Sparks, NV and a bit of Reno thrown in

stepper77 · #1 Posted **Dec 30, 2008, 7:55 AM**

Sparks is a city of about 70,00 that borders Reno to the east. Mostly, it's just sprawl. My mother and sister have lived there for about eight years. Thankfully they'll soon be moving back to California.

Most of these are from the two days before Christmas.

Downtown Reno with Sparks in the foreground.

University of Nevada Reno, taken in November

hauntedheadnc · #2 Posted **Dec 30, 2008, 1:10 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by stepper77

What's the story behind those statues? They're lovely but kinda random...

Top Of The Park · #3 Posted **Dec 30, 2008, 2:10 PM**

I haven't been through there in the Winter...interesting shots

Evergrey · #4 Posted **Dec 30, 2008, 2:35 PM**

thank you for showing us Sparks... looks awful

stepper77 · #5 Posted **Dec 30, 2008, 8:42 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Evergrey

thank you for showing us Sparks... looks awful

Too true! For all that Reno is doing to improve its urban environment, Sparks seems to act to reverse it. Which is why I am glad my mom is finally moving away...no more Christmases spent in Sprawlsville on the Desert. Modesto will be positively urban in comparison.

Most of the pictures were taken in Victorian Square. The city of Sparks website call this "downtown" Sparks, with the parentheses, so, even the city doesn't take that too seriously.

As far as I know, the area had some history to it, being a train station/terminal in Sparks. The actual Amtrak station is on the other side of highway 80 now. The Nugget was built there in the 80s and the area surrounding has slowly been redeveloped to create a pedestrian friendly gathering place/city center. I read they've had some problems completing it recently and, like with a lot these projects, there is a definite manufactured, artificial feel to it. And for all the years my mom and sister have lived there, other than the theatre, they've never spent much time there.

kcexpress69 · #6 Posted **Dec 31, 2008, 2:18 AM**

You gotta figure though, prior to 1950, these sprawling burbs, were barely dots on maps. No wonder there's not much to see downtown. I guess when you want to keep putting up casinos, a city center is really not that big of a deal. (IMO)

denveraztec · #7 Posted **Dec 31, 2008, 3:01 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Evergrey

thank you for showing us Sparks... looks awful

I have to agree and like you, I am glad your mom and sis are escaping! Thanks for sharing, however.