In November 2024, an arsonist burned down a canopy shelter at Sierra Vista Park in northwest Reno. On Tuesday, the city started a fundraiser to rebuild it.
“We have $125,000 as a pledge. We're looking for an additional $125,000 to match. and then once those funds are secured, we're able to hit the ground running,” said Landon Miller, Fund & Development Manager, City of Reno Parks & Recreation Department.
Even though the City of Reno estimated $169,000 in damages from the shelter fire, insurance only covered about 10% of that, for a total of $17,000. The city said it was only able to clean the site with that money.
In addition to the Greg Nelson Trust's $125,000 pledge, several local organizations are pitching in.
The Biggest Little Trail Stewardship already maintains the trails at the park. Its president, Curtis Johnson, said the shelter was vital for several bike programs in the city.
“The new structure will be noncombustible, so it's not going to burn down again, and it'll be a little bit more user-friendly to the groups that are going to be here,” Johnson said.
Daniel Sands coaches for the McQueen Knightriders, a youth mountain bike team with athletes from fifth to 12th grades. He said the lack of shade at their home base has been challenging over the past two seasons.
“We'd set up sort of a pit zone where we'd wrench on the bikes and make sure that they’re in top performance so that their athletes could compete,” Sands said. “We would use [the shelter] for team orientations. And so, we do all that, but now we're more exposed to the elements."
Sands now has to set up a temporary canopy for every practice and hope the wind doesn't take it away. He said the new structure will help the team with its goal to get more kids outside and learn life skills.
“You know, perseverance, mechanical skills, mental toughness, all those good personal traits that they can learn by just getting out and riding their bike with their friends and having fun,” he said.
You can donate to the city’s fundraiser online through this link. After putting in a dollar amount, under “Tribute Information,” select “In Honor of Sierra Vista Park.”
If you’d rather send a check, it should be made payable to the Community Foundation of Northern Nevada with “City of Reno Fund – Sierra Vista Park” in the memo line. Mail your checks to 50 Washington Street #300, Reno, NV 89503.
Tax deduction letters are available upon request.
