Sparks Real Estate > Sparks Community Info

Like many cities in northern Nevada, the history of Sparks is closely related to the development of railroad transportation. Known as "Rail City" and "City of Promise," residents of Sparks are proud of their railroad heritage. Union Pacific Railroad is still instrumental in making Sparks a key part of the Truckee Meadows metropolitan area, with a primary focus on industry warehousing operations by major corporations, such as Ralston Purina, Spice Islands Spice Company, K-Mart and Henry Schein, Inc. Sparks was incorporated in 1905.

Sparks is also well known for its outstanding parks and recreation system, which maintains almost 500 acres of developed parks, two recreation centers, two championship sports complexes, swimming pools and tennis courts. Golf is also a major area attraction with three public golf courses: D'Andrea Golf Club, Red Hawk Golf Club and Wildcreek Golf Course. The city recently opened the Sparks Marina Lake Park, a stunning facility with a 77-acre lake stocked with trout, a walking/running trail, volleyball courts, playgrounds and numerous water activities. There are also plenty of neighborhood parks such as Ardmore, Burgess, Cottonwood, Deer, Glendale, Oppio, Recreation and Rock Parks.

Downtown Sparks recently developed Victorian Square Plaza, a park-like setting with an interactive water fountain, 14-plex movie theater, retail shopping and fine dining. Many of the city's premier events are held on Victorian Square Plaza, whose centerpiece is a unique fountain and a town clock. Other popular attractions include Wild Island, Northern Nevada's largest family amusement complex, and Sparks Heritage Museum, which features historic memorabilia from historic Sparks.

From charming Victorian Square Plaza to nearby Lake Tahoe, Pyramid Lake and the Truckee River, Sparks is a dynamic metropolitan area with bright urban touches and a tranquil, small town environment. It is truly a "City of Promise."