Sun Valley Park
Plans for this regional park, north of Sun Valley, were completed and approved through the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) for the environmental assessment prepared by the county. The park is primarily used for hiking, with a trailhead for both hikers and equestrians. An access road leads users to parking and picnic facilities for both groups and individuals. Special consideration was given to durable improvements in an area subject to vandalism. Interpretive sign panels and maps direct visitors to the trail system which covers over 400 acres. CFA was responsible for the master planning, public meeting presentations, colored exhibits, and construction documents for the project. Construction was completed and the park was dedicated in the fall of 2009.

<< Back to top >>

Orr Ditch Linear Park at Kiley Ranch
CFA prepared construction documents for the Orr Ditch Linear Park at Kiley Ranch in Sparks. The park will include a regional trail connection between the Lazy 5 Park and the Sun Valley Diversion Channel. Sitting areas will be located along the trail within the park, which varies in width from 65 to 135 feet. In wider areas, several activity nodes are planned that would include play areas, water features, picnic areas, and seating. Each area will be designed around the overall ranching theme. A series of interpretive panels will describe farming, ranching, the history of the Orr Ditch, and Kiley family history. A bioswale will carry storm water from the park and adjacent David Allen Parkway. The water will be retained, filtered, and infiltrated into the subgrade and eventually into the groundwater system. Landscaping will include the use of natives and introduced drought-tolerant plant species, with lawn areas adjacent to activity nodes for children. There will be several re-circulated stream courses in the park for visual interest and as a reference to the Orr Ditch, which now passes below grade in a pipe. The project is currently on hold awaiting funding.

<< Back to top >>

Panther Valley Park – Phase 3
This third and final park phase included the removal and replacement of existing plants in poor drainage areas, a new fitness cluster, drinking fountain, and BMX course. CFA worked with a local volunteer from a bicycle shop for expertise on the BMX course layout. The berm profiles, types, and overall routing were detailed to fit with new drainage mediation. Construction was completed in December 2007.

Homewood Ski Resort, Temporary Amphitheater
In 2006, CFA was contacted by JMA Ventures, who had recently acquired Homewood Ski Resort, the only ski resort generally on privately-held land at Lake Tahoe. JMA has extensive plans for the renovation and expansion of base facilities for the resort, a portion of which is a permanent venue for outdoor performances by the Lake Tahoe Music Festival (LTMF.) Recognizing the extensive permitting efforts, CFA was asked to evaluate the base area for development of a temporary amphitheater that could be used by the festival during the summer months. CFA performed site visits and analysis, met with LTMF board members, and prepared concept plans and photo simulations of the proposed development. Challenges faced during the design process included planning for preferred and general parking, performance support in existing parking areas, and pedestrian circulation to the amphitheater using temporary structures. Grading was kept to a minimum to avoid extensive permitting processes typical of construction in the Lake Tahoe Basin. Aesthetic concerns included focusing the attention of attendees on the stage area in the generally industrial visual environment of a ski operation in the summer. Fast growing native grasses attaining a height of 4 feet were used to enclose the space, capitalizing on the short growing season, without creating obstacles for the winter ski operation.

<< Back to top >>

Wingfield Park - Amphitheater
In 2005, CFA worked with the City of Reno parks staff to redesign the amphitheater to provide the audience with a better facility for the numerous events that take place at this downtown park on the Truckee River. Phase 1 included a larger stage, dance floor, accessible pathways, and raised planters. Phase 2 included re-grading the bowl for better viewing, vendor area, and associated landscaping. The project was done pro-bono as a community service project.

<< Back to top >>

Pelican Park
This 4-acre park is the second of three parks designed by CFA for Redhawk at Wingfield Springs. Park elements included a water play area, group picnic area, basketball court, walking path, amphitheater, and children’s play area. Irrigation is from a reclaimed water source, with domestic water for play and drinking only. Challenges included buffering existing residents from noise and light and ensuring views to mountains were not blocked by structures. CFA staff worked with the homeowners in the area to create a park that has the full support of the neighborhood. The project was built by Redhawk Development in the fall of 2004 and was turned over to the City of Sparks for maintenance and ownership.

