Summerlin celebrates National Trails Day

New homebuyers often look for amenities in homes and neighborhoods that include cozy comforts and convenient, family-friendly activities in the area.

Summerlin’s more than 150 miles of trails throughout the 22,500-acre master-planned community on the west side of the valley are among the most popular neighborhood amenities for residents, according to company officials.

In recognition of National Trails Day, which is today , the community is showcasing its walking, running and cycling trail system that connect neighborhoods to parks, schools and shopping areas.

National Trails Day was established in 1993 to promote public awareness and appreciation for America’s trails.

The Howard Hughes Corp. received the 2008 American Trails Developer Award for the development of Summerlin’s intricate trail system — the first time the award was given to a master-planned community developer.

Summerlin trails cater to various styles of activity, with street-side trails forming the bulk of the system.

Varying in width from 5 to 8 feet with landscaping on both sides, street-side trails run parallel to streets throughout each village. In comparison, village trails are often located in arroyos or man-made open-space corridors and run through villages in desert or green spaces. The additional landscaping and grade separation from street-level traffic creates a more secluded pathway, perfect for long-distance walkers, runners, cyclists and skaters.

“Part of Summerlin’s commitment to community is evident in the architectural construct of the natural landscape,” said Julie Cleaver, vice president of planning and design for Summerlin. “Careful evaluation of natural arroyos and planned park locations help developers design a still-growing Summerlin trail system. The trails give people a great way to get rigorous exercise as well as provide nice wide walking paths where they can meet friends for a stroll. Summerlin is designed to encourage residents to step outside, explore their villages and get to know their neighbors.”

Developing neighborhoods in The Mesa and The Paseos villages, where homes are selling, include Summerlin’s newest street-side and village trails.

Regional trails, which run the length of the Las Vegas Beltway through Summerlin, will connect the trail system to a planned 2,000-plus-mile valleywide system that will include access to Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area.

A map of Summerlin’s trail system is available online at www.summerlin.com.

The community is home to more than 100,000 residents. Homes are available in a variety of styles and are priced from the $200,000s .