SPARKS -- It was opening day April 14 at Golden Eagle Regional Park in Sparks.

City officials say the $30 million, 140-acre sports complex is the largest artificial turf project in the country. Having artificial turf means Sparks will save 129 acre feet of water a year (42 million gallons); that is enough water to serve 428 single-family homes.

Most of the funding came from RED Development, which paid Sparks $17.7 million for the former Don Mello Sports Complex. Other funding came from $6 million in consolidated tax revenue supported bonds, $3.4 million in park impact fees and $1 million from the Washoe County trails and open space bond.

Sparks Mayor Geno Martini officially unveiled the park with a ceremonial first pitch. Six softball fields and two Babe Ruth fields are ready for play.

Two youth baseball and softball fields, two multipurpose fields, a stadium-sized football/soccer field, four volleyball courts and two boccie ball courts will be finished in the weeks ahead.

The park is the largest public works project in city history and further expansion is expected as money becomes available.