1700 Prater Way, Sparks, NV 89431

Deer Park

Park Description:

Deer Park is a 3-acre Sparks park with restrooms.

Park Amenities:

Playground, outdoor swimming pool, basketball court, shelters, and a barbeque area.

Park Contact Information:

City of Sparks - Parks & Recreation (775) 353-2376

Park Highlights

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Park History

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How Deer Park Got Its Name

One of the oldest parks in Sparks, Deer Park is reported to be home to the oldest cottonwood trees in the city.

First named Highland park, this park was later named Deer Park in 1903 after six deer that were kept at Deer Park in a small zoo. The name of the park remained even after the removal of the deer from the park (apparently there were a few escapes and thefts that prompted their removal)!

Deer Park History

Deer Park started as a centerpiece in the “New Town Tract” or streetcar tract (Prater Way) that linked Reno to Sparks. In 1908 lights were added to Deer Park which furthered the attraction of the public to these grounds.

Deer Park was once a free municipal campground when the Lincoln Highway ran along what is now Prater Way. Tourists driving automobiles would pitch a tent by their cars in the park which at the time housed a playground, tennis court, water pump, and showers. In 1933 the campground at Deer Park closed for renovations including the addition of a fence. In 1942, a municipal pool was added to the park which offered swimming lessons to the community. Deer Park Pool was renovated in 2007, and today it is a heated outdoor pool open seasonally.

Get Involved!

Donate:

Make a donation to support the Parks Project or your favorite Parks Foundation program, project, or wherever its needed! Click here to donate today.

Volunteer:

Support our parks by volunteering with the Parks Foundation! Attend a volunteer event or choose an ongoing role. Click here to explore opportunities.

iNaturalist:

Out in our parks or open spaces? Try cataloguing the biodiversity around you with iNaturalist! All it takes is downloading the iNaturalist app onto your phone to get started.

Curious what's been seen in this park? Click the link below to see what species other have spotted!

Deer Park on iNaturalist

Contact:

Have a question about our parks or the Parks Project? Email us at parksproject@tmparksfoundation.org!

Want To Learn More?

References & Further Info:

City of Sparks - Parks & Community Facilities
To read more about the history of Deer Park, or to hear audio recordings of the pool opening, visit The History Project’s website here.
Visit the City of Sparks website to learn more about Deer Park and pool.
The History Project: Town Building (1868-1912).
Visit Reno: Deer Park.

Contributor(s):

Haley McGuire (history, ammenities, etc.)

Alex Shahbazi

Last Updated:

September 15, 2023 at 4:25:56 PM

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