Parks & Recreation Commission Sets New Direction- Summer Program Highlights and Meeting Time Moves to 6 p.m.

The Churchill County Parks and Recreation Commission welcomed new board member Tina Grainer at its July 2 meeting and unanimously voted to move future meetings to 6 p.m., one hour earlier than the current 7 p.m. start. The change, proposed by Ava Case, was supported as a way to better accommodate board members’ work and family schedules, especially during winter months.

Recreation Director Jorge Guerrero reported a busy and productive summer season, with strong attendance for youth programs. The popular SumFun program has 150 children enrolled, with an average of 110 attending daily—up from last year’s average. To accommodate the growth, the department added a third activity pod and installed new playground equipment and a shade cover, thanks to support from Fallon Rotary.

The department is also running youth soccer and tennis camps, and planning is underway for several major events at the Rafter 3C Complex. These include the Fastest Gun Alive quick draw competition, which was moved to July to attract more youth participants, and the Road to Fallon Cutting, expected to bring more than 400 horses and a significant economic boost to local hotels and restaurants.

Guerrero shared updates on the long-anticipated SNPLMA-funded improvements—$32 million in improvements planned across two sites. While progress has been temporarily delayed due to an outdated easement on the 3C property, the district anticipates a notice to proceed within three to six months. The full design phase is expected to take a year, with project completion estimated within four to five years.

The department also recently installed a new ADA pool lift and continues to offer regular aquatics programming during the summer.

During public comment, board member Kris Hadley praised the 3C facility after hosting a May fundraiser for Agape Christian School. While rain disrupted the car show portion of the event, Hadley noted that out-of-town visitors were impressed by the cleanliness and charm of the complex.

The next meeting of the Parks and Recreation Commission is scheduled for August 5 at 6 p.m.