So much more than a parcel, it meant a vision fulfilled - an open space teeming with natural beauty, a true bastion of local history, and a welcome escape from the buzz of city life.
With a growing population and a growing economy comes a growing need for something equally essential to life and happiness in Nevada’s cities: more room to breathe.
After Washoe County’s purchase of the Bartley Ranch, and the gift to the citizens of the deed-restricted (trails and open space) 59-acre Anderson Park by Dagmar Yoakum, it became clear to the Washoe County Commission that they needed to purchase the two properties that would connect Bartley Ranch and Anderson Park. Beginning with the purchase of the Marr property at 1855 Del Monte Lane in 1994, the subsequent purchase of the Jesch property in 2006 completed this vision.
Nevada Land Trust facilitated the acquisition of the 3-acre Jesch property, located at 2000 Del Monte Lane in southwest Reno, with funding from State Question One and Washoe County Question One voter-supported bonds. Favorably situated between Washoe County’s Anderson Park and Bartley Regional Ranch, and below Windy Hill, the property increased the size of the park and improved the flow, creating a safer connection within the Bartley-Anderson Regional Park complex. The property includes a house and a picturesque pond, and offers a unique opportunity to further exhibit our local history.
The Bartley-Anderson Regional Park is an urban park, and known widely for its trails and park amenities including an amphitheater, livestock arena, picnic areas and historical collection of building and equipment representing the ranching heritage of the Truckee Meadows. The regional park complex saw more than 200,000 visitors in 2003, including 2,400 schoolchildren from Washoe County, Carson City, and other neighboring Nevada and California counties visiting the park’s “Farm City” program. A wide variety of educational and interpretive programs, concerts at the Robert Z. Hawkins Amphitheater, and community festivals throughout the year enhance the park’s ranching heritage theme.
The park is indeed a sanctuary for the past. It is home to the Old Huffaker Schoolhouse, as well as the Truckee Meadows Remembered project to relocate threatened historic structures and preserve their history for future generations. The Jesch acquisition offers an opportunity for future relocation of additional historic structures such as the 1800’s Capurro ranch house.
With an expanse of open land, community spirit and cultural history, this special place stands both as a testament to our past and a commitment to our future.
