A Gem in Reno’s heart --- Rancho San Rafael Regional Park
Reno is a city on the move. It’s a place where progress and modernity go hand in hand, but in the midst of this urban dynamism, there’s a place that provides a different kind of energy — Rancho San Rafael Regional Park, the urban landscape, lies a sanctuary of nature and community.
This park is pretty close to my college. So, I decided to take a tour of the park. While I encountered an amazing mother Claudia who was at the park with her child.
“I visit the park at least a couple of times in a week. I come with my son. So we either ride bikes or walk. We live nearby so it is just the perfect way to just come down here into a loop. The park I would say it’s well lit at all times, so even after it’s dark we still feel safe go up the hill and there is always security going around that keeps us safe. It’s clean, there are lots of garbage cans. The trails are really nice, playgrounds are well kept. The park plays an important role in our life because it’s a way to get out of the house, to do some exercise, have some fun, listen to birds, listen to people just walking around, look around at the animals. Basically it’s a place where families can come together”.
— Claudia Castagnella
An Evening of Pure Joy --- Claudia and her Son Bonding at the Park
Yes, that absolutely true !! This park thrives with energy, where life moves at a brisk pace. Yet, in this hustle and bustle, the need for a tranquil escape often goes unnoticed. Rancho San Rafael Regional Park stands as an urban oasis — a place where the importance of parks becomes evident.
“I have been coming to the park for over 30 years. We come for special events, to walk the dog, for tranquility, and a sense of peace. It offers a lot for a bunch of different people, sports people, walking people, arts people, Museums. It’s great for wildlife as well, lots of Canadian geese are here”.
— Richard Eggers
Park Strolls with Furry Friends --- Friends and Their Canine Companion
Beyond recreation, Rancho San Rafael Regional Park nurtures a profound connection with nature. Bird-watchers admire feathered inhabitants, nature enthusiasts appreciate the park’s beauty, and green thumbs tend to its flourishing gardens. But this park isn’t just about events, relaxation, it also promotes an active lifestyle.
“I am coming today to ride my bike over the Peavine. But I come here for all kinds of things because it’s so beautiful, it makes a developed residential area, a nice place to live when there are green spaces where we can go which is more natural than developed places. It seems bigger than I can express”.
— Andy Boren
Pedal-Powered Adventure --- Cyclist Eager for a Park Ride
In today’s fast-paced world, many residents of Reno are lured away to bigger cities in search of enhanced lifestyles and higher salaries. Unfortunately, this migration trend often results in people losing touch with the art of socializing and spending quality time with their families. However, Reno, despite being a smaller city, is making commendable efforts to help its residents reclaim their life balance. The city organizes various events across its picturesque landscape, with some of these gatherings taking place right in the heart of its beautiful parks.
I encountered Luis Sanchez who was at the park for an upcoming event.
“Parks are very important for the city. They provide an area for people to come and promotes family life and community. We are here for a festival called CMYK, it will be a colorful festival mixed with yoga and electronic music. So We are bringing a Drone show to Reno for the first time ever and we are very excited about this park because it gives us a very very open field and very nice green area for the drone to take off. So I recommend the people who’s coming for the event to take care of the park, like If we bring food or trash, take it out with you and throw it out”.
— Luis Sanchez
Elevating the Beat --- Drone Pilot Taking Music Festival to New Heights
It is our responsibility to maintain this park and help it to blossom. Park range officer Celia Walker has some message to share.
“It’s good to get out in nature. It’s good for your health mentally and physically. We have lots of different experiences in the park. You can go hiking, you can relax by all over the pond, then there is an arboretum , we have lots of special events, we have reserve facilities for events like weddings, graduation, you name it! And we put a lot of programming in it. We definitely have job security because there are a lot of people who don’t consider that this is everyone’s space, not just their own. There are some rules: `Leave no trace’. It’s very important when you visit public places you should take your trash with you. Don’t destroy anything that is here permanently. This is for everyone so we want it to last for generations to come, not just today !!”.
— Celia Walker
Guardian of the Wilderness --- Park Ranger Patrolling in Terrain Vehicle
As Reno evolves, let us remember this green gem — a place that keeps us grounded, connected, and united with dedicated individuals who ensure that the park thrives as a vibrant part of our city.
Payton Bronk
Inias Banks
CMYK Stage Setup
