When:   6:30 p.m. on Thursday, August 28

What:   Groundbreaking Ceremony and Discover Your Parklands hike.

Where: Site of the future Michael D. Thompson Trailhead at Hunter Creek. The site is located at the end of Woodchuck Circle west of Plateau Road in Juniper Ridge. 

Hikers and great outdoor lovers are invited to celebrate the upcoming onstruction of a new trailhead just minutes from central Reno with access to the spectacular Mt. Rose Wilderness Area.

Washoe County Regional Parks and Open Space Park Ranger Marie Fong will lead a Discover Your Parklands hike along Hunter Creek immediately following the ceremony.

The Michael D. Thompson trailhead is located on a seven-acre easement dedicated to Washoe County by the David J. and Claudia A. Thompson Family Trust. When completed, the trailhead will include picnic areas, an interpretive kiosk, parking for passenger vehicles and horse trailers, and restrooms. Trailhead construction is funded by the 2000 voter approved WC-1 Regional Parks, Trails, Open Space & Libraries Bond.

Construction will begin in late summer of this year and the trailhead is expected to open to the public by the summer of 2009. The new trailhead will be maintained by Washoe County's Department of Regional Parks and Open Space. The Department's mission is to provide exceptional parks and open space, and recreational opportunities while preserving our natural, historical and cultural resources. For more information, visit www.washoecountyparks.com .