Facilities For Events, Games & Community Gatherings
Sparks Lake Activity Center offers flexible indoor and future outdoor spaces where people can come together for parties, basketball games, meetings, youth programs, celebrations, and community events.
Our restoration is built around one goal: create a welcoming place that supports positive activity, connection, recreation, and long-term community growth.
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.
A Place to Gather, Play, and Connect
Sparks Lake Activity Center is being restored into a community hub designed to host meaningful activity — from basketball games and youth programs to meetings, celebrations, and local events. Our spaces are flexible so the community can use them in ways that matter most.
Facilities are the physical spaces. Amenities are the features that support them. If you’re looking for what’s included (courts, lighting, recreation features), visit our Amenities page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers about reservations, basketball, events, community use, sponsorships, and the ongoing restoration of the historic Emeline Carpenter campus.
Is the Sparks Lake Activity Center open?
Yes. The indoor basketball court and activity center are currently open for approved scheduled use.
Basketball games, practices, meetings, celebrations, and community gatherings may be reserved depending on availability.
What types of events can be reserved?
We currently accept requests for:
- Basketball games and team practices
- Birthday parties and celebrations
- Church, school, and community gatherings
- Graduation-related events and receptions
- Open gym sessions (when scheduled)
- Small tournaments and special events
How do I reserve the basketball court or activity center?
Reservations, event scheduling, calendars, and future ticketed activities are handled through the SLACNAC event portal.
Submit your preferred date, estimated attendance, and event details, and our team will review availability and next steps.
Is the Activity Center open to the general public daily?
The Activity Center primarily operates through scheduled reservations, organized programming, and approved events.
This helps maintain a safe, organized, and positive environment for families, youth, and community groups.
Is this a city-owned facility?
No. Sparks Lake Activity Center is a privately led, community-focused restoration project.
While it is designed to serve the community, it is not owned or operated by the City of Nacogdoches.
Can businesses or families sponsor the project?
Yes. Sponsorships and naming opportunities help fund restoration, facility upgrades, outdoor amenities, youth programming, and future development phases.
What parts of the property are open now?
The indoor basketball and activity center is open now for scheduled use.
Outdoor amenities such as the pavilion, batting cages, pickleball, mini golf, and frisbee golf are part of future development phases.
Can I see the property before booking?
Yes. You can explore the grounds, restoration progress, and planned outdoor campus areas through our Virtual Walking Tour.
Our Facility Spaces
Built for flexibility — designed to support basketball, events, youth programs, celebrations, meetings, and long-term community activity across the historic Emeline Carpenter campus.
Indoor Activity Center
Indoor space designed for basketball games, team practices, open play, meetings, and community gatherings.
Event & Meeting Space
Flexible layouts for celebrations, receptions, workshops, group gatherings, and special events.
Outdoor Gathering Areas
Outdoor areas planned for pavilion events, overflow seating, recreation, and future community activity zones.
Community Programs
Space designed for youth mentoring, educational sessions, training programs, and positive community engagement.
Access & Parking Flow
Ongoing entry and traffic improvements designed to support future events, tournaments, and larger gatherings.
Safety & Lighting
Visibility, lighting, fencing, and safety improvements continue expanding as restoration moves forward.
Explore The Property & Reserve Your Date
Visit the SLACNAC event portal for calendars, event requests, scheduling, and future ticketed activities — or take a Virtual Walking Tour of the Sparks Lake Activity Center property.
Host An Event At Sparks Lake Activity Center
Planning a party, meeting, basketball event, graduation gathering, reception, youth activity, or community gathering? Sparks Lake Activity Center is available for approved scheduled use.
Event requests, calendars, registrations, payments, tickets, and activity scheduling are now handled through the official SLACNAC.com event portal.
Official Event Registration Portal
Visit SLACNAC to view available events, request information, check the calendar, and follow future activity updates. SparksLakeActivityCenter.com remains the home for the property story, facility information, sponsorships, amenities, and the Virtual Walking Tour.