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Sparks Marina Park Pond

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Swimming Holes in Nevada » Sparks Marina Park Pond

Sparks Marina Park Pond

Sparks Marina Pond Park

Sparks Marina Park Pond Overview

The site on which Sparks Marina Park is located was once a gravel pit owned and operated by Helms Construction Company and the Truckee River overflowed its banks and filled Helms Pit creating what is now Sparks Marina Pond. 

The Sparks Marina is 100 feet deep and covers approximately 77 surface acres.  

How to Get to Sparks Marina Park Pond

Sparks Marina Park is very easy to get to as long as you follow Interstate 80 and exit on East McCarran Blvd. Once you do that, you’re going to turn north, then turn east on Nichols and the park entrance should be there.

Fees

At the time of writing this, there aren’t any entrance fees to access Sparks Marina Park Pond. To double-check on if anything has changed, contact the Nevada Department of Wildlife.

Permits

According to the Nevada Department of Wildlife website, there aren’t any permits required to use or walk around Sparks Marina Park Pond but there are boating restrictions you need to be aware of.  Per the website:
Only vessels without motors and vessels with electric motors are permitted on Sparks Marina. Vessels are prohibited in areas designated by signs or buoys at the swimming and diving areas.

In short, anything that runs off of gas is not allowed in the water at this time but if you have anything that’s electric or people-powered, you are good to go. 

Permits may be required to rent out space for a large group of people for things like birthday parties or corporate events.

Be sure to contact the Sparks Marina Park director or visitors center to get up to date prices and information as it is subject to change.

Hours Open

Sparks Marina Park, which includes the marina and pond, opens at 7 am and closes at 9 pm every day of the week but times are subject to change depending on the season as well as other factors.

If you are concerned about the park hours of operation, be sure to contact the Nevada Department of Wildlife or the park directors.

Thursday: 7 AM–9 PM
Friday: 7 AM–9 PM
Saturday: 7 AM–9 PM
Sunday: 7 AM–9 PM
Monday: 7 AM–9 PM
Tuesday: 7 AM–9 PM
Wednesday: 7 AM–9 PM

Parking at Sparks Marina Park Pond

Parking at Sparks Marina Park Pond is readily available with your generic run of the mill parking lot and parking spots. 

Sparks Marina Park Pond Weather

Sparks Marina Park Pond follows the weather patterns of Sparks, Nevada which means that it will reach up to 90 degrees Fahrenheit during the summer and dip as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter.

For current and up to date weather forecasts for Sparks, Nevada, be sure to check your weather app or weather.com

Sparks Marina Park Pond Trail Information

The trail surrounding Sparks Marina Park Pond is a very simple 1.9-mile loop that circles the Marina allowing you to get your feet wet if you so desire.

Do keep in mind that bikers share the trail with hikers so you may encounter some while walking around.

Water Temperature

After looking around at various internet sources, consistent data for the water temperature at Sparks Marina Park Pond doesn’t appear to be available at this time.

Based on the area and other experiences with Marinas of this size, you can expect the water to be pleasant in the summertime and pretty cold during the winter.

What to Take to Sparks Marina Park Pond

Sparks Marina Park Pond is located around the town of Sparks, Nevada so specialty equipment to complete the hike is not needed.

Your standard tennis shoes and a bottle of water or two should be plenty to complete this trail unless you plan on entering the water which will require different gear and clothes.

If you plan on getting in the water, consider bringing a float, kayak, or something else that’ll allow you to be lazy in the water to decompress.

Dog-Friendly

Sparks Marina Park Pond is dog friendly as long as your dog stays on a leash, no exceptions.

Kid-Friendly

Sparks Marina Park Pond is a very kid-friendly place with the marina being the main source of fun as well as the easy to complete hiking trail.

There are also a few playgrounds scattered about the park if you don’t plan on getting wet.

Camping

Camping is not allowed at Sparks Marina Park Pond as it is only open for day use.

Restrooms at Sparks Marina Park Pond

With Sparks Marina Park Pond being located in Sparks, Nevada, restrooms are plentiful in and around the surrounding area even if the ones at the park are closed or in use. 

Cell Phone Service at Sparks Marina Park Pond

Cell phone service should be reliable given that the Marina is located in a city.

Sparks Marina Park Pond Picnics

Picnics areas are very easy to set up and enjoy at Sparks Marina Park as long as you aren’t setting up on a high traffic area or path.

Wildlife

Most of the wildlife at Sparks Marina Park Pond is in the water and consists of non-aggressive fish. You may see various birds and small wildlife but because the park is close to a city, anything exciting tends to stay away from the area. According to the Nevada Department of Wildlife, there are 11 species of fish in the pond which include:

  •  Rainbow, cutthroat, and brown trout
  • spotted bass
  • largemouth bass
  • smallmouth bass
  • spotted bass
  • green sunfish
  • channel catfish
  • bullhead catfish
  • carp

All of these fish are allowed to be caught as long as you follow the fishing regulations posted by the state on their website.

Resources Used

  • http://www.ndow.org/Bodies_Of_Water/Sparks_Marina_Park_Pond/
  • alltrails.com

Sparks Marina Park Pond