Facility Reservations
May Museum Facility Use Fees
Garden Court, Includes Hall and Two Back Patios
Filled with exotic and beautiful plants, cascading waterfalls, and ponds, the Garden Court offers a magnificent setting for your special event.
Dimensions: approximately 1,700 square feet - will accommodate about 73 people at 9 tables in the three areas; standing capacity is about 220.
Double Diamond Room
(Rented in conjunction with Garden Court only)
The Double Diamond room offers a lovely view overlooking the Wilbur D. May Arboretum.
Dimensions: approximately 1,350 square feet and can accommodate approximately 85 people seated at 10 tables; standing capacity (with cocktail tables only) is about 200 people, or 150 people seated theatre style.
David's Discovery Room
(Rented in conjunction with Garden Court only)
David's Discovery Room offers complete privacy and more space than the Double Diamond Room.
Dimensions: approximately 1,400 square feet accommodating approximately 93 people at 11 tables ; standing capacity (with cocktail tables only) is about 200 people, or 150 people seated theatre style.
Kitchen
Kitchen - includes the refrigerator, three stainless steel sinks, a hand sink, three rolling stainless steel carts, commercial dishwasher(sanitizes in 1.5 minutes), and three stainless steel work tables plus a six burner stove, two ovens, and a broiler. Propane ovens and stove burners will be turned on for you.
Facility Use Fees/ Deposits/ Cancellations
Cancellations must be made in writing. If a written cancellation request is received 90 calendar days or more in advance, the rental fee and cleaning/security deposit less a $30.00 administration fee will be refunded. If a written cancellation request is received 30-89 calendar days prior to the scheduled event, 50% of the rental fee or a $30.00 administration fee, whichever is greater, will be retained and the balance of the rental fee plus any cleaning/security deposit will be refunded. If a written cancellation request is received less than 30 calendar days prior to the scheduled event, 100% of the rental fee will be retained and any cleaning/security deposit will be refunded.
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| Double Diamond Room or David's Discovery Room Rented in conjunction with Garden Court or independently Monday-Friday 8:00am-5:00pm |
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| Furniture available | |||||||||
| Portable Bar: (includes a formal, pleated black linen skirting Chairs: (White padded chairs - approximately 200 are available) Tables: (16) 60" round (seats 8 people) (1) 48" round cake table (15) 6' X 36" portable rectangular tables (seats 8 people) (2) 6' X 36" serpentine tables ( for food - requires special table linens) (4) 4' round wrought iron tables, each with four matching chairs |
In addition to the furniture available from us, you may also rent tables and chairs from an outside rental company. If you have rented chairs, tables, or other items from an outside rental company, you must make arrangements for them to pick up those items at the end of your event.
You are responsible for leaving the Museum in the same neat and clean condition in which you found it.
Insurance
Insurance may be required for your event. Please contact the Parks Administration Office at (775) 823-6501 for assistance. You may provide a certificate of liability insurance naming Washoe County as an additional insured party through your own insurance carrier or purchase the required insurance coverage through Washoe County. Persons hosting family social events, weddings, etc. can often obtain a 24-hour liability policy through their homeowner's insurance. If insurance is required for an event, the certificate or fee to purchase this coverage is due at least thirty days prior to your event.
Contact Us
Reservations: (775) 823-6501 Museum: (775) 785-5961
Great Basin Adventure Rentals
Birthday Pavilion - 2010 Fee
$35.00 for a 2 1/2-hour session (10:30-1:00 or 1:30-4:00)
GBA Amphitheater
$65.00 for a 2 2/1-hour session (10:30-1:00 or 1:30-4:00)
Reservations: (775) 823-6501
May Arboretum Garden Reservations
&
Botanical Gardens
Click here for a virtual tour of the gardens below.
Burke Garden-
… is an English country style garden with abundantly blooming perennials including iris, lupine, bleeding heart, delphinium, foxglove, and campanula. Surrounding three central flowerbeds and adjoining lawn (which accommodates approximately 75 people seated and 100 standing) are lovely flowerbeds and spring blooming shrubs. Located directly behind the Ranch House.
2010 Garden use fee is $150.00/hour with a 2-hour minimum plus a $250.00 refundable cleaning/security deposit
Honey’s Garden-
…is just a short walk down the hill from the Ranch House and across a vine-draped covered bridge. Honey's Garden features primarily yellow and white flowering shrubs and roses. A seasonal waterfall cascades over large boulders and into a series of pools. There is a grassy area in front of the waterfall, and a gravel clearing which can accommodate up to 100 people seated and 150 people standing.
2010 Garden use fee is $250.00/hour with a 2-hour minimum plus a $250.00 refundable cleaning/security deposit
Plaza Garden-
…is a colorful display of perennials and flowering trees adjoining the May Museum courtyard. The Plaza Garden can elegantly extend the available outdoor space of the Museum. The garden can accommodate 100 seated or 150 standing.
2010 Garden use fee is $150.00/hour with a 2-hour minimum plus a $250.00 refundable cleaning/security deposit
Lear Garden-
…. . . is one of our newest gardens with a quaint country gazebo and a spectacular view of the park and Sierra Nevada mountains. In spring and summer it is in full bloom with russian sage, daylilies, crabapples and perennials. The garden can accommodate up to 150 people. There are no chairs or restroom facilities here.
2010 Garden use fee is $150.00/hour with a 2-hour minimum plus a $250.00 refundable cleaning/security deposit
Kristen’s Garden-
…...is a more intimate garden, featuring a grape and wisteria-bedecked gazebo. Magnolia, iris, lavender, lamb's ear and peony bloom in the spring and a profusion of michaelmas daisy provides vibrant color in the fall. Kristen's Garden is suitable for smaller gatherings of 25 or fewer people. 2010 Garden use fee is $50.00/hour with a 2 hour minimum rental plus a $250.00 refundable cleaning/security deposit
Evans Creek Bridge Garden-
…is a secluded, partially covered deck amidst overhanging willows. The Evans creek flows through the wetlands beneath the bridge. This informal shady location can accommodate 25 or fewer people. No electricity is available in this area.
2010 Garden use fee is $50.00/hour with a 2-hour minimum plus a $250.00 refundable cleaning security deposit
Columbus Gazebo
. . . is a vine covered gazebo located amidst the Kleiner Oak Grove just above the wetlands. This shady gazebo and bench area can accommodate 25 or fewer people. No electricity is available in this area.
2010 Garden use fee is $50.00/hour with a 2-hour minimum plus a $250.00 refundable cleaning/security deposit
(Click on the map for a larger, printable version)

Gardens are available for reservation from mid-April through October.
- Arboretum staff will bring the chairs and check you in at the start time listed on your reservation paperwork. You are responsible for chair set up and take down.
- Electrical power can be provided upon request in all gardens except Evans Creek Bridge or Columbus Garden.
- Confetti, glitter, rice and birdseed are not allowed in the Arboretum or any other areas of Rancho San Rafael Regional Park. Rose petals are allowed, if cleaned up after the ceremony.
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Comments? Questions?Email us
Wilbur D. May Center at
Rancho San Rafael Regional Park
1595 N. Sierra,
Reno, Nevada U.S.A.
(775) 785-5961 Fax (775) 785-4707