<< Back to top >>

Truckee River Whitewater Park
CFA acted as a subconsultant for the design team to provide landscape and irrigation construction documents for this existing City of Reno park. Landscape architecture was coordinated with pathway connections to the Truckee River Bike Path, a 13-mile multi-use path extending through Reno and Sparks. The park included a pathway grade separation at Arlington Avenue and a future pedestrian bridge. The design showed a pedestrian park/river interface with improvements for anticipated increased activity levels. Activity levels increased dramatically after completion of the project, which lead to a general improvement in security and revitalization for the downtown area. The park included several significant specimen trees, which required innovation in construction techniques and phasing. Park improvements were coordinated with multiple agencies having overlapping jurisdiction, which proved to be a major design and construction challenge.

Silver Saddle Ranch
In 2003, the Bureau of Land Management retained CFA to complete landscape architectural services for the development of a site design plan for a group and individual picnic/events area at the Silver Saddle Ranch in Carson City. The ranch preserves a unique setting of historic working operations of the American West close to an urban area. Services included site analysis of the central ranch house complex of this historic 703-acre working ranch to determine the appropriate location and materials for new picnic areas. Sensitivity to the historic buildings, context of the ranch, and known archeological features were required during the development of the plan. Picnic shelters and site furnishings were selected to blend with this historic context, along with the establishment of ADA accessibility.

In 2008, CFA was invited to participate in a three-day design charrette encompassing Silver Saddle Ranch, the adjacent Prison Hill Recreation Area, and the Carson River Open Space. Under the guidance of the National Park Service Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance Program, the charrette gathered local design professionals and experts in natural resource planning. The goal of the charrette was to provide a sustainable context to guide the development of appropriate passive recreation and trail uses that are balanced with existing agricultural uses and ecosystem protection of the Carson River and upland areas of Prison Hill. The charrette required building consensus with a diverse team resulting in a public presentation of findings and recommendations.

<< Back to top >>

Truckee River Park at Rock Boulevard
This park is the second in a series of four parks along the Truckee River corridor to be developed in accordance with the Truckee River Master Plan. Originally built in 1978, this popular park has suffered from heavy use and from the limitations of the initial design. CFA’s primary responsibility was the design of the interface between whitewater recreation construction in the river and the park itself. Design challenges for this project included limited parking, the preservation of a multi-use path through the site, and the reflection of natural site conditions in the design. CFA was involved in public meetings to refine the project scope and the extent of proposed improvements.

During the planning process, the scope of design was expanded to include preliminary renovation of the remaining park area. Through its 27-year history, tree plantings had grown into major specimens around which new improvements had to be coordinated. Circulation was extended to provide access and security along the long narrow site and additional parking was included among the large existing trees. To support increased use in locations not as affected by flooding, a new children’s play area was installed and the existing picnic shelter was replaced.

<< Back to top >>

South Valleys Regional Park
Award-Winning Project
CFA was responsible for the design (master planning and construction documents) and project management of an 83-acre park in the Southwest Truckee Meadows. The park incorporated parcels from different property owners. CFA assisted in the negotiations between the owners and Washoe County for the land dedication. The park includes ballfields, picnic areas, a library/community center, and play areas. CFA was responsible for co-facilitating public meetings for input on the master plan, phasing, lighting/traffic issues, and a proposed library. The park acts as a buffer between the I-580 freeway and single-family residential to the west. Phase 1 included a multi-use soccer/football field, maintenance building, access roads, parking, and four little league fields. Phase 2 included a multi-use field, Babe Ruth field, two playgrounds, additional parking, and a library.

Phase 1 was constructed in 1994 and received an Elmer H. Anderson Award for Excellence in Park Design. In 2004, CFA received the Elmer H. Anderson Award for Excellence in Park Design for Phase 2 of this project.

