Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Reno public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
46 issues in parks rec
Pembroke Final Design
The board gets a look at the final design for the Pembroke park project. Design decisions made now will define what the finished park offers neighbors.
Park District Framework
The department is laying out a framework for park districts and what comes next. This could shape how Reno parks are organized and funded in the future.
Dorothy McAlinden Park Public Art Selection
The city is commissioning artwork for Dorothy McAlinden Park with a budget of up to $81,000, and three finalists — Eileen Gay, Jennifer Tran, and Brian Wignall — are pitching their concepts. The task force's pick will shape what residents see in the park for years.
Public art purchase for the Metro Collection
The board will consider recommending the city spend up to $3,000 on artwork by 2026 Reno City Artist Joanna Drakos for the permanent public art collection. It's a small dollar figure, but it shapes what art residents see in public spaces.
Community painting day for the Virginia Street median
A proposed community art event would let residents paint the Midtown Virginia Street median between Liberty and Vassar. Before any paint hits, staff has to clear federal traffic-control rules and RTC grant conditions tied to the median's construction.
West 4th Street Roundabout Public Art Project
The City is commissioning public art for the West 4th Street roundabout, and three finalists — Barry Crawford, Gordon Huether, and Sean Orlando — are pitching their designs. The Task Force's artist recommendation is a key step in deciding what drivers and neighbors will see at this gateway intersection for years to come.
Pawsitive Improvements Program
A pet relief area improvement program would be formally found compliant with NRS 279 and consistent with the Redevelopment Plan, with the Executive Director authorized to administer it.
West 4 Street Small Walls Mural Project
The updated Public Art Master Plan is one year into implementation, with the Small Walls mural program pairing local artists with private downtown property owners. Future ideas include art along the Truckee River and possibly reviving fire station murals.
Public Art Master Plan Progress
Board members will discuss the ongoing implementation and overview of the Public Art Master Plan to integrate more artistic elements into Reno's public spaces.
Regional Parks and Recreation District Feasibility
The PROS Master Plan's biggest move is a regional parks district spanning Reno, Sparks, Sun Valley GID and Washoe County, with a joint advisory board meeting set for late October and an elected-body decision point expected in early 2027. Parks officials stress the district only makes sense if it brings genuinely new funding — though a wrinkle: districts can pay for capital but not maintenance.
Sky Tavern Long-Term Lease Extension
Council approved a 99-year lease extension for the nonprofit Sky Tavern on Mount Rose Highway to secure its future as a premier youth ski and mountain biking recreation center.
2027 Reno City Artist Selection
The task force is considering a large pool of local and regional artists to commission for the 2026 Art Signals public art project, distributing awards up to $10,000 per artist. These installations help enliven public spaces and support local creative professionals.
2027 Western Lights Festival Call for Artists
The board is considering the call for artists for the 2027 Western Lights Festival with a budget of up to $35,000 to support community light installations.
2027 Meeting Calendar Approval
Reno is the only Nevada city whose Charter forces the Charter Committee and Council to meet jointly — which is hard to schedule with 20+ officials. A change could make the meeting optional and require Council to report back on the committee's recommendations.
Wingfield and Barbara Bennett Parks Master Plan
The adopted plan would realign the road through Barbara Bennett Park, flip the Wingfield amphitheater to face east, and add shade and a festival-scale connection between the three downtown parks — at an engineering estimate of $12 million and climbing. One board member questioned whether park improvements belong in RDA's mission at all.
Damonte Ranch Park Dog Park Controversy
Residents expressed frustration over the lack of notification and proximity of a newly constructed dog park at Damonte Ranch Park, noting it is within 40 feet of homes.
Youth Community Engagement and Volunteerism
The Youth City Council organized upcoming volunteer efforts, choosing to participate in a superhero-themed Trunk or Treat at Paradise Park and a literacy event with Spread the Word Nevada. These activities help teens give back to the community and build leadership skills.
Park District Service Plan Update
Parks staff reported progress toward a regional park district that could create dedicated park funding, with a decision point expected in early 2027, plus doubled swim lessons and the Pembroke flat fields design.
Cyan Park Outdoor Sculptures Public Art Project
The advisory board recommended artists Robin Riley and Jason Butler for a $97,000 public art sculpture project at Cyan Park, sending the proposal to City Council for final approval.
Idlewild Park Arboretum Designation
The commission evaluated the operational status and upkeep needs of the Idlewild arboretum to ensure healthy public green spaces.
Wilkinson Park Mural Public Art Project
A new public art project is coming to McAlinden/Mayors Park, with community input being gathered through a survey.
