For years, Washoe Little League softball players have made the most of whatever fields were available. Now, after a sharp increase in participation, the league is finally moving toward a home of its own, one that organizers say will also help give girls in the community the equitable facilities they deserve.
Washoe County and Washoe Little League will break ground Monday on two new softball fields at South Valleys Regional Park, marking a major step toward a larger complex designed to give local players more room to play and grow.
Washoe Little League says girls' softball participation has increased 200% since 2021. But even with that growth, players still rely on borrowed high school fields and aging facilities that lack lights, scoreboards, and restrooms.
The league describes that lack of infrastructure as an equity issue. Its project materials say girls deserve a home-field advantage and first-class facilities that give them opportunities to compete, grow, and lead.
“This is an amazing milestone for Washoe Softball and sends a clear message that equitable facilities for girls’ sports matter in our community,” Dan Gallagher, Washoe Little League Capital Campaign Chair, said. “This complex will enable Washoe Little League to provide safe, local, affordable opportunities to play for the girls in our community now and for generations to come.”
The groundbreaking is scheduled for 4 p.m. Monday, Oct. 12, at South Valleys Regional Park, 15650 Wedge Parkway in Reno. Parking will be at the north end of the park near the construction site.
The initial facilities are being made possible by a $3.5 million grant from the Pennington Family Foundation. Washoe Little League is also conducting a private fundraising campaign for additional amenities.
“This is an exciting collaboration with Washoe Little League to elevate our park facility,” Parks Superintendent Stephanie D’Arcy said. “We are so grateful to the Pennington Family Foundation for its continued support of our quality of life in Washoe County and for investing in projects that offer so much to our residents.”
The two fields are part of a much larger plan. According to Washoe Little League, the organization's $9.75 million capital campaign calls for four dedicated, fully equipped softball fields, a concession and restroom building, lights, scoreboards, bleachers, batting cages, nets and shade structures.
The league says more than $5.5 million has already been secured through public and private support.
The project is also part of Washoe County's master plan for South Valleys Regional Park. Once complete, the league says the complex will support future recreational growth and provide a venue for tournaments that could bring visitors and economic activity to Reno.
The project could also create opportunities for teens in areas such as umpiring, concessions, and event support, according to the league.
For Washoe Little League, the project builds on a history that goes back to 1959, when the league was founded through the efforts of Galen McDade of Steamboat.
Around 2000, the South Valleys Regional Sports Complex opened and became a new home for Washoe Little League. Since then, the league says it has accumulated 66 District Championships and seven State Championships.
Now, the league is looking to build facilities that can keep pace with the number of young athletes who want to play.
How the project is funded
The project is planned in four phases, with a total estimated cost of $9,745,836.
Phase 1: Infrastructure — $2 million, complete.
Phase 2: Initial facilities — $3.5 million, with the financial grant secured and construction targeted for summer 2026.
Phase 3: Field amenities — $1.1 million, pending Washoe Little League fundraising. This phase includes lights, scoreboards, batting cages, and other amenities for the initial two fields.
Phase 4: Full buildout — $3,145,836, with fundraising still needed. This phase would complete all four fields with lights, scoreboards, and other amenities included in the Washoe County master plan.
Washoe Little League says the first two phases represent $5.5 million already secured through public and private support. Fundraising continues for the remaining phases, which the organization says will help bring the full vision for the complex to life. The league is encouraging community members who want to get involved or contribute to the project to contact Capital Campaign Chair Dan Gallagher at dan.gallagher@gmail.com.
The organization's broader vision is to create a permanent home where players and families can gather, and the program can continue to grow. For girls in particular, the league says the project is intended to provide the facilities, recognition, and opportunities they deserve.
Monday's groundbreaking marks the next step toward turning that vision into a permanent home for Washoe Little League softball at South Valleys Regional Park.
