The Parks Issue of Landscape Architect and Specifier News saw many firms submit their projects for feature consideration. Reno Aces Outfield is one of several great projects we are excited to showcase on LandscapeArchitect.com.

The Reno Aces Outfield project transformed an underutilized area of Greater Nevada Field into a dynamic, family-friendly, park-like space that celebrates Reno's heritage, the excitement of baseball, and the natural beauty of the region. Rooted in a deep respect for context, the design draws inspiration from the site's urban fabric, regional character, and surrounding landscape to reclaim the outfield as a public realm that feels authentic, welcoming and uniquely connected to place.

Key objectives include enhancing connectivity, visibility and flexibility across the site, enabling a seamless flow that supports both daily use and larger events. The design encourages movement, spontaneous interaction, and a sense of discovery, with adaptable zones for gathering, playing, and relaxing.

Inclusivity is central to our approach, with spaces designed to engage visitors of all ages and backgrounds. Elements like tiered seating, interactive play features, accessible hillside slides and shaded rest areas create a welcoming environment for families and fans alike.

Sustainability is also a guiding principle. The use of native plantings, permeable fall zone surfacing and topographic design strategies reflects the local environment while promoting long-term ecological resilience. Collectively, the project aspires to build community, celebrate local identity, and create a lasting, beloved public realm within the heart of downtown Reno.

 

Transformation of Underutilized Space into Public Realm: The project reclaims 1.3 acres of previously hardscaped, unprogrammed space (including a gravel hillside, concrete expanse, and outdated play equipment) and transforms it into a vibrant, multi-functional public realm. By layering play, gathering, and circulation into the outfield, the design reimagines the ballpark experience beyond the bleachers.

Regional Identity: Design features like repurposed ski lift chairs (a nod to Mt. Rose), native plantings, and natural materials root the project in Reno's cultural and ecological landscape - creating a distinct sense of place rarely found in ballpark design.

Inclusive and Innovative Play Design: The previously inaccessible hillside is now terraced and fully integrated with slides, steps, and boulders, enabling children of all abilities to play together. "The Catch" replaces generic plastic equipment with a sculpted, nature-based experience. The play area was expanded by 73%, creating a more generous and dynamic environment for inclusive, engaging recreation.

Integrated Sustainability: With a 55% reduction in impervious hardscape and the introduction of permeable play surfacing, the project aligns with best practices in stormwater management and urban heat mitigation, particularly meaningful in this river-adjacent urban site.

Multi-Vantage Spectator Experience: Elevated features like "The Short Porch," "The Hill," and "Baseball Mountain" offer non-traditional ways to watch the game, framing views of both the field and downtown skyline, and activating the outfield as a destination of its own.

Flexible, Year-Round Activation: A pop-up plaza made from repurposed shipping containers and a network of informal gathering spaces enable the site to function not only on game days, but as a community asset with potential for daily use and seasonal programming.

This 1.3-acre project offers a compelling combination of purposeful site transformation, layered programming, community engagement, contextual storytelling, and environmentally responsive design.

Elevated sightlines from "The Short Porch" and "The Hill" allow fans and families to experience the game - and each other - from multiple vantage points, whether cheering on the home team or enjoying sunset views of the downtown Reno skyline.

The project integrates local materials - including granite boulders, wood timbers, native grasses, and naturalistic landforms - to celebrate Reno's unique cultural and ecological identity. Baseball-themed elements reinforce the connection to sport and place: the oversized glove and ball in "The Catch" playground, the terraced dining area at "Baseball Mountain," and the promenade known as "The Stitch" all serve as playful, poetic nods to the game, the region, and the shared joy of public space.

To see more Park projects, go to: https://landscapearchitect.com/landscape-articles/call-for-editorial-parks#article1

For more information about submitting a project, go to: https://landscapearchitect.com/research/editorial/editorial-submissions.php