Wingfield Park in Reno, Nevada, is partly on an island in the Truckee River (Belle Isle). It serves as a cherished location for both residents and visitors, who come to enjoy the diverse recreational options provided by the Truckee River and Parkway in downtown Reno. In conjunction with the Truckee River Whitewater Park, this urban park presents an array of activities such as relaxing by the water, picnicking, whitewater rafting, kayaking, swimming, river tubing, and enjoying walking and biking trails. Wingfield Park also hosts the Reno River Festival, numerous Artown events, and various other festivities throughout the year.
Things to Do
Wingfield Park primarily functions as an event venue featuring an amphitheater accompanied by a spacious grassy area designated for spectators. Surrounding regions accommodate vendors and additional activities during several annual events. Moreover, following the opening of the Truckee River Whitewater Park nearby, Wingfield Park has transformed into a prominent free water park, attracting large crowds on warm summer days. This revitalization stands as one of Reno’s most successful redevelopment endeavors. During quieter moments, the park offers a tranquil oasis amidst the bustling city.
For traditional park amenities, visitors can explore the adjacent Barbara Bennett Park located at the southwest corner of Arlington Avenue and the Truckee River. This park includes basketball and tennis courts, a children’s playground, and restrooms. In the summertime, a vendor on-site provides equipment rentals, including tubes and rafts for various water activities.
Parking and Visiting
The east end of Belle Isle in Wingfield Park is conveniently positioned just upstream from the Virginia Street Bridge. Visitors can walk along either side of the river adjacent to Wingfield Park along Reno’s Riverwalk. The path on the north side extends all the way to Idlewild Park and further, while the walkway on the southern side leads to Barbara Bennett Park, with pedestrian bridges allowing easy crossing of the river to the park.
Arlington Avenue runs across the western end of Belle Isle in Wingfield Park. Marked pedestrian crossings are available on both the north and south sides, with an under-crossing ensuring a traffic-free crossing from one end of the park to the other. Free parking is limited on the south side near Barbara Bennett Park, with additional metered spaces available on the north side of 1st Street. The most convenient parking is at Reno’s Parking Gallery structure located less than a block away on 1st Street. On weekends, parking in the Washoe County lot at Virginia and Court Streets is complimentary, although visitors should prepare for a short walk to Wingfield Park.
Short History
The land for Wingfield Park was gifted to Reno by George Wingfield, a notable Nevada banker, hotelier, and political power during the early 20th century. He played a crucial role in establishing Reno as a destination for gambling and divorce-related tourism. The Riverside Hotel, still standing at the south end of the Virginia Street Bridge and now known as the Riverside Artist Lofts, was one of his significant contributions. The former Reno National Bank building, located at the corner of 2nd and Virginia Streets, also remains in existence today, having been incorporated into the Harrah’s casino complex and now housing an Asian restaurant. Before Wingfield’s influence, this area was home to an amusement park, acquiring the name Belle Isle.
