Interested in Hosting an Event?
From basketball games and city meetings to receptions, graduations, and community celebrations — Sparks Lake Activity Center offers a flexible, privately restored venue built for safe, organized gatherings in Nacogdoches.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Sparks Lake Activity Center open?
Yes. The Sparks Lake Activity Center is now open for scheduled use. The basketball court and gymnasium are available by reservation for games, practices, parties, and community events.
What types of events can be reserved?
We are currently accepting reservation requests for:
- Basketball games and team practices
- Birthday parties and private events
- Church, school, and community gatherings
- Open gym sessions (as scheduled)
- Small tournaments and special events (availability-based)
How do I reserve the basketball court or gym?
All reservations are handled through our Event Request Form. Submit your preferred date, time, and event details, and our team will follow up to confirm availability and next steps.
Is the Activity Center open to the public?
The Activity Center operates primarily by scheduled reservations. This helps ensure a safe, organized, and positive environment for everyone using the space. Public open-gym times may be announced as programming expands.
Is this a city-owned facility?
No. The Sparks Lake Activity Center is a privately led, community-focused restoration project. While it serves the community, it is not owned or operated by the City of Nacogdoches.
Can businesses or organizations sponsor the Activity Center?
Yes. Sponsorship and naming opportunities are available and help fund facility improvements, equipment, and community programming.
How does this connect to the Community Restoration Project?
The Activity Center is part of a broader effort to restore and repurpose the historic Emeline Carpenter School campus. Some areas are already in use, while other improvements will continue in phases.
See how the court converts into a true event venue
These concept visuals show how the main floor can shift from sports mode to event mode—perfect for receptions, community forums, banquets, performances, and more.
Event Hall / Forum
Community Forum + Banquet Setup
Divider separation, flexible seating, and lighting zones help the room feel like two dedicated spaces. Great for meetings, forums, presentations, and dinners.
Wedding / Reception
Wedding Reception + First Dance
A warm, elegant atmosphere with draping, string lighting, and a clean open floor for dancing—while still keeping the building’s flexible functionality.
Tell us what you’re planning
Use the event request form below to share your preferred dates, attendance estimate, and setup needs (tables, sound, divider, stage). We’ll follow up with availability and next steps. If you prefer, you can also visit /events/.
Host an event at Sparks Lake Activity Center
The Sparks Lake Activity Center is being restored as a flexible community venue. From basketball and youth programs to meetings, receptions, and celebrations — send a request and we’ll help you plan a setup that fits the space. Your date is not booked until we confirm it.
Good fits for the space
These are common event types we can support as restoration phases are completed and availability allows. If you don’t see your event listed, send a request — we’ll help you explore options.
See how the court converts into an event venue
These concept layouts show how the main floor can shift from sports mode to event mode—perfect for forums, banquets, receptions, performances, and more.
Community Forum + Banquet Setup
Divider separation, flexible seating, and event lighting zones help the room feel like two dedicated spaces.
Wedding Reception + First Dance
Warm atmosphere with draping + string lighting, open floor for dancing, and flexible seating.
Featured event categories
Whether you’re planning a game, a formal gathering, or a community program, we’ll work with you to match the right space and the right setup for your needs.
Pickup games, youth leagues, practices, tournaments, and community sports nights.
Town halls, workshops, trainings, forums, and civic gatherings.
Ceremony seating, reception tables, dance floor, and staging options.
Milestone events, family celebrations, banquets, and cultural gatherings with room to move.
Student gatherings, community engagement events, club activities, and partner programming.
Nonprofit nights, sponsor receptions, benefit events, and donor/community appreciation.
Request a Date (Pending Approval)
Send your request with preferred dates, attendance, and setup needs. We’ll confirm availability and follow up. Requests are reviewed by an admin before anything is added to the calendar.
Request a Date at Sparks Lake Activity Center
Use this request form for basketball, practices, meetings, receptions, and community events. Your request is not confirmed until SLAC approves it. Once approved, we’ll add it to the official calendar.
Check Availability
Availability depends on restoration progress, scheduled community use, and confirmed bookings. The fastest way to check dates is to submit a request with 2–3 preferred options.
- Include 2–3 preferred dates (plus a backup date)
- Tell us your expected attendance
- Share setup needs (tables, sound, seating, divider, etc.)
- Basketball requests: include matchup + scoreboard/refs if needed
What happens after you submit?
We review your request, confirm the best setup for your event, and then approve a date/time. Once approved, we’ll add it to the official SLAC calendar and send you a confirmation.
Ready to plan your event?
Send a quick request and we’ll help you explore dates, layout options, and what the property can support. Nothing is confirmed until our team approves it.
Some images and renderings shown throughout this website are conceptual and represent planned future improvements.
At this time, the Sparks Lake Activity Center building is the only area currently open for scheduled use, hosting basketball games, practices, and approved private or community events by reservation.
Additional amenities, outdoor features, and expanded event areas will open in phases as restoration and construction progress.
