Fuji Park Master Plan updates include expanded arenas, dog park improvements, new playground, stage, and more
The Carson City Board of Supervisors approved the updates to the Fuji Park Master Plan during Thursday’s meeting.
An update was presented to the Board relating to the Fuji Park Master Plan, which discussed improvements such as expanded arenas, trails connections, a new playground, pavilion, and stage, and much more.
An update to the master plan was first initiated in 2019 at the direction of the board as well as the Redevelopment Advisory Citizens Committee to reimagine the park space to better provide for economic development opportunities, according to staff summary.
While the Exhibit Hall space is frequently used, said staff, the Arena is “significantly underutilized due to size and seating capacity constraints.”
Other concerns listed were parking limitations, event impacts to neighboring properties, and user conflicts due to proximity of park amenities.
“Based on feedback received, the city’s recreational needs have evolved, and regional parks’ amenities must adapt to meet those needs as well,” said city staff in their summary. “Fuji Park should remain a desirable venue for events, while becoming more marketable to additional user groups and contribute to the city’s economic impact.”
According to the agenda, expanding the arena, improving the exhibit hall, adding parking and improving the dog park, including adding turf, will improve visitor and resident experiences.
Potential funding sources for the redesign could include redevelopment funds, general funds, grants, foundation funds, private donations, and other collaborative funding efforts.
The current available budget available for Fuji Park Improvements include $100,000 from the CIP fund and $192,990 from the Redevelopment Fund.
Many residents and park-users came out to support the master plan updates, stating that improving the park would increase tourist revenue for the city from visitors who come to Carson City for events such as fairs and dog shows which are held at the park.
Improvements mentioned in the Master Plan Update include:
- Expand outdoor arena
- New amphitheater/small concert venue
- Renovate grandstands and add shade
- Provide outdoor venue at Exhibit Hall for weddings and large groups
- Develop a Community Center
- Accommodate horse shows, riding and training
- Introduce a historical aspects theme with signage and structure similarly to Washoe County’s Bartley Ranch Park
- Add new restrooms
- Add trail connections, including to the historical cemetery on site
- Add a potential new playground
- Add additional picnic tables
- Add turf to dog park areas
- New vehicular access
- And more
To read the master plan updates in its entirety, please click here.
The vote to approve the updates was unanimous.