Wafts of fresh paint mingled with a breeze of blooming flowers. Sculptures exemplifying Nevada history sat firmly, giving their permanent performances. And a trickle of anxious consumers, residents and city supporters flowed into a sea of city council members, state officials, developers, construction crews and retail representatives to commemorate the Legends at Sparks Marina during a ribbon-cutting ceremony Thursday.

"I just wanted to be a part of it," Paul Bukowski said. "My friend got a job here recently and I think it's a good thing that will generate revenue for Sparks."

The economy was a note that many Sparks residents, as well as the speakers at the ceremony, touched on when considering the benefits of the Legends development.

"With the way the economy is right now, it's nice to have a place like this to come and walk around," Marcelina Torras said, "even if you can't afford to buy a lot right now."

People who can afford to consume will be twice as entertained once the Legends is fully developed. Current and future developments include a stage for outdoor concerts, an IMAX theatre and the Kids Zone where a continuously rotating agenda of fun events for kids transpires daily.

"I brought the kids, it's exciting," Shelby Nolte said. "I absolutely love it. I'm so glad that it's here and that they replaced the old, dinky outlet mall we used to have."

Nolte was not alone in her excitement. The crowd couldn't be corralled for the full ceremony and many began their roles as patrons prematurely. The energy and the anticipation of residents at Thursday's event cast a shadow on the formalities.

"We are long-time residents of Sparks and we support the city whenever we can," said Bruce Homen, who was with his wife, Eva.

"I went to school with [Mayor] Geno Martini and love the city of Sparks," Eva Homen added. "I'm happy that Legends is here."

The positive sentiments pervaded the adults in the crowd. The youth in the audience constituted a more mixed opinion of Thursday's event and Legends itself.

"A lot of money has been spent on this place and it's pretty," said Andrew Yanez, a Sparks resident studying at the University of Nevada, Reno. "But, we don't really need something like this. They could have allocated the money into other areas of the city, like education."

"It's cool, but it's nothing special," Dannah Sanchez said, echoing Yanez's sentiments. "It's just lots of the same stuff that is in other places."

On the other hand, students like Robert Perea came out for the event with a positive interest.

"My friends and I run around the marina a lot and this is cool," Perea said. "The new shops will bring new people and more money to Sparks."

Regardless of age and occupation, the Legends at Sparks Marina is an articulation of the growth and change Sparks residents have endured over the years.

"I was born and raised in Sparks and I remember the old asphalt plant and the sand pit," Ruth Zerr said. "You used to not be able to get a pair of socks in Sparks and I can walk here [to Legends]."