Accessible parks and recreation programs
Parks and Rec was scheduled to present its accessibility initiatives and programs, which shape whether residents of all abilities can participate in city recreation.
Rosewood Lakes Nature Study Area Concessionaire
The city selected Great Basin Institute to manage the Rosewood Lakes Nature Study Area under a long-term agreement. The organization will handle environmental education, trail maintenance, and volunteer coordination.
Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Master Plan Update
Staff provided an update on the long-term master plan guiding future park development and open space preservation across the city.
Youth volunteer partnership with Spread the Word Nevada
The Youth City Council heard a pitch from Spread the Word Nevada about volunteering with the children's literacy organization. Members asked questions but didn't commit to a specific opportunity yet.
Dorothy McAlinden/Mayor’s Park Phase IV Improvements
Parks and Recreation staff are presenting updates on phase four enhancements for Dorothy McAlinden/Mayor’s Park to improve community recreational amenities.
Horseman's Park Potential Improvements
Board members are pushing to evaluate Horseman's Park for new community amenities like pickleball courts, a mini soccer pitch, and lighting. Staff agreed to look into the site's current constraints and bring back a status update.
Rosewood Lakes Nature Study Concessionaire RFP
The city is seeking an operator for the Rosewood Nature Study Area to run environmental programs. The parks board tweaked the scoring rubric to make sure environmental protection and community involvement count more than administrative staffing.
CoLab Mural Works Funding at Northwest Park
The board approved $7,500 to support a student-involved mural project led by local artist Terrance Hammond at Northwest Park.
2026 Historic Preservation Awards
The commission honored local preservationists, architecture projects, and community programs highlighting Reno's history.
Fourth of July 250th Anniversary Parade Support
Council members approved support and organization for a community-wide Independence Day parade to celebrate the nation's 250th anniversary.
Truckee River Pathway public art task force
A wider, more accessible riverside walkway will include five public art pieces funded through the city's 2% for Art program — murals, a railing piece, a functional art piece, and a sandblasted sidewalk design. The board approved the stakeholder group that will guide the art.
Idlewild Pond Mural artist selection
The board chose Canyon Webb to create a new mural at Idlewild Pond, funded at up to $5,000. Members also flagged that the scoring rubric may need changes to better support emerging local artists.
Review of public art scoring rubrics for local artists
The Mayor asked the board to look at how it scores public art projects and whether local artists should get a higher scoring weight. Discussion comes back at the next meeting.
Historic Preservation Centennials and Awards
Reno is preparing to celebrate the 100th anniversaries of the Reno Arch and the California Building, while also planning the annual Historic Preservation Awards ceremony for May. Commissioners discussed how to engage the community and partner with local organizations for these landmark events.
South Valleys Park Expansion Phase II
A major site plan review was scheduled to discuss major drainageway disturbances for a nearly 69-acre park expansion along Wedge Parkway.
Idlewild Park Splash Pad ADA Accessibility Improvements
The city received a $120,000 grant from the Reno Rodeo Association to upgrade the Idlewild Park splash pad with accessibility features so children and individuals with disabilities can enjoy it.
Riverside Drive berm project tree impacts
Commissioners raised concerns that grade changes from the Riverside Drive berm project could harm tree root systems long-term. The topic was flagged for future agenda follow-up.
Honoring Rod Hollenbeek
The local tree community lost Rod Hollenbeek, author, tree tour leader, and keeper of Nevada's Big Tree Registry. The commission brainstormed memorials, from a memorial grove to a champion tree plaque.
2026 Art Signals Program & Artist Call
The city is moving forward with its annual public art project to paint 10 utility signal boxes across Reno. The task force updated eligibility rules to focus primarily on local Northern Nevada artists and give a boost to creators who haven't participated in the program before.
Sky Country Park Improvements
City planners are designing new amenities for Sky Country Park using residential construction funds. Residents can weigh in on features like playgrounds and dog parks through a survey open until March.
District Activation Pilot Program Expansion
The city is expanding its successful downtown event activation pilot program to neighborhood business districts like Midtown and the Brewery District to support small businesses and bring foot traffic.
Off-Site Meeting Locations and Department Tours
The council is planning to hold some of its 2026 meetings at different city department facilities to give youth members a firsthand look at city operations.
Idlewild Pond Mural
The board approved a call for artists for a mural at Idlewild Pond, with up to $5,000 in funding. Artist applications and selection will come back to a future meeting.
Canyon Flats Video Wall artwork
Seven artists were selected to show video work on the Canyon Flats Video Wall, with up to $2,400 in funding. One applicant was excluded over content-appropriateness concerns.
Art Signals Task Force formation
A seven-member task force — three board members and four community applicants — was seated to guide art review in 2026.