RENO, Nev. (KOLO) – Organizers of The Great Reno Balloon Race are asking for community input and support regarding the future of the event. In a statement posted on the event’s social media pages, it reads, in part:
“Washoe County’s park planners developed a Master Plan for Rancho San Rafael Regional Park which overlooks the needs of the GRBR event and its ability to safely host the annual event. Despite GRBR’s repeated attempts to have its concerns addressed during the planning process, we are concerned our needs have not been adequately addressed.”
The group behind the popular event is now calling on its supporters to share their thoughts with Washoe County Commissioners in hopes of having its concerns heard. According to The Great Reno Balloon Race organizers, the proposed changes could negatively impact the future of the event:
- Reduced Public Access: The proposed Master Plan developments and encroachments threaten safe access entry points into the park during pre-dawn hours.
- Unsafe Parking: The Master Plan fails to maintain safe and adequate parking, vital for public attendees and a critical source of GRBR’s funding.
- Increased Safety Risks: Additional tree planting near flight fields creates hazardous conditions for balloon pilots and the viewing public.
- Limited Event Space: The Master Plan reduces open areas, jeopardizing GRBR’s ability to grow and continue offering an exceptional experience.
- Jeopardizes Event Growth: Reno is growing, but the Master Plan threatens to further shrink the open space available for the event, limiting GRBR’s ability to accommodate the public.
A petition has been started, asking county commissioners to not approve the current master plan for Rancho San Rafael Regional Park. You can view the petition here.
To view the Master Plan for Rancho San Rafael Regional Park, click here.
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