Sparks NV Area Guide

Sparks is a city in Washoe County, Nevada. As of 2000, Sparks was home to approximately 66,000 people. Located in the Truckee Meadows between the Carson and Virginia Mountain Ranges, Sparks is a beautiful family-oriented city. Sparks’ climate is mild with lots of sun, low humidity and rainfall, and a full four seasons.

Sparks is continually growing and offering residents and visitors more than a wide array of services and activities. Quality of life is cited as one of the main reasons people relocate to the Sparks area.

History
The area that is now Sparks was first inhabited by the Washoe people. Euro-American settlement of area began in the early 1850s. Early settlers often sold cattle to California-bound emigrants. The population remained very low until 1904 when the Southern Pacific Railroad built a switch yard and maintenance sheds in the area. The city that sprung up around them was first called Harriman after Edward Harriman who was then president of the railroad. The city was quickly renamed Sparks after John Sparks, who was the Governor of Nevada at the time.
Sparks remained a small town until the 1950s, when economic growth in Reno triggered a housing boom in the area of Sparks north of the railroad. In the 1970s the area south of the railroad started to fill up with warehouses and light industry. In 1984 the tower for John Ascuaga’s Nugget was finished, giving Sparks its first and only high-rise casino.
In 1996, the redevelopment effort of the old B Street business district across from the Nugget that started in the early 1980s took a step forward with the opening of a multi-screen movie complex and the construction of a plaza area. This area is now known as  Victorian Square and is a pedestrian-friendly district that hosts many open-air events.
Parks and Recreation
http://www.ci.sparks.nv.us/living/parks_rec/

Sparks is also well known for its outstanding Parks and Recreation system designed to appeal to young and old alike, with numerous neighborhood parks, regional sports facilities and an unusually large number of fun and exciting recreation programs for pre-school children to senior citizens.

Sparks Adult Sports
http://www.cityofsparks.us/living/parks_rec/adult_sports/
The City of Sparks Parks and Recreation Department is proud to offer a variety of adult sports including softball, deep freeze, basketball, tennis and golf lessons. 

Sparks Youth Sports
http://www.cityofsparks.us/living/parks_rec/youth%20sports/
The Sparks Parks and Recreation Department has built a solid program through the years, offering a variety of leagues, clinics and camps designed to promote sportsmanship, teamwork and skill development for children of all ages and abilities. Activities include baseball, basketball, football, golf, karate, soccer, tennis, track and field and volleyball.

Larry D. Johnson Community Center
http://www.cityofsparks.us/living/parks_rec/ldj/
This facility features a modern design with plenty of natural light, and has two multi-purpose rooms, the Mt. Rose Fitness Center, a teen drop-in center called The Club and a dance/aerobic room.

For more information on parks and recreation in Sparks, please visit:
http://www.cityofsparks.us/living/parks/

 

Events

 

Sparks is known as the premiere special events venue for all of northern Nevada with attractions on Victorian Square bringing thousands of visitors to such annual events as Hometown Farmer’s Market, Hot August Nights, Best in the West (Nugget) Rib Cook-off and Hometowne Christmas. Check out some of the events below for exciting opportunities for you and your family!

Sparks Annual Turkey Trot
http://www.ci.sparks.nv.us/living/com_events/turkey_trot/
Participants can choose from a 2-mile walk or run or a 10K run. All races follow the beautiful 2-mile path around the Sparks Marina Park with the 10K event extending into the surrounding neighborhood. Everyone receives a commemorative sweatshirt and post-race refreshments. 

Annual Top O' The Mornin' Fun Run/Walk Event
http://www.ci.sparks.nv.us/living/com_events/topo_fun_run/
Every year the Sparks Parks and Recreation Department pays tribute to St. Patrick's Day by hosting the annual Top O' The Mornin' Fun Run/Walk event at the Sparks Marina Park. Races included a 2 mile run/walk (non-timed) and a 10K timed run.

Hot August Nights
http://www.hotaugustnights.net/
Hot August Nights just might be the world's largest cruise with tons of rubber, chrome and steel rumbling down Victorian Avenue in Sparks every August. The event features classic car show 'n shines, a great variety of your favorite nostalgic foods, and lots of live entertainment that's sure to get you into a classic groove! 

Click here to view the 2009 Special Events Calendar
http://www.ci.sparks.nv.us/living/com_events/pdfs/Sparks_Special_Events_Calendar-09.pdf