted by city supervisors in April. It suggests working with the federal government to enhance uses of Silver Saddle, and to improve the city's fairgrounds.

Ultimately, the city would like to develop a green belt area along the river from Morgan Mill Road to Silver Saddle, Moellendorf said.

In between lies the Andersen and Jarrard family trust properties, better known as Buzzy's Ranch. The city continues negotiating with the families for the roughly 480 acres.

Nearby examples of regional parks are Bartley Ranch and Rancho San Rafael, both in Reno.

Both sites are venues for many large-scale events because of their size and amenities.

The city's federal lands bill must be completed in late fall. More than two dozen sites already are being considered for inclusion. Fire prevention, open space, recreation and land management advantages are among reasons cited for seeking control.

• Contact reporter Terri Harber at tharber @nevadaappeal.com or 882-2111, ext. 215.

If you go

Both groups meet this week at 5:30 p.m. in the Sierra Room of the Carson City Community Center, 851 E. William St.

Parks and Recreation Commission

- tonight

Also on the agenda:

• How to spend residential construction tax funds

• Whether to continue pursuing a partnership with Western Nevada Community College for a joint-use recreation center on the college campus.

River Advisory

Committee

- Wednesday