Summerlin residents beat the heat at three pools

As the temperatures heat up, so does the activity at Summerlin's pools. The master-planned community is currently home to three community pools considered an integral part of the master plan's recreational offerings.

Pools are located in The Arbors, The Trails and The Willows villages. A fourth community swimming pool is scheduled to open in The Vistas Village in 2010.

Each of Summerlin's pools is designed for a variety of uses, said Julie Cleaver, vice president of planning and design for The Howard Hughes Corp., developer of Summerlin.

"Whether you're interested in swimming laps, slipping down a slide or lounging in the cool water, there is a pool in Summerlin for you," she said.

The pools at The Trails and The Willows villages are private community pools for the exclusive use of residents. The pools are owned, operated and programmed by The Summerlin Council, the nonprofit arm of the Summerlin Community Association, which is dedicated to the social, recreational, cultural and educational enrichment of residents. The third pool, Veterans Memorial Olympic Swimming Pool in The Arbors Village, is owned and operated by the city of Las Vegas as a public facility.

Veterans Memorial Olympic Swimming Pool opened in 2002. The Howard Hughes Corp. gave it to the city after funding its design and construction. Designed primarily for the more competitive swimmer, the pool allows swimmers to swim 25-meter laps cross-wise and 100-meter laps length-wise to accommodate all skill levels and age groups.

The pool ranges in depth from three to 12 feet and features two diving boards of varying heights, a shallow play area and handicap access. The pool is home to the Desert Mermaids, the community's synchronized swim team.

The Trails Pool, Summerlin's first pool, features six lap lanes, a dive tank and separate wading pool. The Summerlin Seals, a 150-member youth swim team, regularly work out there.

The Willows pool is a resort-style play pool and features a beach entrance. The pool's water slide and spray fountain are popular with young residents.

Pool-related activities and classes are planned exclusively for residents by The Summerlin Council. A variety of swim classes for children ages 3 and older are offered at The Trails and The Willows pools.

According to Lezlie Barnson-DeNardin, director of community relations for The Summerlin Council, the classes teach the basics of swimming and serve to acquaint youngsters with pool safety.

Developed by The Howard Hughes Corp., an affiliate of General Growth Properties Inc., Summerlin began to take shape in 1990.

Located along the western rim of the valley, Summerlin encompasses 22,500 acres with about 9,000 acres still remaining to accommodate future growth, including the community's urban core of Summerlin Centre.

The community is home to more than 95,000 residents who make use of amenities that include 100 neighborhood and village parks, more than 150 completed miles of the Summerlin trail system, nine golf courses, 22 public and private schools and nearly 100 actively selling floor plans.

Custom home sites in The Ridges are priced from the $500,000s. Luxury apartment homes offer monthly rents starting from the $900s.

For more information, call 888-898-5015 or visit summerlin.com.