Reno residents have a new reason to head outdoors and enjoy the perks of their local park. The City of Reno's Parks and Recreation Department is beckoning the community to the freshly inaugurated playground at Miguel Ribera Park with a special Community Day event. Kicking off today, at 11 a.m., the day will feature brief remarks, and free paletas courtesy of Councilmember Martinez, alongside the Rolling Recreation trailer.
The park, spreading over 19.48 acres, is positioned to serve the populous Neil Road area and beyond. It's former play structures, well-loved but worn by years of laughter and play, made way for this necessary upgrade. According to a release shared by the City of Reno, the city council had already laid the financial groundwork back in May 2023, giving a thumbs up to a substantial $2,010,659 grant from the Community Development Block Grant Program.
Ward 3 Councilmember Miguel Martinez, whose support was tangible not just in the form of refreshing paletas but also in his push for communal uplift, said, "We’re thrilled to celebrate this incredible new playground at Miguel Ribera Park, a space built for our families and fueled by community investment." His vision is clear – to craft a spot that invites accessible joy and connection, rooting deeper into the neighborhood fabric.
Public opinion was no silent partner in this endeavor. The Parks and Recreation Department reached out early in 2024, surveying the neighborhood to gauge the wishes for the playground renovation. It led to the selection of new features, including a shiny set up for youngsters between 2 to 12 years, complemented by a tuned drums piece, a sensory play wall, neutron carousel, and swings – all cushioned by a safety-first rubberized surface – as relayed by the City of Reno.
With the ribbon cut and the playground's gates open, the Community Day event is not just a nod to the new but a gathering, signaling a reinforcement of community ties. The media and public are welcome to join in, marking a day of lively chatter, kids’ gleeful cheers, and anointing a physical space with the spirit of Reno’s collective aspirations.
