Rancho San Rafael Regional Park Vision Plan Update
How can a beloved regional park evolve without losing what makes it special?
By grounding future improvements in community priorities, ecological stewardship, and realistic implementation, the Rancho San Rafael Regional Park Vision Plan Update creates a flexible roadmap for renewal.
The Rancho San Rafael Regional Park Vision Plan Update provides a long-term roadmap for the future of this 580+ acre regional park in Washoe County, just north of downtown Reno. Rooted in community input and technical analysis, the plan responds to regional growth, changing recreation needs, and long-term environmental stewardship while preserving the qualities that have made the park a beloved destination for years.
Dig Studio led an extensive planning and engagement process that brought together residents, park users, stakeholders, and local organizations to help shape the park’s future. Public workshops, on-site outreach, and digital engagement informed a vision focused on equitable access, improved circulation, expanded recreation opportunities, ecological sensitivity, and cultural preservation.
The plan recommends enhancements to trails, accessibility, event spaces, infrastructure, and park amenities while also addressing open space preservation, water use, maintenance, and long-term feasibility. Design was used throughout the process to test alternatives, evaluate trade-offs, and communicate future possibilities in a clear and accessible way.
Key strategies include the adaptive reuse of the deteriorated log flume and former Nevada Family Farms area into a new community activity zone with adventure play, nature-based learning spaces, and creek play features. The replacement of the obsolete flume with a flexible amphitheater and performance venue further supports cultural programming and regional events.
A phased implementation strategy helps Washoe County prioritize improvements based on impact, cost, and maintenance implications, creating a practical framework for funding, decision-making, and long-term stewardship. The result is a visionary yet achievable plan that positions Rancho San Rafael Regional Park to serve the community for generations to come.
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Location
Reno, NV
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Client
Washoe County, NV
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Awards
2026 ASLA AZ Honor Award
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Size
580 acres
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Region
Northwest
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Project Type
Park
Planning
Set within the Nevada Farms + Families zone, this nature-inspired play area combines arboretum-themed adventure play, creek-style water features, and pollinator gardens to support exploration, learning, and sustainable restoration.
Rooted in preservation, access, and community enrichment, the plan guides north and south park improvements to protect ecology, celebrate Indigenous and Basque heritage, and evolve amenities through inclusive, sustainable design.
A creek-inspired play environment encourages hands-on exploration through water, stone, and planting, creating immersive play experiences that connect children and families to natural processes and landscapes.
A revitalized amphitheater anchors the park’s heart, blending flexible event spaces and modern amenities while celebrating the historic log flume that once defined the site.
The Vision Plan Update reflects Washoe County’s evolving community, shaped through inclusive engagement that amplified diverse voices and established a shared long-term vision for this beloved regional park.
Inclusive engagement shaped the plan at every stage, helping align future park improvements with community priorities, operational realities, and long-term environmental stewardship.
Through workshops, on-site outreach, and an interactive project website, the Rancho San Rafael Vision Plan Update captured community priorities to guide the park’s future alongside Washoe County’s continued growth.
