Around the Arch Blog

It’s beginning to feel like Christmas, the feeling of warmth and community. After a fall season of tragedy in the Truckee Meadows, the feeling of holiday reminds me of hope and good spirit. Nothing says community more than a neighbor’s helping hand. That’s exactly what Reno is about, a helping hand to those in need. We rally together and exhibit our strength through our valorous resolve. I’m proud to be a member of this community and am appreciative of all its working components. The Reno Fire Department recently put out a fire in my neighborhood and the professionalism and care was something to be admired. I applaud their quick response from an efficiency standpoint, but truly appreciate their concern and sympathy. The neighborhood came to arms with helping hands and personal affection. It was an extraordinary example of Reno camaraderie.

When moments like this happen, you’re reminded of what a great place the City of Reno is. It’s time to join together and celebrate. Tuesday, November 22, the City of Reno Christmas tree lights are to be switched on signaling the official beginning of the holiday season. The event begins at 5:00 p.m. at Reno’s City Plaza. Please join us.

This free event will feature Santa Claus, carolers, ice skating, and community celebration. The Salvation Army Canteen will be serving free hot chocolate during the ceremony.

The towering 40-foot tree has been moved into its traditional position for the festive season. Adorned in thousand of lights, this year’s giant sequoia was donated by Raley’s Supermarket on Mayberry Avenue.

Flicking the switch at this year’s festivities will be Vice-Mayor Dan Gustin alongside Reno’s City Council.

Following the tree lighting, the Rink on the River will open for a special night of ice skating until 9:00 p.m. Skaters receive free skate rental by donating clothes items to the Salvation Army.

The City Plaza and Ice Rink are located at the corner of First and Virginia Streets in Downtown Reno along the Truckee River.

The event schedule is as follows:
- Billinghurst Middle School Choir sings carols starting at 5:00 p.m.
- Vice-Mayor Dan Gustin and city officials welcome the public at 5:15 p.m.
- Tree lights flipped on by Vice-Mayor Dan Gustin at 5:20 p.m.
- Rink on the River opens 5:30-9 p.m. (weather & ice conditions permitting)

Halloween pumpkins have invaded the Evelyn Mount Northeast Community Center! Walking past the front desk feels like walking down a modeling catwalk. There are glaring eyes all around. Decorated eyes! 

Each year our Sierra Kids sites participate in a pumpkin decorating competition. Pumpkins are decorated by the kids and presented at the Evelyn Mount Northeast Community Center for a vote. Citizens and staff cast their votes for Best of Show, Spookiest, and Most Creative. If you’re in the neighborhood of 1301 Valley Road, drop in and check these pumpkins out. They’ll be taking votes till Monday (10/31/11).

Sierra Kids is a safe and supervised before and after school program hosted at Alice Smith, Hunter Lake, Sarah Winnemucca, Caughlin Ranch, Jessie Beck, Sierra Vista, Desert Heights, Lemmon Valley, Silver Lake, Dodson,  Mamie Towles, Stead, Double Diamond, Mount Rose, Virginia Palmer, Elmcrest, Peavine, Westergard, Esther Bennett, and Roy Gomm.

 For registration information about the Sierra Kids program, call 334-2262 or visit reno.gov/parksandrec.

Reno’s Park & Recreation Program Brochure Available 

The City of Reno Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department has released the 2011-2012 Fall/Winter Program Brochure. The Brochure contains information on the ice-skating rink, recreation programs and classes, special events, senior programs, winter camps, facility and pool schedules, a park directory and more.

In an effort to reduce waste and be fiscally prudent, the brochure is not being mailed unless requested. A copy is available online for download in .pdf format at reno.gov/parksandrec. Brochures are also available at any of the followingReno parks and recreation facilities:

Evelyn Mount Northeast Community Center, 1301 Valley Road
Neil Road Recreation Center, 3925 Neil Road
McKinley Arts & Culture Center, 925 Riverside Drive
Teglia’s Paradise Park Activity Center, 2745 Elementary Drive
Southside Cultural Center, 190 East Liberty Street
Northwest Pool, 2925 Apollo Way

To have a copy mailed to you or for more information, please call (775) 334.2262 or visit www.reno.gov/parksandrec.

What a beautiful site it is to look up into a bright-blue sky filled with balloons. We captured this brilliantly-colored balloon soaring just above the Evelyn Mount NorthEast Community Center this morning.  

The Great Reno Balloon Race is the largest free hot air ballooning event in the Nation. During three days in early September, you can look up into the Reno skies and see a rainbow of hot air balloons soaring about. From its humble beginnings in 1982 with just 20 balloons, The Great Reno Balloon Race has taken flight with more than 100 balloons each year. Taking place just a few miles north of downtown Reno, the event enchants both young and old with its vibrant colors and inspiring music. The Balloon Race has won many awards over the years including ‘Best Special Event in Reno’ and ‘Best Special Event in Northern Nevada.’ With an average of 150,000 spectators attending the event each year, the number of lives touched by the beautiful spectacle continues to rise just like the balloons themselves. 

 http://www.renoballoon.com

Each July the City of Reno celebrates Parks and Recreation Month by offering free activities. This year, free swimming will be hosted at Traner Pool on Saturday, July 16th from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Traner Swimming Pool is located at 1600 Carville Drive, Reno. For more information, please call (775) 334.2269 or visit reno.gov/parksandrec.

The City of Reno Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department’s Summer Program Brochure is now available! 

You can also download a copy at reno.gov or pick one up at any Reno recreation or administrative facility. Because the brochure is packed with 40 pages of information, the download file is about 7MB.

Mission Statement
To provide excellent parks, recreation, and cultural opportunities which enhance the quality of life within the Reno community.