Terrace Sports Complex
CFA was selected by the City of Reno to create the master plan for a 25-acre youth sports facility in Northwest Reno. The project was planned as a joint-use facility with the adjacent Rollan Melton Elementary School. Proposed park elements include a lighted four-plex for Little League Baseball, a large multi-purpose turf field, practice field areas, batting cages, a neighborhood park with tot lot playground and picnic facilities, trails, and associated parking. The project was controversial, requiring numerous public meetings and presentations. The master plan was approved in November 2001. CFA completed a mass grading plan for the park in early 2002. Civil and landscape improvements were constructed in 2003/2004 with the park opening in summer of 2004.

<< Back to top >>

ArrowCreek Park
This 8-acre park site combines a neighborhood park with a regional trailhead for Thomas Creek. CFA worked extensively with the neighborhood surrounding the park to ensure homeowners’ concerns were met. The park includes both vehicle and equestrian trailer parking, a picnic pavilion, lawn play area, and a playground. A separate trail connects the parking lot to the Thomas Creek Trail so that horses are separate from children. Planting types were selected based on the requirements for a native plant garden. Homeowners’ views to the city were preserved by lowering the park grade, while still maintaining views for park visitors and meeting accessibility criteria. The park was completed in 2001.

<< Back to top >>

Eagle Canyon Park
CFA prepared the master plan and the Phase 1 construction documents for this 18.6-acre park in the Spanish Springs Valley. Elements within the park include ball fields, child play areas, an exercise cluster, restrooms, parking areas, and picnic facilities. Park improvements were planned to correspond with the civil improvements on and around the site. Two major considerations were storm drainage and the adjacent flood zone. CFA also coordinated the off-site water line improvements. This park was developed through a public/private partnership between the Washoe County Department of Parks and Recreation and the Hawco Corporation.

CFA prepared construction documents for Phases 1 and 2 after approval of the overall master plan. Phase 3 includes three league fields, picnic structures, and existing field renovation work. The parking is shared some evenings with the adjacent Shaw Middle School. Since the park is in a floodplain, the site required additional fill to achieve positive drainage.

Summit Ridge Park
Summit Ridge Park is a 6-acre neighborhood park located in Northwest Reno. CFA produced the master plan for this site, which included project development through extensive public meetings, and completed park improvement construction documents. The design for Summit Ridge Park addressed the concerns of surrounding residents and the challenging natural topography of the site. On the westerly side, the preservation of views required the creation of innovative landforms and low level planting. To the east, a large tree and shrub area was added to buffer the adjacent residential properties, with restrooms on the north end screened from the street.

A concrete path system connects the entire park to the neighborhood and to amenities such as exercise stations, a large picnic shelter, basketball and recreation areas, and a water play fountain. Picnic tables, barbeques, and benches are located throughout the site to maximize gathering opportunities. This park also included opportunities for the incorporation of public art emphasizing the Washoe Tribe. Construction began on Summit Ridge Park in the summer of 1999 and was completed in October of 1999.

<< Back to top >>

Phillip-Annie Callahan Park
Award-Winning Project
The master plan for Phillip-Annie Callahan Park was completed for the Washoe County Parks and Recreation Department in April of 1992. The site is located along Galena Creek on Callahan Ranch Road and has beautiful views of Mt. Rose and Slide Mountain to the west. The master plan envisioned improvements tucked in the trees to minimize the visual impact of the road and adjacent housing. The group shelter and related active uses are located along Callahan Ranch Road. An amphitheater and gazebo near Galena Creek offer evening music and drama. Ice skating and model boat sailing are provided for in a pond next to the creek. Trails connect the south side of the park to the north side, via a bridge over Galena Creek. The trail then heads west, connecting the equestrian warm up area through Galena Forest Estates to Galena Creek Park. An active playfield is planned with associated parking and picnic grounds. Construction of the first phase was completed in September of 1999. This park was awarded the 1999 Elmer Anderson Award by the Nevada Recreation and Park Society.

