Douglas County Parks & Recreation Department is more than just fun and games

by Sheryl Christian

Special to The R-C

Looking for a scenic spot for a family reunion, company picnic or birthday party? Well look no further, park pavilions are available at Lampe Park, Ranchos Aspen Park, Stodick Park and Zephyr Cove Park. These pavilions are equipped with barbecue grills, tables and electricity.

This summer take advantage of the beautiful parks Douglas County has to offer. Get out and enjoy the many benefits of your local parks whether it's having a picnic at Lampe Park, watching a ball game at Stodick Park or enjoying the shores of Topaz Lake, you're sure to find fun and relaxation. Douglas County parks system offers nine parks to enjoy.

Lampe Park

Located in Gardnerville near Highway 395, this 32-acre park has five ball fields, soccer field, two volleyball courts, four tennis courts, group picnic shelter and restrooms. There are numerous picnic tables and benches throughout the park where families can relax, feed the ducks or enjoy the playground structure.

Stodick Park

Located off Toler Road in Gardnerville, this 18-acre park offers a tot ball field, four softball fields with soccer field overlays, playground area, group and picnic shelter, concession/restroom building and paved parking.

Ranchos Aspen Park

Located off Muir and Lyell streets in the Gardnerville Ranchos, this 17-acre park has four youth baseball fields, soccer field, paved pathways, horseshoe pits, sand volleyball court, multiple play areas, a group pavilion and a concession/restroom building.

Johnson Lane Park

Located on Stephanie Lane, this park has 5 acres, users can enjoy a softball/baseball/soccer field, outdoor basketball court, group picnic shelter and children's play area.

Zephyr Cove Park

Located near Highway 50 and Warrior Way, this park offers softball/soccer field, group picnic areas, exercise trail system, a Frisbee disc golf course and restrooms.

Kahle Park

This 19-acre park is nestled in the trees just above where Highway 50 intersects with Kingsbury Grade. The park features a baseball/softball field, two soccer fields, two play areas, a group picnic pavilion, outdoor basketball hoops, bike and walking paths and a community center complete with a fitness area, a full gym, indoor walking/jogging track, indoor playground, snack bar, classes, and facility rentals.

Brautovich Park

Located near Kingsbury Grade, off North Benjamin, this 5-acre park offers a junior soccer field, play area and horseshoe pits.

Topaz Ranch Estates Park

Near highway 208 and Carter Way, this 8-acre park includes a community recreation building, play area, youth baseball field, basketball court, picnic area, horseshoe pits and restrooms.

Topaz Lake Park

Located near Highway 395 off Topaz Park Road, this park offers 15 reserveable campsites available with water and power hookups, and an additional 42 dry campsites and a group campsite. Amenities include boat ramp with two docks, fish cleaning station, showers/restroom building and day picnic areas. Boat and RV storage is also available at reasonable rates.

Also available is the Douglas County Fairgrounds, Douglas County Shooting Range, Carson Valley Skate Facility and the Round Hill Bike Path.

For more information or to reserve a facility in the Carson Valley, or for Topaz Lake reservations, please call 782-9828. To reserve a facility at the Lake, call (775) 586-7271.

Gifts to be enjoyed today and for generations

The Share Because You Care Program provides an opportunity to share a gift with your community, Douglas County. You may make a gift in the name of a special person, an organization, in your own name, or anonymously. All donors will receive special recognition from the Douglas County Parks & Recreation Department.

Cash donations can go to support the project of your choice such as flagpoles, park benches, sand volleyball courts, picnic table concrete pads for handicap access, play equipment, flower beds, drinking fountains, horseshoe pits, trees and tennis nets.

For more information, contact the Douglas County Parks & Recreation Department at 782-9828.