Sun Valley Park
Plans for this regional park, north of Sun Valley, are 95 percent complete, and the county's environmental assessment is waiting approval by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). The park will be primarily used for hiking, with a trailhead for both hikers and equestrians. An access road will lead users to parking and picnic facilities for both groups and individuals. Interpretive and mapping signage will lead 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 is anticipated in the fall of 2008.

Panther Valley Park – Phase 3
Work is scheduled to begin on Phase 3 of this City of Reno project in late spring of 2007. This 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. The construction cost estimate for the park was $120,000.

Wingfield Park - Amphitheater
CFA worked with the City of Reno parks staff in redesigning 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 regrading the bowl for better viewing, vendor area, and associated landscaping. The project was done pro-bono as a community service project.

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 and ground surface were 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.

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. The total construction cost was estimated at $645,000.

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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 limitations affecting 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 determine project scope and the development of construction documents. Construction is dependent on funding and no date has been established.

Truckee River Whitewater Park
CFA acted as a subconsultant for the design team to provide landscape and irrigation construction documents for an 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 included 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.

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 includes ballfields, picnic areas, a library/community center, and play areas. 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.

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.

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. The estimated construction cost was approximately $3.5 million.

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Summit Ridge Park
Work on this 6-acre neighborhood park included public meetings, project development, preparation of the master plan, and construction documents. The design for Summit Ridge Park addressed the concerns of surrounding residents and the challenging natural topography of the site. A concrete path system connects the entire park to the neighborhood and to amenities such as exercise stations, a large picnic shelter, basketball recreation areas, and a water play fountain. Picnic tables, barbecues, and benches are placed around high use areas maximizing gathering opportunities. The park incorporates public art made possible through coordination with local community art groups.

Phillip-Annie Callahan Park
Award-Winning Project
The master plan for Phillip-Anne 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.

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.

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.

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. The current water source is treated effluent – 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. 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.

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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 with a construction cost of $1.5 million. Phase 2 improvements were completed in spring of 1999.

Fernley Bureau of Reclamation Parks 1 and 2
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.

Wheatland Park
Wheatland Park (formerly known as Lakeside Park) is located in Southwest Reno off Lakeside Drive. The park serves as a joint use facility with Huffaker Elementary School and includes large lawn areas for open play. An outdoor amphitheater will allow two classes to sit and learn in an outdoor environment. A series of interpretive signs are placed throughout the park and are geared to the elementary school child. CFA updated construction drawings for Wheatland Park in 1998 and construction commenced with funding in the spring of 1999.

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.

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Sunset Park
CFA provided landscape and irrigation plans for the re-construction of half of this existing park in Carson City. New planting and irrigation were added after the installation of a new well disturbed the site. Landscaping included larger shade trees for sitting and picnicking. The construction cost estimate was approximately $20,000, with construction complete in summer of 2005.

Silver Oak Park
This 3-acre neighborhood park in Carson City is being 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 also constructed in 2005.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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Orr Ditch Linear Park at Kiley Ranch
CFA is currently preparing 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 are 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. First phase construction is slated to begin in the summer of 2008.

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