Imagining Something Better
Rather than simply moving on from the property's industrial past, Mayor Breslow and Sparks leaders saw an opportunity to create something extraordinary.
The City Council voted to dedicate the City's $12 million in settlement funds to transform the site into a major community park. Over several months, elected officials and City staff developed a vision for a destination that could serve residents while encouraging new investment and development around it.
Plans included beaches with imported sand from Lake Tahoe, public gathering areas, fishing and a fishing pier, non-motorized boating, scuba diving, beach volleyball, playgrounds, gazebos, a dog area, and a recreational trail.
At the heart of the plan was a roughly two-mile walking and jogging path designed for everyday recreation and community events.
City leaders described their vision as creating a “picture window” into Sparks—a beautiful and active public space that would help define the community.
Residents were invited to submit ideas for the park's name. From the suggestions, City leaders selected the Sparks Marina. The name prominently identified the community while conveying a destination that offered far more than just a lake.
The City then finalized the Sparks Marina Master Plan.