Blue pinwheels will soon line a lawn in Reno, while also appearing across Washoe County, each one meant to represent something simple: a safe and carefree childhood for every child in the community.
April marks National Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Awareness Month, and Washoe County partners are inviting the public to take part in a visible reminder of that message. The event will bring together several local groups to plant thousands of pinwheels in front of Greater Nevada Field in Reno, with additional displays set up throughout the county.
The planting in Reno is scheduled for Thursday, April 9, from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. on the front lawn of the ballpark, located at 250 Evans Ave.
Organizers say each pinwheel stands for the kind of childhood every child deserves, free from abuse and neglect. The effort is a collaboration between HSA, the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges, the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office, the Washoe County District Attorney’s Office, Northern Nevada Legal Aid, the Washoe CASA Foundation, and the Reno Aces.
“The Pinwheels for Prevention event brings our mission to life, reminding the community that every child deserves the chance to grow up safe, supported, and able to thrive. Through awareness and education, the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges works toward positive change for children and families in Nevada and across the country, where research, policies, and best practices can directly impact young lives. The pinwheels are a simple but powerful symbol of the carefree childhoods we want for all children and a year-round reminder of why this work matters,” said Joey Orduña Hastings, CEO of the NCJFCJ.
HSA reported receiving 6,478 reports of suspected child abuse or neglect during fiscal year 2025 and said 147 children were reunified with their families during that time.
Under Nevada law, child abuse or neglect is defined in Nevada Revised Statutes 250.508 as “Willfully causing a minor (a child under the age of 18) to suffer unjustifiable physical pain or mental suffering.”
Officials are asking anyone who suspects abuse or neglect to contact Washoe County HSA Child Protective Services at (833) 900-SAFE.
In addition to the Reno event, hundreds of pinwheels have been placed at several locations across Washoe County, including the Washoe County Administration Complex, the Washoe County Human Services Agency, the Washoe County Family Engagement Center, the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office, and the Washoe County Child Advocacy Center.
The Washoe County Child Advocacy Center will also host a separate pinwheel planting ceremony later in the month as part of the awareness campaign. The event is scheduled for Wednesday, April 19, at 10 a.m. at the center, located at 2097 Longley Lane in Reno.
Organizers say each pinwheel at that event represents children in the community who have received services through the Child Advocacy Center over the past year. The ceremony will also recognize community partners and leaders for their contributions to child advocacy efforts in Nevada.
“National Child Abuse Prevention Month is a time to recognize not only the children and families we serve, but also the partners and leaders who make this work possible,” said Washoe County District Attorney Christopher Hicks. “We are proud to honor Governor Lombardo for his leadership on behalf of Nevada’s children and to recognize community partners whose support helps strengthen services for vulnerable children and families across our state.”
Community members are encouraged to stop by the Reno planting events or visit displays across the county to learn more about prevention efforts.
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