Carson City's Open Space Advisory Committee is set to review several significant proposals impacting the city's recreational and natural landscapes. The agenda includes a comprehensive $44 million master plan for Centennial Park, the acceptance of a 130-acre conservation easement for the historic Old Woods Ranch, and a new flood mitigation project at Moffat Open Space.
Key Takeaways
- The Centennial Park Master Plan proposes over $44 million in upgrades, including a new bike park and additional sports fields, with funding yet to be allocated.
- A conservation easement for the 130-acre Old Woods Ranch is under consideration, with acquisition costs covered by a federal grant and private fundraising.
- A developer has proposed a flood storage and habitat restoration project at Moffat Open Space, tied to a new 384-unit apartment complex.
- The Parks and Recreation Commission has already given unanimous support to the Centennial Park plan.
Centennial Park Master Plan Faces Review
The Carson City Open Space Advisory Committee (OSAC) will evaluate the JohnD Winters Centennial Park Master Plan, a long-term vision for one of the city's key recreational hubs. The plan, which has already received unanimous approval from the Parks and Recreation Commission on October 7, outlines extensive improvements across the park.
The proposed upgrades carry a rough estimated cost of just over $44 million. City officials have noted that this figure does not include projects that are already completed or currently underway, such as the reconstruction of tennis courts and the installation of artificial turf on the upper softball fields.
Key Features of the Park Plan
The master plan is divided into several key components aimed at enhancing the park's utility for a wide range of residents. A significant proposal is the construction of a new bike park in the upper section of Centennial Park, planned for an area northeast of the new artificial turf fields.
For the lower section, the plan calls for the development of more multi-use fields, with a specific emphasis on creating additional space for football. A new dog park is also included in the proposal to serve the community's pet owners.
Funding Strategy and Next Steps
According to city documents, funding for the $44 million in improvements has not yet been identified or allocated. However, having an approved master plan is a critical step. It strengthens the city's position when applying for grants and seeking community support through fundraising initiatives. For example, the bike park component is estimated to cost approximately $3.8 million, with the expectation that these funds will be secured from an outside organization rather than city coffers.
The OSAC is being asked to provide its recommendation for approval to the Board of Supervisors, following the lead of the Parks and Recreation Commission. A positive recommendation would move the ambitious plan one step closer to potential implementation as funding becomes available.
Old Woods Ranch Conservation Easement
Another major item on the committee's agenda is a recommendation regarding the acceptance of a conservation easement for the Old Woods Ranch. This property, located between Kings Canyon Road and Highway 50 West, has been a subject of discussion between Carson City and the landowners since approximately 2007.
Property Profile
The Old Woods Ranch consists of two parcels totaling 130 acres. Its diverse landscape features irrigated lands, conifer forests, sagebrush uplands, and a riparian area with mature aspen trees. The elevation of the property ranges from 5,700 to 6,500 feet.
The ranch is considered a high-priority area for conservation. It is identified on the Carson City Open Space opportunities map for its significant value in preserving scenic views, protecting the local watershed, and providing critical wildlife habitat. Its location is also strategic, as it is adjacent to the city-owned Horsecreek Ranch conservation easement and the Tahnu Leweh Open Space, creating a larger contiguous block of protected land.
Securing Funds for Preservation
Carson City has collaborated with the Nevada Land Trust (NLT) to find funding sources for the easement. An initial application to the Forest Legacy Program in 2016 was unsuccessful. However, a revised application was submitted in 2020, which bundled the Old Woods Ranch with two other properties in Washoe Valley and upper Clear Creek that the NLT was also working to preserve.
This strategy proved successful. According to a staff report, larger tracts of land receive greater consideration under the grant program's criteria. The joint application was awarded funding in 2021.
"The total cost for these acquisitions is estimated to be approximately $4.125-$5.7 million, depending on appraised value. A 25 percent match is required for the grant, however Nevada Land Trust has fundraised money to support the matching funds and no money from Carson City will be contributed."
Negotiations on the terms of the conservation easement have been completed. A key point of interest for the city was ensuring language that would allow for future trail connectivity between the Ash-to-Kings Trail and Clear Creek. While the easement includes provisions for future trail access, an immediate connection is not possible as it would require crossing adjacent private property where an easement has not been secured. City staff have designed an alternative trail alignment that avoids private land.
Moffat Open Space Flood Project Proposed
The committee will also hold a discussion on a proposed flood storage and riparian restoration project at Moffat Open Space. The proposal comes from Guardian Capital, a local developer, and is linked to a planned housing project.
Guardian Capital is seeking to regrade approximately 1.5 acres of the 17.8-acre Moffat Open Space along Eagle Valley Creek. The primary objectives are to create flood volume mitigation and to source soil for the developer's proposed 384-unit Class A apartment project. This new development is planned for the Lompa Ranch North Specific Plan area, situated east of I-580.
The project is not just about flood control and soil extraction. The proposal includes significant environmental enhancements for the area, which is currently overrun with noxious weeds.
Restoration and Beautification Efforts
The plan outlines the creation of two riparian planting areas on either side of Eagle Valley Creek. These areas would serve multiple purposes, including flood control and beautification for residents using the adjacent multi-use pathway.
The restoration would involve several steps:
- Creating basin planting areas with native plants to blend with the existing landscape.
- Using an erosion control seed mix on side slopes to ensure stabilization.
- Introducing riparian plantings within the basin that can tolerate periods of saturation.
City staff view the project as an opportunity to improve the local ecosystem. According to the staff report, the restoration efforts and better connection of the creek to its floodplain are expected to enhance the area for wildlife habitat, water quality, and recreation. This item is currently for discussion only, allowing the committee to provide initial feedback on the developer's proposal.