The Great Reno Balloon Race (GRBR) has been a beloved tradition for 43 years, filling northern Nevada’s September skies with breathtaking beauty, bringing joy to generations of families. This free event is now threatened and at risk of being forced to end due to Washoe County’s currently proposed Rancho San Rafael Regional Park Master Plan (“Master Plan:”) which ignores vital requirements needed to host the annual event. 

Washoe County’s park planners developed a Master Plan for Rancho San Rafael Regional Park which overlooks the needs of the GRBR event and its ability to safely host the annual event. The Master Plan impacts GRBR’s future in the following ways: 

1. Reduced Public Access: The proposed Master Plan developments and encroachments threaten safe access entry points into the Park during pre-dawn hours.
2. Unsafe Parking: The Master Plan fails to maintain safe and adequate parking, vital for public attendees and a critical source of GRBR’s funding.
3. Increased Safety Risks: Additional tree planting near flight fields creates hazardous conditions for balloon pilots and the viewing public.
4. Limited Event Space: The Master Plan reduces open areas jeopardizing GRBR’s ability to grow and continue offering an exceptional experience.
5. Jeopardizes Event Growth: Reno is growing, but the Master Plan threatens to further shrink the open space available for the event, limiting GRBR’s ability to accommodate the public.

Despite GRBR’s repeated attempts to have its concerns addressed during the WC’s planning process, GRBR’s needs have not been adequately addressed. Currently, there is no alternative location for the GRBR event in Washoe County that replicates San Rafael Park’s unique conditions for a free hot air balloon event.

By signing this petition, I, ____________urge the Washoe County Commissioners to NOT APPROVE the proposed Master Plan to ensure that The Great Reno Balloon Race event has what it needs to bring our community together for generations to come.

Sign below to show your support for protecting The Great Reno Balloon Race!