Reno, Nevada. May 18, 2016. On April 27, 2016, Washoe County sold two parcels in Spanish Springs, known as Sky Ranch Park, which is located at the corner of La Posada Drive and Pyramid WY. (See map)
The park was originally constructed in 1982, during a time when there was minimal development, with abundant open space and agricultural lands surrounding the park. At that time, there were no other parks in the area and it filled a tremendous need, providing recreation opportunities to those living in this once “rural” area of unincorporated Washoe County.
With the tremendous growth in Spanish Springs over the past 30 years, this once rural area has grown tremendously, including the development of parks. Since constructing Sky Ranch Park in 1982, Washoe County has built four additional parks in the area (Eagle Canyon, Lazy 5, Desert Winds and Gator Swamp). The City of Sparks also operates more than 50 parks in the vicinity to meet the recreational needs of the community.
With the location of Sky Ranch Park now at one of the areas busiest intersections, the Board of County Commissioners determined that using the land as a park was not in the best interest of Washoe County or the community. In addition, due to budget reductions, the County no longer had the staff or the financial resources to maintain the property. After a public input process, the County decided to take appropriate actions and sell the property for economic development purposes.
In anticipation of selling the property, the County completed the final phase of Eagle Canyon Park, just one mile away, to ensure no park users were displaced as part of the property sale.
The Board of County Commissioners directed that any proceeds from the sale of the park go back in to Park District 2C for future park development in Spanish Springs.
The property was purchased for $760,000 by Pyramid Urban Achievers LLC.
Washoe County, through its Community Services Department, manages more than 12,000-acres of parks, trails and open space throughout the region. The Department strives to provide exceptional parks and open space, and recreational opportunities while preserving our natural, historical and cultural resources. For more information on these or other Washoe County parks, please visit www.washoecountyparks.com.
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