The Park
The 5-acre Crystal Lake Park was “conceived” in 1993 when the Reno City Council issued a request for bids to build phase one of the Park. The second phase came in 1996 when tennis courts with fencing were added to the park, as well as areas for basketball, volleyball, horseshoes, and a picnic shelter with tables, benches and BBQ grills. The dedication ceremony came in late 1996 with an appearance by the Mayor of Reno.
By 1996, the City Council had budgeted money to purchase lighting for the tennis courts and picnic area, but the $29,000 for these projects wasn’t allocated until 1999. A year later, the Southeast Neighborhood Advisory Board allocated funds for permanent restroom facilities.
Having a neighborhood park for families to safely enjoy outdoor activities contrasts to 130+ years earlier, when on this property in 1884, an 8-year old boy and his friends were teasing a cow on the ranch. When the cow charged after them, the boy tripped as he attempted to jump over a fence and broke one of his legs above the knee. Then, as now, boys will be boys, but at least they have safer activities at Crystal Lake Park!
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Newspaper advertisement for the dedication. Source: Reno Gazette-Journal