Summerlin resident improves health by using parks and trails

Summerlin resident Ruth Furman took advantage of the community's parks and walking trails to improve her overall health and well-being, losing more than 100 pounds in just over a year. Furman attributes her success to one part determination and one part Summerlin, which includes more than 150 miles of trails, 150 parks and close proximity to Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area.

According to Furman, she was initially attracted to Summerlin because of its aesthetics, location and convenient accessibility. "Today, it's the outdoor recreational opportunities that truly win me over," she said. "My needs have changed a little since I moved to Summerlin in 1998, but the community continues to exceed my expectations."

Furman lives in The Willows village with her husband, Michael Furman. "There is a quality of life associated with master-planned environments," Michael Furman said. "Summerlin is cohesively organized and well-maintained."

Summerlin's master-plan, developed in the late 1980s, was designed to incorporate homes, trails, houses of worship, schools, parks, office and retail centers and other services and conveniences into a community where residents could live, work and play. Twenty years after development commenced on Summerlin, that plan has become a reality for nearly 100,000 residents who call the community home.

According to Kevin Orrock, top division executive for The Howard Hughes Corp., developer of Summerlin, the community has stayed true to its original plan. "We've delivered what we promised -- a community that integrates social, cultural, educational and recreational amenities with many home choices for a variety of lifestyles and families," Orrock said.

Developed by The Howard Hughes Corp., an affiliate of General Growth Properties Inc., Summerlin is celebrating its 20th anniversary with a year-long celebration that commenced in May 2010. The community began to take shape in 1990.

Located along the western rim of the Las Vegas Valley, Summerlin encompasses 22,500 acres with 7,500 acres still remaining to accommodate future growth within the master plan.

The community is currently home to nearly 100,000 residents with amenities that include more than 150 neighborhood and village parks, nine golf courses, a dozen houses of worship, shopping centers, medical and cultural facilities, business parks, 25 public and private schools and 75 selling floor plans.

Homes are available in a variety of styles -- from single-family homes to townhomes, condominiums and lofts -- priced from the high $100,000s to more than $2 million. Custom-home sites in The Ridges are priced from the $500,000s. Luxury apartment homes offer monthly rents starting from the $800s.

For more information on Summerlin, visit summerlin.com, call 791-4500 or become a fan of Summerlin on Facebook.