Today is National Trails Day, something residents of the master-planned community of Summerlin know a lot about. In fact, the community’s extensive, 150-mile long trail system consistently ranks in resident surveys as the most popular and beloved outdoor amenity, earning The Howard Hughes Corporation®, Summerlin’s developer, with the American Trails Developer Award in 2008 from American Trails, a national nonprofit dedicated to trail interests.
The award recognizes developers who establish quality, well-designed, multi-use trails systems within private developments and is the only award of its kind in the nation. And in 2015, Summerlin received top national honors in the form of a gold award for Best Landscape Design from the National Association of Homebuilders – yet another confirmation of the enduring appeal of trails and their important role in the community’s landscape.
According to Julie Cleaver, SVP – planning and design for Summerlin, trails are a Summerlin hallmark from both an aesthetic and lifestyle perspective. “From the beginning, trails were planned as a way to keep the community and its residents connected,” said Cleaver.
“Popular with walkers, runners and strollers, the community’s trail system is easily the most heavily used amenity because it appeals to residents of all ages and interests. And given the prominence of trails in the Summerlin landscape, they have become synonymous with the community.”
Summerlin’s trail system not only promotes healthy, outdoor activity like walking, running, cycling and strolling, it serves to better link the community and encourage social interaction. The trail system physically links villages, neighborhoods, parks and shopping centers – providing residents with direct access to their community. Bumping into neighbors and friends along the Summerlin Trail is an every- day occurrence for trail users.
The Summerlin Trail System is comprised of four kinds of trails. Landscaped and lighted streetside trails ideal for walking, jogging and strolling are the backbone of the system and are a community hallmark. Village trails are often located in natural arroyos and man-made open spaces and are designed to provide respite from noise and traffic for long-distance runners.
Regional trails are part of the proposed valley-wide trail system for multiple, non-motorized uses. They provide a link to Bureau of Land Management land in Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area and are constructed as public/private partnerships by Clark County and the City of Las Vegas in cooperation with The Howard Hughes Corporation.
And finally, natural trails exist within undeveloped areas of Summerlin and will eventually connect to more than 2,000 miles of planned regional trails throughout the valley. They are intended for use by outdoor and hiking enthusiasts.
According to Cleaver, the Summerlin Trail System is a model of efficient planning, design and public and private partnership. “It helps to define the community’s active lifestyle evident in the thousands of residents who use it every day.”
PHOTO CAPTION: Summerlin trails are ranked by residents as the most important and popular amenity in the master-planned community. More than 150 miles link neighborhoods to parks, schools and shopping centers.
About Summerlin
Developed by The Howard Hughes Corporation, Summerlin began to take shape in 1990 and has ranked in the country’s top 10 best-selling master-planned communities for nearly two decades. Located along the western rim of the Las Vegas valley, Summerlin encompasses 22,500 acres with approximately 6,000 gross acres still remaining to accommodate future growth, including infrastructure, open space and common areas, all within the master plan. The community is currently home to nearly 100,000 residents who enjoy an unparalleled list of amenities. These include more than 250 neighborhood and village parks, more than 150 completed miles of trails, 26 public and private schools, 14 houses of worship, ten golf courses, shopping centers, medical and cultural facilities, business parks and dozens of actively selling floor plans. Homes are available in a variety of styles – from single-family homes to townhomes– priced from the $300,000s to more than $2.5 million. For information on custom homesites in The Ridges please call 702.255.2500. Luxury apartment homes offer monthly rents starting from the $900s.
About The Howard Hughes Corporation®
The Howard Hughes Corporation owns, manages and develops commercial, residential and mixed-use real estate throughout the U.S. Our properties include master planned communities, operating properties, development opportunities and other unique assets spanning 14 states from New York to Hawai‘i. The Howard Hughes Corporation is traded on the New York Stock Exchange as HHC with major offices in New York, Columbia, MD, Dallas, Houston, Las Vegas and Honolulu. For additional information about HHC, visit www.howardhughes.com, or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
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