Canyon Creek Park
A master plan was developed for this 7.8-acre site in Northwest Reno through two neighborhood meetings in 1999. The site had a severe slope and required substantial fill to make it suitable for play. The resulting construction drawings included uses such as tot and "mid" play areas, basketball court, playfield, horseshoes, a restroom, exercise station, and parking lot. A large area of the park was kept in native shrubs and grasses to minimize overall maintenance and water requirements. Erosion control on the hill to the south was accomplished with wheat grasses, straw erosion control matting, and a temporary irrigation system. In 2008, CFA adopted the park for periodic clean-up days over a two-year period.

<< Back to top >>

Swan Lake Nature Study Area
The nature study area was dedicated in 1999 as an unspoiled wetland in the middle of suburban houses and warehouses in Lemmon Valley. Historically, snowmelt from Peavine Peak supplied water for the wetlands, which originally were part of a series of shallow lakes used by the Washoe Tribe. The current water source is treated effluent. Today, there are over 125 species of birds visible at the wetlands. From year to year the open water varies in size from 125 acres to over 1,500 acres. Audubon-funded field trips are offered throughout the year. CFA provided the construction documents for the access road, parking lot, trails, educational signage locations, and a floating boardwalk. Washoe County prepared the signage displays and coordinated grant funding for construction costs.

Paradise Park
CFA master planned this 50+ acre park at Oddie and El Rancho Boulevards in Northeast Reno. A recreation and facility program was finalized after three public workshop meetings at the park. Goals included keeping the ponds full of water, keeping the landscape green, and re-establishing the fishing. Park elements include a wetlands/interpretive area, children's water play area, amphitheater, train ride/concession, soccer fields, group picnic areas, playgrounds, volleyball, and a trail system. A hydrology study addressed grading and stormwater capacity in the ponds. Phase 1 was completed in 1997; Phase 2 improvements were completed in spring of 1999; and construction plans for Phase 3 have been completed, but no construction has commenced.

<< Back to top >>

Fernley Bureau of Reclamation Parks 1 and 2
In 2004, CFA developed concept plans for two parks east of Fernley along Hwy 50 Alternate. The first phase included development of two master plans for approval by the Fernley City Council. After these plans were approved, CFA worked with a group of consultants to prepare an environmental assessment for submittal and review by the Bureau of Reclamation and the Bureau of Land Management. Once approval is obtained and a land transfer occurs, the City of Fernley will move forward into final construction documents for the 140-acre park sites.

Park 1 includes a 10-acre lake as a central feature, around which a series of park activities are planned. Water for the lake will come from ditch water and storm runoff. Crossing over the railroad is planned to allow access to the north side from Hwy 50 Alternate. Uses on the south side include a medical center, community center, water and skate park, and associated retail.

Park 2 will be a joint effort between the City of Fernley and the Lyon County School District. The School District will include an 11-acre elementary school and a 19-acre middle school south of Hwy 50 Alternate, with a full intersection for access. The city portion of the park will include a trail system along drainage channels, with a potential connection to the Fernley Wildlife Area north of the railroad. The remainder of the park will be passive and natural in character.

<< Back to top >>

Lemmon Drive Pathway
The Washoe County Parks and Recreation Department completed construction of this pathway along both Lemmon Drive and Patrician Way in Lemmon Valley in the fall of 2004. The path will eventually connect Lemmon Valley Elementary School with commercial uses to the south. CFA used Washoe County GIS aerial mapping to prepare design development drawings for construction. Grading was accomplished in the field using general notes. The 8-foot paved path is a great improvement over the former dirt trails. Improvements included drainage ditches, signage, bollards, and parking lot striping.

<< Back to top >>

Wheatland Park
Wheatland Park, initially known as Lakeside Park, is located on a 5-acre site in southwest Reno off Lakeside Drive. The park serves as a joint use facility to Huffaker Elementary School. The central feature is a large playground adjacent to the Lake Ditch bordering on Harrah’s Ranch and includes a large lawn play area that is available for use by students. A series of interpretive signs geared to school-age children was installed next to the perimeter path. A storm drain channel bisects the park, creating passive play areas on the east portion and active uses to the west. CFA completed construction drawings for the park in 1993, with modifications due to funding revisions in 1998. Construction of the first phase was completed in July of 1999.

