Sparks Marina Park — Attraction in Sparks

I have been walking around the Sparks Marina for over 7 years now, a lot of construction and the apartments somewhat changed the enjoyability and privacy, but it's a great place to go have a quick family picnic, dinner date overlooking the lake at sunset, or just walking around to cool off in the evening. All the paths are well lit at night, there's a place that you can walk your dog, a dog park where your dog can run around and go swimming but it's gated, there's a dock you can fish off of and plenty of other places that you can fish off of the edge of the water, there's a place where you can go play volleyball in the sand, in the Summer, and when the water is treated, and cleaned up, you can take the kids to swim as well as picnic tables with the shade perfect for last minute birthday parties or gatherings.

Typically they have a free fishing day where kids can get a fishing pole and tackle box sometimes depending on availability, you would want to get there early but every year they host on free fishing day.

So it is a great place and if there was any issues with the water typically they post signs to not swim, unfortunately there have been people who decide they're going to jump in the areas where you are not allowed to swim and have been found dead because of their own negligence in drinking, or not being able to swim across the lake. So if you decide to go for a run, jog, roller skate, skateboard, or walk around the marina there's plenty to do for all ages, but please do it responsibly.

The loop is approximately a little over a mile but is very easy for toddlers to even get around the lake whether it's half circle or full circle. I have been taking my daughter around the lake since she was about 6 months, and would push her in a trike bike. There are water fountains strategically placed, bathrooms in two different areas, there's even outdoor showers for when you're done playing in the water and want to rinse off the sand. There are two playgrounds one is for older kids and one is for teeny tots, there's a tire swing and baby swings as well. There is plenty of grass area to run around and play on. Typically there is not a lot of parking when it is full, but there is plenty of street parking along the marina and on the back side where Scheels is you can access parking on that side as well and walk the pathways. I like that it is entry level where you can go in and walk half of the marina or you can go in and walk the entire Marina and park where you desire to walk back or walking the full loop. You can start over by Western village or you can start where there is the parking for the marina, or you can start on the other side where Scheels parking is, or where the kayak rental building is, or as I said along the street as well. It's very easy to get to, there's also a bus that passes through if you don't drive. There's ample shopping nearby, and plenty of restaurants and fast food, or grocery stores if you need last minute things that you forget.

Overall Sparks Marina is the best central place to meet up with friends and family, or have a picnic, or just walk around and see who you can meet. there's been many times I've gone for a walk and ran into friends and we end up walking as a group. It's definitely a great place to go socialize and be out in the sun, OR out cooling off on a hot...

The walk around is nice, and the area is gorgeous. They have a play area that is fenced in, so you can keep track of your little ones. The play area has lots of things to keep the kids entertained. It's unique! Not a lot of parks offer so much to keep their imaginations wandering. We were very impressed!

If you bring a dog, there is a spot to let them off of the leash to wander and explore. Keep in mind that even though the majority of the area is fenced in, the fence does not meet the water and there is a large area they can run through to get back on to the main walk. There are ducks, geese and lots of squirrels running around. So be prepared for your dog to run off to try to make friends.

There is a place where you can leave cans of food for those who need it. ❤️

A new addition is being added on for anyone who truly appreciates America and all we stand for. When we went there, they were preparing the area for the unveiling, I believe, on July 1st. Stop in and check it out. It brought proud tears to my eyes. The Constitution, Articles of Confederation, and the Declaration of Independence are included. It's not just part of history class. There is a reason they were made. Read them. They apply to today as much as they did when they were written. So much to be thankful for.

The Marina has places for fishing and from what we heard from a local fisherman, they keep the water well stocked with fish.

There's a swimming area and geocache spots. Part of the marina is right next to Legends.

Check it out. There's something...

I hear rumors about "The Marina".. but there is a lot of good and bad.. so here is my "No Wonka"(sugarcoating) review. I took my new Rescue Pup. I have been here for ten years and never walked the marina, so we got a chance to explore it together. I thought it was great to find doggy poop bags almost every hundred feet. But some people still don't always clean up after their dog, so it seems.. there was even a dog water fountain. I was going to get a picture of my dog using it, but it didn't work. I'm pretty sure none of them did. There was a nice little monument to fallen soldiers, but its covered in corporate vandalism. Literally business advertising all over it I was confused as to who was being honored for their sacrifices.. corporate trash! Sorry.. Sorry.. the view of the man made pond was nice. I actually enjoyed my afternoon there. There was people fishing, a small dog park with an even smaller fence lol. But let me tell you, a bumped into some wonderful people while I was there. It really made me want to keep going back. It truly was nice to feel community spirit. Like the Ol' Days.. when people would say hello and stop and carry a pleasant conversation in person. Just unplug. There is picnic tables everywhere, volleyball nets, even a nice coffee shop. But take a walk around the marina and tell me what your...