News & Updates • Sparks Lake Activity Center

Progress Updates & Announcements

Follow the restoration journey, venue experience updates, basketball activity, event announcements, sponsorship opportunities, and new community features being built at Sparks Lake Activity Center.

For event requests, registrations, calendars, payments, tickets, and venue scheduling, visit the official SLACNAC.com event portal.

🏀 Basketball 🎉 Venue Experiences 🌳 Outdoor Buildout 📅 SLACNAC Calendar
We’re building this together — one step, one event, and one community partner at a time.
Facility & Image Notice

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.

Now Open • Venue Reservations Available

Basketball, Events & Venue Experiences Are Now Booking

Sparks Lake Activity Center is now accepting requests for basketball, practices, celebrations, meetings, tournaments, and community events. Scheduling, event requests, registrations, and future payments connect through the official SLACNAC event portal.

How Event Requests Work

What You Can Host

  • Basketball games & practices
  • Birthday parties & celebrations
  • Community meetings & gatherings
  • Tournaments & youth events
  • Venue experiences & receptions

What To Include

  • Preferred date & times
  • Expected attendance
  • Event type or layout needs
  • Tables, chairs, or setup requests
  • Special venue or scheduling notes

Request Event Dates

Use the SLAC Event Request Form below to request basketball, tournaments, celebrations, community events, and venue experiences.

Event Request Portal
Availability is subject to scheduling approval and ongoing restoration updates. SLACNAC.com will continue expanding with calendars, payments, registrations, and venue scheduling features.

Latest Updates

Venue Experience
SLACNAC Event Portal Expansion

SLACNAC.com continues expanding as the connected portal for event requests, registrations, calendars, payments, and future venue experiences.

Basketball
Gymnasium Open For Scheduling

The basketball court and gymnasium are now accepting reservations for practices, events, tournaments, and community activities.

Community Buildout
Outdoor Campus Development Continues

Future phases include pavilion space, Disc Golf, Pickleball, Batting Cages, Mini Golf, and additional community recreation features.

FAQ • Events • Facility Use

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers about using Sparks Lake Activity Center, requesting dates, booking events, sponsorships, and how SLACNAC connects to registrations, calendars, and payments.

Is the Sparks Lake Activity Center open?

Yes. The Sparks Lake Activity Center is open for scheduled use. The basketball court and gymnasium are available by reservation for games, practices, parties, meetings, and approved community events.

What types of events can be reserved?

SLAC can support a variety of scheduled events and venue experiences, depending on availability and setup needs.

  • Basketball games and team practices
  • Birthday parties and private celebrations
  • Church, school, and community gatherings
  • Open gym sessions when scheduled
  • Small tournaments and special events
  • Meetings, receptions, fundraisers, and group rentals
How do I reserve the basketball court or gym?

Event requests, date inquiries, registrations, and future payment or deposit flows are handled through the official SLACNAC event portal.

Submit your preferred date, time, event type, estimated attendance, and setup needs. Our team will follow up to confirm availability and next steps.

Request a Reservation →

Where do I view the event calendar?

The event calendar is managed through SLACNAC. Use it to review scheduled activities, upcoming events, game nights, venue availability, and public event announcements.

View the SLACNAC Calendar →

Is the Activity Center open to the public?

The Activity Center operates primarily by scheduled reservations. This helps keep the facility safe, organized, and properly prepared for each group using the space.

Public open-gym times, events, and programs may be announced through the SLACNAC calendar as programming expands.

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 organizations sponsor the Activity Center?

Yes. Sponsorship and naming opportunities are available and help fund facility improvements, equipment, youth activity, event infrastructure, and future outdoor campus development.

View Sponsorship Opportunities →

Can I host my own basketball game, tournament, or league night?

Yes, pending schedule availability and approval. Coaches, teams, families, churches, schools, and organizations can request court time, game nights, practices, tournaments, or private basketball events through SLACNAC.

Request Court Time →

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.

The long-term vision includes indoor activity, venue experiences, outdoor recreation, walking tour features, pavilion space, and future amenities as restoration progresses.

Where can I take the Virtual Walking Tour?

The Virtual Walking Tour shows the property, restoration vision, planned amenities, and future campus concepts.

Start the Virtual Walking Tour →

Office
Under Construction
Progress Notice: Bathrooms, dressing rooms, outdoor event spaces, and other amenities are currently being installed and may not yet be available. Some photos and layouts represent planned concepts as improvements continue. For the latest status and availability, visit /updates/.
View Updates