Bob McFadden Plaza to open with community splash Saturday in downtown Carson City

Carson City celebrates the opening of Bob McFadden Plaza, located on Third Street between Carson and Curry Streets this Saturday, July 30 with a full schedule of events. Proceeds from the celebration will benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of Western Nevada and Big Brothers Big Sisters.

The plaza was named after Bob McFadden who passed away in 2004 with a $125,000 naming gift from the McFadden family to honor his dedication to the revitalization of downtown Carson City. McFadden, a realtor and manufactured housing dealer, refurbished the St. Charles Hotel at Third and Carson Streets, along with various commercial and other properties. He sold the St. Charles its current owner, Jenny Lopiccolo, shortly before he died.

“The plaza means the world to us,” Carson McFadden, Bob McFadden’s daughter and organizer of the event, said. “It’s amazing because it has been over a decade since he passed. We are so blessed to have a living memorial and we are so grateful to be able to share this plaza with Carson City.”

The plaza’s permanent stage is longer and wider than the City’s portable stage, making the plaza easy to accommodate larger ensembles and performances, including jazz bands, orchestras and school plays.

The McFadden family gift paid for added amenities to the plaza, including the event stage and children’s splash pad.

“The idea to name the plaza after Bob came about through discussions with the Chamber of Commerce and downtown property owners, including the Lopiccolos, on how to create a gathering place for people of all ages to showcase the community mindset of Carson City,” said Danny Rotter, engineering manager for Carson City public works. “The McFadden gift brought the plaza from average to top notch with the addition of the stage and splash pad.”

The splash pad is a 12-foot circle with 12 spray heads. The pad has a push-button start intended for children to be able to start the water.

“The splash pad is seasonal, it won’t be operational in the winter,” Rotter said. “It’s a recirculating water system, so the only losses of water are through evaporation and are fairly minimal.”

Rotter said the splash pad meets all safety requirements as deemed necessary by the health department, including chlorine disinfectant and UV component.

At the event kickoff will be Mayor Bob Crowell and other local dignitaries, Carson McFadden and members of the McFadden family, Ronni Hannaman, executive director of the Carson City Area Chamber of Commerce, community leaders and residents.

Events include:
9 a.m. - Pancake breakfast by Mom and Pops Diner. The breakfast is free to the first 200 people, and $5 per person after. Music provided by the Carson City Farmers Market

10 a.m. – Ribbon cutting by the Carson City Chamber of Commerce and turning on the Splash Pad. Bounce house, Big Rigs for Kids by Q&D Construction, face painting and Bubbles the Clown round out the entertainment through 2 p.m.

5 p.m. – Music by Trippin King Snakes and DJ Red on stage

5:30 p.m. – Appetizers by The Firkin & Fox served until they run out

7 p.m. - Champagne toast provided by Bella Fiore Wines with commemorative glasses for the first 500 guests provided by the McFadden family.

Residents who wish to reserve the plaza for special events may contact the Carson City community development department’s permit center and business license division at (775) 887-2310. See Mountain Resort Television's Silver State Update video below.