Silver Saddle Ranch turned over to Carson City

One hundred and fifty years ago ranch hands were motivated by the smell of beef cooking over an open fire. The distinctive smell of beef grilling on the Kiwanis Club of Carson City’s gas grill motivated Carsonites to venture to the Silver Saddle Ranch, the Parks Department’s newest park. Check out the new sign at the entrance.

CHS Naval Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps Color Guard Cadets Zenor, Velez, Kennedy and Pope presented the colors for the pledge of allegiance and the Sierra Sisters sang the national anthem.

Parks and Recreation Director, Roger Mollendorf was the master of ceremonies as he introduced Carson City Supervisors Lori Bagwell, Brad Bonkowski and Jim Shirk to the audience. He introduced BLM District Manager Ralph Thomas who thanked everyone for their support of Public Lands Day.

Mollendorf introduced Mayor Bob Crowell. Crowell thanked Carson High School’s NJROTC, the Friends of Silver Saddle Ranch and Nevada’s congressional delegation for supporting the legislation which deeded the Silver Saddle Ranch to the BLM in 2000. Crowell had pride in his voice as he shared our community placed 27th out of 3,000 communities as best places to live in America.

Nancy Santos with Friends of Silver Saddle Ranch thanked everyone for their support over the past 15 years.

Ron Guzman told everyone to, “Love the park to death! This is your space. Take good care of it.”

Mollendorf recognized Carson City Parks Department’s Ann Bollinger.

She planned a memorable event to “mark the formal recognition of the conveyance of 7,000 acres of BLM land in the area to Carson City.” Crowell with Supervisors Bagwell, Bonkowski and Shirk handed a check to Leon Thomas and Ralph Thomas with the BLM as Leon and Ralph passed the deed to the mayor and supervisors.

Mollendorf concluded the ceremonies by recognizing Bollinger for planning today’s celebration including the talented musical entertainers Sierra Sisters from 12:30 to 3 p.m. and Hick’ry Switch from 3 to 6.

If you haven’t visited Carson City’s newest park, shut off your television, stand upright and visit Silver Saddle Ranch Park, now!