The Truckee River Recreation Plan illustrates the benefits of developing a recreation corridor on the Truckee River from Verdi, Nevada west of Reno to Vista Boulevard on the east side of Sparks, Nevada (Figure 1). A developed river recreation corridor including trails, whitewater parks and slalom course through the heart of Reno and Sparks would provide an attractive recreational opportunity for the 5.2 million annual visitors to the Reno/Sparks area. River activities would attract a new tourism sector to the area. This summary highlights the Plan's findings and conclusions about exciting recreation potential on the Truckee River.
The Vision
A vibrant river recreation showplace that includes a continuous riverwalk and bike trail for pedestrians and spectators along the river and under each bridge.
A continuous river run with whitewater parks and a slalom course that allows national caliber boating events such as slalom races, down river races, and whitewater rodeo contests.
Convenient and close access to shops, restaurants and concessions from the river's edge.
Easy riverbank access for fishing, boating, or public enjoyment of the rivers aesthetic values.
Safe river passage over modified dams for rafts, inner tubes, kayaks, canoes and fish migration.
River improvements that accommodate year-round recreation and work in concert with flood control measures.
River enhancements designed for boating enthusiasts of all skill and activity levels.
River Park Anticipated Use
It is reasonable to expect 10,000 to 100,000 users and commercial rafters annually at a developed whitewater park and river recreation corridor on the Truckee River.
Reno and Sparks is an ideal setting as an outdoor recreation destination for family oriented activities such as river rafting, kayaking, canoeing, and tubing.
Whitewater parks provide a venue for professional and amateur competitive events. With such a facility, it is possible for the Reno/Sparks area to host championship series, Olympic team trials, or the U.S. National Championships.
Kayaking is a fast growing vigorous activity that attracts a wide age group of affluent spectators and participants.
The elevation of the Truckee Meadows and the clean water quality of the Truckee River are an ideal combination for competitive athletic training.
The Truckee River in the Truckee Meadows holds great potential to be developed into a compelling tourism attraction for Reno, Sparks, and Washoe County.
A whitewater park would separate the Truckee Meadows from other western destination cities. There are no other permanent slalom courses or whitewater park facilities in the Far West (Oregon, California, Washington, Nevada, Utah, and Idaho.)
A whitewater park and river recreation corridor could support interest from special event and convention groups.
Truckee River — Downtown Reno, NV
Rafters enjoying a summer day on the Truckee River.
Economics, Return on Investment, and Funding
The estimated cost of the recommended river improvements is approximately $2.8 million with low or no annual maintenance and operational expenditures.
The project has the potential to pay for itself in the first year of full operation. A very conservative estimated overall economic analysis predicts that river related uses would generate an economic impact of 1.9 million and $4.1 million annually. A maximum, realistic potential could more than triple this amount.
Potential funding solutions include general funds, capital development funds, redevelopment funds, bonds, TEA-21 funds, concessionaire fees, donations, and grants.
Relationship to Flood Control Projects
All improvements would be designed to improve floodwater conveyance or at a minimum have no impact.
This plan is in concert with the goals of the Truckee Meadows Regional Flood Control Project.
The Flood Control Project, in conjunction with other funds and grants, is an excellent funding opportunity for the communities to implement concurrent recreational improvements to the Truckee River.