Desert Winds Park
Desert Winds Park was one of three parks designed for Washoe County and built by a private developer. The overall park size is approximately 10 acres, with 2 acres developed into a playfield, play area, and picnic shelter. A walking/jogging trail connects adjacent neighbors to the park, which also acts as a detention basin for the area.

Governor’s Fields
Governor’s Fields were completely renovated when reclaimed water became available from the treatment plant in Carson City. CFA’s responsibilities included re-designing the entire irrigation system and providing on-site construction observation. The project was especially challenging since there were no as-built drawings available and the original system was installed by volunteers 30 years ago. The project was bid in three phases over a period of 2 years.

Silver Oak Park
This 3-acre neighborhood park in Carson City was done as part of the Silver Oak residential development and fulfills recreation needs for the surrounding community. The park features a multi-use field, tennis, and basketball courts; a children’s play area; and picnic facilities. CFA prepared construction documents for the park in 2005, and the park was constructed in 2005.

<< Back to top >>

Highlands Park
Improvement plans for this 7.5-acre park included recreational and parks equipment, landscape, and irrigation. Close coordination with the civil design for storm water drainage and retention on the park site was required. The Carson City Parks and Recreation Department was consulted on an on-going basis for specific maintenance needs on the park site. Kings Canyon Creek, which runs through the site and creates a potential for inundation of park areas, required design of improvements to account for this impact. Project construction was completed in 1998.

Manzanita Park Expansion
This 7-acre expansion of the existing 4-acre Manzanita Park for the City of Reno required a design solution which addressed the hydraulics of an existing stream within the context of the park. In essence, much of the park expansion is a retention basin that can accommodate open play during most of the year, but which can also retain stormwater during the 100-year flood event. This park expansion was designed in conjunction with neighborhood residents. To conserve water, drought-tolerant grasses were used over most of the park with turf-type grasses being reserved for relatively small areas that would have the highest direct user contact. Two rusted steel pedestrian bridges span the stream and provide a continuous paved jogging/walking loop. Picnic tables, tennis courts, and a fitness cluster complete the park.

Pah Rah Mountain Park - Phases 1 & 2
The design features several levels of playfields that can be used for a variety of activities. Several playgrounds are located on the site, with adjacent group picnic areas and tennis courts. A large natural buffer on the south side of the park separates activity from nearby homes. Access is provided from Vista Boulevard, with a parking lot adjacent to the upper soccer fields. Phase 1 was completed in 1987 and Phase 2 in 1991. The City of Sparks was instrumental in acquiring an additional 8 acres adjacent to the existing 5-acre park site from the BLM for Phase 2.

Sacramento Pass Recreation Area
This project in eastern White Pine County included the development of preliminary drawings for a new roadside rest area in a remote location, picnic areas, and fishing access. The work also included conceptual plans for a future campground and trail connections to adjacent public lands just north of Great Basin National Park.

Grimes Point Archaeological Area
CFA completed a master plan for new development within the existing BLM facility east of the Fallon Air Station and adjacent to Highway 50. Proposed improvements included a parking area; access road; picnic facilities; entry, directional, and orientation signs; and interpretive displays. The existing trail system was upgraded to meet current Americans with Disabilities Act requirements. Construction drawings and improvements were completed during the summer of 1997.

<< Back to top >>

Academic · Business Park, Office & Industrial · Commercial · Comprehensive Plans · Drainage Design & Low Impact Development · Health Care · Hotel/Casino & Hotels · Lake Tahoe & Surrounding Area · Mammoth Lakes & Surrounding Area · Master-Planned Communities · Multi-Family Housing · Municipal, State, & Federal Facilities · Recreation · Single-Family Residential · Transportation · Utilities