9100 Wilbur May Pkwy, Reno, NV 89521

Double Diamond Park

Park Description:

Double Diamond Park is a 10-acre Reno park with restrooms (opened seasonally: late April-early October weather permitting).

Park Amenities:

Baseball/softball fields and a soccer/football field.

Park Contact Information:

City of Reno - Parks & Facilities (775) 334-2417

Park Highlights

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Park History

Click the image to read each topic's full text!

Washeshu People

Before the settlers came to the Truckee Meadows in the 1850’s, this area was employed by the Washeshu people as part of their migration route in the winter when the mountains were snowy. For at least 9000 years before the colonizers moved this far west, the Washeshu utilized the local hot springs and were able to cook, drink, and bathe without fear of the water ever freezing. As a food source, the Washeshu hunted birds in the marshes and fished in the nearby Truckee River. The Washeshu also used the mineralized volcanic rocks as paint pigment. Many Washeshu and other Native American tribes still call this area their home, and more information can be found on the Reno, Sparks Indian Colony website, https://www.rsic.org/.

Image:
Washoe Indians – The Chief’s Family. Source: Lawrence & Houseworth Publisher.

Who is Wilbur D. May?

The area around Double Diamond Park was once owned by Wilbur D. May. Born December 28, 1898, he was the third son of David May, who founded May Company Department Stores in 1877 in Leadville, Colorado during that state’s silver rush. Wilbur was expected to continue the family business, but after a career as an ambulance driver during WWI and an overwhelming zeal for the outdoors, he discovered that wasn't his passion.

Able to fly his own plane, Wilbur got the travel bug and traveled around the world on hunting trips. During one such trip to Africa, the stock market crashed in the US. Fortunately for him, he had already sold his shares. Upon his return to the U.S., he bought back the same shares at a huge discount, making him quite rich. He added to his wealth through good investments, such as the oil industry.

In 1936, Wilbur moved to Nevada and bought 2,600 acres of land in southwest Reno. The Double Diamond Ranch was named for Wilbur’s initials stacked on top of each other, which look like two diamonds, and the ranch became well-known for raising winning thoroughbred horses, as well as prized Black Angus cattle and Boston Bull Terriers. Wilbur continued travelling, painting, writing songs, and even served as a reconnaissance pilot during WWII. Back in Reno, he was a generous supporter of many causes which benefited children. When he died in 1982, he left plans for a museum and arboretum to benefit children, which are evident today in the Wilbur D. May Center and the Arboretum in Rancho San Rafael Park.

Image:
Wilbur May. Source: Wilbur May Museum