Reno is hosting the National Geothermal Energy Summit on Aug. 16-17. Actually, we’re co-sponsoring the event because we feel strongly that Reno is one of the most important geothermal energy centers.

When we say ‘geothermal energy’, we mean all the energy generated by the natural heat of the earth. And Reno is definitely a hotspot!

 The Reno Rink on the River will close after skating ends on Super Bowl Sunday(February 6th).  It was scheduled to operate until President’s Day, Monday, February 21st. Private rentals and group reservations scheduled through Sunday 2/6 will not be impacted, nor will skating lessons since they will be done by then. 

The decision to close early is a financial decision meant to minimize costs to the City.  Declining attendance revenues that no longer cover operating costs and the recent warm weather that increased energy costs to keep the ice frozen make it a reasonable time to end Rink operations for the season.  By closing two weeks early expenses will be reduced roughly $15,000.  

The ice rink is located at City Plaza, located at the corner of First and Virginia Streets in Downtown Reno along the Truckee River.  A detailed schedule of skating times and a list of admission fees for the remainder of the season can be found online.

The City’s urban forestry crew cut down and delivered this holiday season’s Giant Sequoia tree to the plaza across from City Hall. Then the crew worked to slim down the tree and used a City crane to place it in the hole especially designed for its display downtown.  Reno resident John O’Brian donated the tree to the City.  It sits next to the City’s ice rink. The Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony is scheduled for Tuesday, November 23rd, starting at 5 p.m.  If weather and ice conditions permit, the ice rink will be open after the ceremony until about 9 p.m.

With the support of donations from residents, the beloved hanging flower baskets that beautify downtown Reno will return this spring, but the City has not yet received enough donations to fund the first 75 planned baskets.

The City is accepting donations through December 15^th, the deadline for the Department to order the seeds and grow them in time to hang them in May of 2011.

The donations help fund the cost of building and maintaining the baskets which averages $180 each. Residents can support this program with as little as $25.

How to Donate