Community Restoration Project
Moving forward together, we are restoring the historic Emeline Carpenter School gymnasium into the Sparks Lake Activity Center — a renewed space where youth programs, community recreation, and shared events bring people together. This renovation honors the site’s legacy while investing in the future of Nacogdoches, the oldest city in Texas.
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We’re sharing progress updates, opening schedules, and ways to participate as the building and grounds continue to develop. Use the quick links below to explore facilities, amenities, events, and sponsorship opportunities.
Construction & Progress Updates
See what’s completed, what’s underway, and what’s next as the restoration moves forward.
Go to Updates →Facilities & Amenities
Explore gym, indoor spaces, and planned features that support recreation and community use.
View Facilities → View Amenities →Events & Sponsorship
Request the gym for parties and events or explore sponsorship and naming opportunities.
Go to Events → Go to Sponsorship →Indoor Improvements Progress
Indoor is open now. These upgrades are what move us from “usable” to truly event-ready.
Indoor Sponsorship Opportunities
These improvements are sponsorship-funded. If you want to leave your family name or business on something that serves the community year-round, these are high-impact opportunities.
Lighting Sponsor
- Helps fund drop-down lighting for tables & events
- Recognition signage inside the event area
- Ideal for businesses who want visible community impact
Bathrooms / Dressing Rooms Sponsor
- Directly supports build-out for events & tournaments
- Permanent recognition opportunity
- One of the most meaningful functional upgrades
Room Divider Sponsor
- Funds a divider to create flexible event layouts
- Makes the building usable for multiple groups at once
- Great for family legacy gifts
A private restoration with a community purpose
The Community Restoration Project is a private endeavor at Sparks Lake in historic Nacogdoches — the oldest city in Texas. Our focus is restoring this site responsibly, with safety, security, and long-term community use guiding every decision.
This is not a temporary project or a quick renovation. It is a phased restoration designed to create a safe, welcoming environment for youth programs, recreation, and community events as partnerships and resources come together.
What we’re building
Safety & readiness
Preparing the property so it is safe, functional, and ready for organized use.
- Site clean-up and basic repairs
- Lighting, entrances, and clear walk paths
- Posted rules, hours, and use guidelines
Security & stewardship
Protecting people, property, and investment while maintaining a welcoming atmosphere.
- Controlled access and perimeter awareness
- Security lighting and monitoring where appropriate
- Volunteer and event stewardship
Community features
Spaces designed for youth activities, recreation, and events as funding allows.
- Gym and indoor community use
- Outdoor recreation features over time
- Legacy elements like the Brick Path
Why this matters in Nacogdoches
Nacogdoches has a long history of community and education. This restoration honors that legacy by investing in a place that can serve future generations — safely, respectfully, and with clear purpose.
Private property, open invitation
While the Activity Center is privately restored, community involvement is welcomed through structured programs, events, sponsorships, and volunteer opportunities. Safety and accountability remain the foundation of all participation.
- Clear phases and visible progress
- Defined roles for volunteers and partners
- Responsible operations as use expands
Restoration phases
Restoration is happening in practical phases so progress is visible and expectations are clear. Details will be updated as planning and partnerships are finalized.
Security & Safety
- Site clean-up and repairs
- Lighting, entrances, and safe access
- Rules, signage, and readiness checks
Community Use
- Gym improvements and equipment
- Scheduling and operations planning
- Youth programs and recreation
Legacy & Long-Term Impact
- Expanded recreation features
- Brick Path and sponsor recognition
- Long-term maintenance and sustainability
How the community can get involved
Support from the community helps move the restoration forward — especially efforts focused on safety, security, and readiness.
Help restore the Activity Center
Donate, sponsor a space, or leave a legacy brick — every contribution supports a safer, stronger community resource.
What Indoor Sponsorship Helps Pay For
Sponsorship dollars go toward upgrades that improve comfort, functionality, and event readiness — so SLAC can serve more families, programs, and community gatherings year-round.
- Air handler and cooling improvements
- Drop-down lighting for tables and event setups
- Paint and interior finishing upgrades
- Room divider for flexible multi-use layouts
- Bathrooms and dressing room build-out
Restoration Phases
Phase 1: Safety & Readiness
- Site cleanup and basic repairs
- Facility safety checks and readiness
- Lighting, entrances, and essential improvements
Phase 2: Gym & Community Use
- Gym improvements and equipment
- Scheduling, events, and operations planning
- Community recreation and youth programs
Phase 3: Long-Term Impact
- Enhanced experience and facility upgrades
- Legacy features (Sponsor recognition, Brick Path)
- Long-term maintenance and sustainability
