Sunny skies and near-perfect fall temperatures brought families and outdoor enthusiasts to the 703-acre Silver Saddle Ranch in Carson City on Saturday to celebrate the 30-year passage of the 1996 Quality of Life ballot measure, which has contributed greatly to the capital city’s parks, trails and open spaces.
The celebration brought live music by The Bard Collective, cowboy poetry, a Park Ranger-led walk, wagon rides offered by Friends of Silver Saddle Ranch, volunteer appreciation, information booths, games, food from Lady Grillers Catering, beer donated by Shoe Tree Brewing, and ice cream, paletas and aguas frescas from La Tapatia.
In 1996, Carson City voters passed a ballot measure called Question 18, or the Quality-of-Life Initiative that increased sales tax by one-fourth of 1% to support parks, trails and open space in Carson City. This dedicated funding source has led to tremendous benefits for the community through acquisition of land as well as developing, improving, and maintaining Carson City’s parks, open spaces and recreation facilities.
Thirty years later, Carson City has now acquired over 7,000 acres of Open Space, protected 12 miles of the Carson River corridor, created the Multi-purpose Athletic Center, made significant enhancements to the Aquatic Facility and Rifle and Pistol Range, as well as substantial improvements to several parks and sports fields, and so much more.
Access to the outdoors, trails and recreation opportunities improves the quality of life for all Carson City residents by helping to connect people to nature, promote health and wellness, preserve our cultural heritage and build community, according to Parks, Recreation and Open Space officials.
“The Quality-of-Life Initiative is truly unique to Carson City, no other county in Nevada has been able to pass a measure like this, despite previous efforts,” writes Carson City officials in a news release. “Through this funding source, the Carson City Parks, Recreation & Open Space Department has positively shaped the fabric of Carson City through land preservation, trail development and construction and maintenance of parks and amenities.”
