

Virginia Lake on a sunny November day with the south fountain ejecting water in the shape of an upside-down cone (2013)

South Reno's Virginia Lake was originally designed for swimming. Now activities are restricted to the paved promenade, picnic areas and park patches around the reservoir. The lake is reserved for—or should I write invaded by—birds. A lakeshore panel lists its most frequent waterfowl species: mallard (wild duck), California gull, American coot, Canada goose and Chinese swan goose. Ornithologically, you are facing international waters.



The Virginia Lake Loop Trail is a one-mile-long, paved walking path around the lake. Benches, picnic areas and small side-parks including a dog park and a playground can be found next to the lake. Usually, you won't see a boat on the lake. But exceptions have been witnessed; for example, a row boat with UNR researchers studying water quality and temperature [College of Agriculture, Biotechnology & Natural Resources].



Constructed by the Works Progress Administration (WPA) between 1936 and 1938, today's Renoites and visitors know the man-made lake as a recreational site. The lake also serves as a detention reservoir for flood control and irrigation (see Living New Deal). The overflow outlet and the fountains have recently been modernized.