Sparks Building a Whitewater Park

Rock Park in Sparks is closed while some serious upgrades and improvements are under way. The biggest changes being made are in the Truckee River where it flows next to the park and river path. Construction crews are temporarily diverting the river so they can build a Sparks version of the popular Truckee River Whitewater Park in Reno. Included in the project will be landscaping to improve views and create better access to the river (which is pretty funky right now). Together, the two river parks will give area residents more places to float and boat during the hot days of summer.

According to a City of Sparks press release, other improvements to the 30 year old park will include improved parking, shade and play structures, and reworked landscaping. The park will reopen in early 2009, with opening of the Truckee River whitewater project planned for summer 2009.