Why Is It So Hard to Build a Skatepark in Truckee?

The Challenge:

The Rocker Memorial Skatepark (RMSP) is a planned 25,000 sq. ft. community skatepark in Truckee River Regional Park. Despite broad community support, the project faces serious funding obstacles. Why?

🚧 Truckee’s Unique Government Structure:

  • Town of Truckee (inc. 1993): Handles roads, trails, sidewalks, planning—not sports or recreation.
  • Truckee-Donner Recreation & Park District (TDRPD) (est. 1963): Manages parks and programs—but lacks major capital funds.

Unlike most towns with a unified Parks & Rec department, Truckee splits responsibilities between two separate agencies—neither of which fully funds projects like RMSP.

💸 Who Gets Your Property Tax?

From $1,000 in Property Tax Nevada County Example
Town of Truckee $60 (6.04%)
TDRPD (Recreation) $27 (2.71%)
Others (schools, fire, etc) $913 (91.25%)

TDRPD’s share is for operations—not construction. The Town contributes $0 toward skateparks.

🧱 Why RMSP Must Raise ~$3.3 Million Privately:

  • Land is public (TDRPD), but not funded
  • Town permits + CEQA required for development
  • Town-required civil improvements: ADA paths, curbs, drainage, landscaping—all at skatepark’s expense
  • No Town or TDRPD capital budget allocated

🧩 This Creates a Funding Gap:

The skatepark must meet public project requirements — but is funded like a private one.

✅ What RMSP Has Done So Far:

  • $625K raised from local donations, grants & events
  • $215K+ spent on permits, design, CEQA
  • Over 1,000 volunteer hours donated
  • Project ready to build — but needs major funding to break ground

❤️ Why It Matters:

RMSP will offer a free, inclusive, all-ages recreation space, reduce car travel to distant skateparks, and honor a local legacy — Steve “Rocker” Anderson.

🔑 Want to Help Close the Gap?

Let’s build the skatepark Truckee has dreamed of — together.

FAQ: Why Doesn’t the Town of Truckee Pay for Sports?

What types of recreational projects does the Town of Truckee fund?

Answer:
 The Town of Truckee primarily funds recreational infrastructure that supports non-motorized transportation and environmental preservation. This includes:

  • Trails and Connectivity: Multi-use paths, bike lanes, sidewalks, and ADA improvements.

  • Open Space Preservation: Land acquisition for scenic, ecological, or community value.

  • Environmental Infrastructure: Projects like stormwater management and wetlands restoration with recreational co-benefits.

Learn more:

Why doesn’t the Town fund sports facilities and programs?

Answer:
 The Town of Truckee’s funding focus does not include traditional sports infrastructure like fields, gyms, pools, or league-based recreation. Instead, its resources are directed toward community-wide access through trails, sustainability, and infrastructure projects that support healthy, active lifestyles without requiring team-based participation.

Who pays for and manages sports facilities in Truckee?

Answer:
 Sports fields, courts, swimming pools, and associated programs are funded and operated by the Truckee-Donner Recreation and Park District (TDRPD)—a separate government agency from the Town of Truckee. TDRPD is funded through:

  • Its own share of local property taxes

  • User fees for classes, sports, and facility rentals

Learn more about TDRPD

How is Truckee’s structure different from other towns?

Answer:
 In many cities and towns across the U.S., Parks & Recreation departments are divisions of the municipal government, meaning the same city council oversees both general town services and recreation facilities. Truckee operates differently.
 Here, TDRPD is an independent special district, with its own board of directors, funding sources, and management responsibilities. This separation means:

  • The Town of Truckee handles roads, trails, planning, and public safety

  • The TDRPD manages parks, sports fields, recreation programs, pools, and community centers

This structure often confuses residents and visitors who are used to cities where one office manages both roads and recreation.

Is there overlap between the Town and TDRPD?

Answer:
 While both agencies aim to serve the Truckee community, they operate independently and have separate budgets and responsibilities. However, they may collaborate on shared-use projects like:

  • Connecting trails to parks

  • Supporting large-scale grant applications

  • Coordinating community events

Where can I learn more?

Town of Truckee Recreation Focus:

TDRPD Sports & Rec Services