UPDATE - July 8: 

A new memo published by the City of Reno on July 7 confirms that city officials were formally notified of Truckee Meadows Parks Foundation’s (TMPF) insolvency earlier that day.

The memo, addressed to the Mayor and City Council, states that the TMPF Board of Directors intends to dissolve the organization "imminently."

According to the memo from Parks & Recreation Director Nathan Ullyot, city staff met with TMPF board members and community stakeholders to begin planning for the transition of key services and properties previously overseen by TMPF.

Among the services impacted:

  • Dog waste disposal stations: TMPF has maintained approximately 50 stations across city parks and trails. The city is exploring whether to absorb this responsibility or partner with another organization.

  • Rosewood Nature Preserve: TMPF has managed public access and utility costs at the preserve. The City of Reno will now resume full control, including site access and issuing a request for proposals to find a new partner organization in the future. Temporary disruptions to public access are expected.

  • Reno Adaptive Cycling Center: This city-run program, which shares a building at Rosewood with TMPF, will continue to operate. City staff will secure all property during the transition.

  • California Building Access: TMPF also used the California Building for programming and administrative purposes. The city will revoke access and terminate any related lease agreements.

City staff emphasized that these changes are being implemented to ensure continuity of services where possible and to protect public resources during the dissolution process.

This update follows TMPF’s July 3 announcement that it would cease all operations immediately, citing severe financial mismanagement by former Executive Director Heidi Anderson. Federal investigations remain ongoing.

 

UPDATE - July 3: 

The Truckee Meadows Parks Foundation (TMPF) announced it is ceasing all operations effective immediately, following the discovery of what it describes as “severe financial mismanagement” by former Executive Director Heidi Anderson.

The foundation, which had already terminated Anderson in late June, is now laying off all staff, suspending programs, and preparing for formal dissolution.

The shutdown includes the immediate end of TMPF-led summer camps and AmeriCorps partnerships.

AmeriCorps members are being exited from the program and will receive prorated education awards.

TMPF stated it can no longer fulfill financial obligations or maintain its nonprofit status, which it expects to lose later this year.

Refunds for camp programs will not be issued, but all outstanding obligations are being documented for review by a federal trustee.

The City of Reno is working with the TMPF board and local partners to mitigate the impact on families and ensure some programming continues.

“In partnership with the City of Reno, we are continuing operations of our Junior Explorers Summer Day Camp at Rosewood Nature Area as planned,” said Sean Hill, CEO of Sierra Nevada Journeys.

The Rosewood Nature Study Area will remain open under new management. Peavine Pete, the site’s resident tortoise, will continue to be cared for locally.

Federal investigations involving AmeriCorps and the U.S. Department of Labor are ongoing. TMPF said it cannot comment further at this time.

ORIGINAL STORY - June 27:

The executive director of Truckee Meadows Parks Foundation has been fired, and both internal and federal investigations into her alleged conduct are underway.

The Truckee Meadows Parks Foundation confirmed that Executive Director Heidi Anderson was terminated in late June following allegations of financial mismanagement.

The decision was shared in an email sent to the foundation’s supporters on Monday, June 24.

“The Truckee Meadows Parks Foundation Board of Directors has made the decision to terminate the contract of Executive Director Heidi Anderson due to financial mismanagement. This decision was made unanimously and with careful consideration,” the board said in a statement.

Anderson had been with the organization since 2016 and served as its executive director since 2019.

The board said it is conducting its own internal review and working with legal and financial professionals to assess the full scope of the situation.

Meanwhile, federal investigations into Anderson’s conduct are underway through AmeriCorps and the U.S. Department of Labor.

“We are committed to transparency and accountability as we work through this matter,” the board’s statement said. “The Board is actively engaged with legal and financial professionals to assess the full scope of the situation and ensure an appropriate and timely response."

“In addition, representatives from AmeriCorps and the U.S. Department of Labor will be conducting formal external investigations. We welcome this oversight and are fully cooperating with these agencies to ensure a complete and impartial review.

“Our priority is to protect the mission and integrity of Truckee Meadows Parks Foundation, and to support the staff, AmeriCorps members, and volunteers who carry that mission forward each day. We are taking proactive steps to ensure continuity in leadership and operations during this transition.”

The foundation said it would not release further information at this time to avoid jeopardizing the investigation.