Because the summer time heats up, you don’t must battle the crowds at Tahoe for an opportunity to paddle and play within the solar. The Sparks Marina is true right here on the town, and it gives wildlife, pockets of solitude and beachfront facilities—if you recognize the place to look.
Nestled between Legends Bay and Western Village, proper subsequent to Interstate 80, the Sparks Marina is not possible to overlook. The official parking zone is on the northwest aspect, off of Howard Drive and Lincoln Manner. This park isn’t fenced in (besides alongside the freeway), so it’s simply accessible from virtually each aspect.
An underground aquifer feeds this former gravel pit with contemporary water. It takes in a number of million gallons every day (a lot of which is then pumped into the Truckee River), and the town of Sparks has steadily developed the marina to change into a recreation jewel, filled with year-round outside alternatives. It averages round 60 toes deep, is stocked repeatedly with fish, and is monitored for wholesome water circumstances.
On the foremost entrance to the marina, a plethora of issues to do are clustered between the parking zone and this 77-acre physique of water. Picnic tables and shelters dot the grassy areas across the northwest nook, and in the summertime, Goodi’s concession stand serves treats and drinks throughout enterprise hours. A brand new playground gives leisure for youngsters and folks not seeking to work together with the water.
Alongside the north edge, a number of sand volleyball courts present alternatives for pleasant competitors. Restrooms are open to the general public, so you’ll be able to keep all day. A paved, ADA-compliant 2-mile-long path rings your complete lake. On the south shore, a fenced-in canine park permits pups to roam freely—and even swim if they’re so inclined.
Whereas the western aspect is filled with parks and recreation alternatives, the northeastern space is lined with condos and residences—and the precise marina portion of the Sparks Marina. Sparks Water Bar has outside seating with a view, permitting you to take pleasure in refreshments whereas overlooking all of the actions within the lake. For morning individuals, Lighthouse Espresso could be a excellent place to cease for a caffeine break. You may drive immediately to those companies or park on the opposite aspect of the lake and take the scenic path all the best way round.
When you’re making an attempt to beat the warmth, this lake is greater than only a fairly image. In the course of the summer time, lifeguards are on obligation 5 days every week on the designated swimming seaside close to the concession stand. Boat ramps make launching your craft within the water simple for a day of paddling, motoring (electrical solely) and even crusing.
Native outlets have paddleboards and kayaks out there for lease. When you’re able to personal your individual watercraft, Scheels at Legends is completely positioned for perusing. Calm mornings on the marina are perfect for paddling, whereas windy afternoons can create glorious circumstances for crusing, kite-surfing or windsurfing. Although it might not look enormous, it’s simple to seek out solitude amongst flocks of seagulls resting in the course of the marina, or turtles sunning themselves on logs in the back of the canal on the japanese aspect.
The marina is stocked repeatedly, so fishing is an effective way to go the time; simply be sure to have your Nevada fishing license, and observe all of the fishing guidelines and rules. When you’re feeling extra-adventurous, you may also scuba dive (with a companion or teacher) within the marina. Not licensed but? Instructors proper right here in Reno can educate you the way and get you in your method to exploring your native waters.
It’s simple to miss the Sparks Marina as you zoom previous it on the interstate. Whereas it might not have the grandeur of Lake Tahoe, this unassuming little house is filled with surprises and alternatives for enjoyable. It holds a little bit one thing for almost everybody and is really a Sparks treasure.