Sparks Marina Park

Aug 13,2007 11:30 AM, Sparks Marina Park

Here I go boasting about our city again.  This is my second time to go to this Park.  Shame.  It is a charming place.

A couple of years ago the local government began marketing the Reno-Sparks-Tahoe area as "America's

Adventure Place" I have to admit I had my doubts. But seeing how they have persevered in developing places like this is making me a believer.

It is a beautiful getaway when you get tired of the slot machines.  The first thing you will notice about this park  is it has a very long walking trail.(approximately 1.8 miles) While I was walking there this morning I saw people strolling, riding their bikes, roller blading, meditating and canoeing.   I also noticed that there are  good sized trouts (definitely more than a feet long) relaxing in the shallow waters. I will fish here someday.

Towards the halfway point of the walking trail (depends on where you started) you'll see some very nice homes on the  side...

Here's a Flyer advertising one of the homes. I actually saw a revised version of this Ad. They lowered the rent to $2,000...

Here's the dock in front of the homes. I'm assuming that this is a private docking area for the homeowners...

you can even learn how to sail...

.

They even have a bar at the walking trail  (featuring local artists)

The Beach...

The volleyball court..

They even have lifeguards on duty (at certain times of the day).

*The Sparks Marina Park contains an estimated 1 billion gallons of water. With an average depth of 60 feet, and the deepest part of the marina reaching 120 feet, the marina will be stocked with Rainbow Trout and German Brown Trout. The marina will be open for fishing the first week of May. While swimmers will be able to enjoy swimming in the marina beginning the first week of June. Amenities such as two swimming beaches, two sand volleyball courts, numerous picnic tables and gazebos, a lighted trail system, and extensive landscaping are available at the marina. The gazebos are on a first come first serve basis. Future plans include a large playground, concession stand, fishing piers, a fish cleaning station, scuba facilities, and shower facilities. These amenities should be available sometime in September.

Fishing

Hours
Fishing hours will be one hour before sunrise until two hours after sunset.

Limit
The daily possession limit is five game fish, singly or in aggregate, of which only one can be longer than 16 inches.

Fishing is regulated by State of

Walking Trail

The distance around the

Scuba Diving

Scuba divers must check in with the Head Guard or Concession Manager before and after diving. Scuba diving is prohibited near the family swim area.

Boating

Only boats without motors and boats with electric motors are permitted in the park. Docking of water vessels is permitted at the hand launch beach only. Operation of all boats must be in compliance with all State of

Swimming at the

Marina

Swimming is permitted at the family beach or hand launch beach only. All children under 8 years of age must have an adult with them in the designated swimming areas. Floating devices such as air mattresses and inner tubes may be used only in designated areas and at the lifeguard's discretion. Water wings and infant flotation devices may only be used when an adult is in the water and directly supervising the child. Cliff diving, jumping or shore diving is prohibited. Swim at your own risk!

Groups of people wishing to use the guarded beach must contact the Parks and Recreation Office at 353-2376 to make a reservation.

The lake is continuously recharged with fresh filtered ground water from an underground aquifer. This process is similar to an artesian well and produces a water quality that exceeds standards set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for recreational use. The lake is monitored regularly to ensure excellent water quality.

For more information about the biological and water testing that is being performed on the lake, please contact the City of

Rules

• NO Animals of any kind on the beach.
• NO Glass containers in the park.
• NO Alcohol on the beach.
• NO Open fires anywhere in the park.
• NO Possession or use of any weapon or firearm,      including BB or pellet gun.
• NO Hunting or trapping of wildlife.
• Dogs must be on a leash at all times.

* source: cityofsparks.us

Sparks   Truckee Meadows Water Reclamation Facility Laboratory

at 861-4145.

Nevada

and U.S. Coast Guard boating statutes and regulations. Parking of trailers will be restricted to designated stalls/ areas only.

Marina

on the trail is approximately 1.8 miles. If your walk includes the peninsula, the trail is approximately 2 miles.

Nevada Regulations

and is prohibited on the beach and in swimming and diving areas.

What I love about this place is its proximity to basically anywhere from the Reno-Sparks area. It's 9 minutes away from Downtown Reno and 4 minutes from Downtown Sparks