Summerlin to host recreational, environmental spring activities

Hundreds of cyclists will ride through the streets of Summerlin and neighboring Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area today at the ninth annual Tour de Summerlin event. The cycling event kicks off this morning at 7 a.m. at The Vistas Community Park, 11311 Alta Drive. The noncompetitive ride is a tradition for many cycling enthusiasts throughout the valley -- regardless of their address. "Summerlin's abundant biking lanes, scenic views and proximity to Red Rock Canyon make it one of the best places to cycle in Las Vegas," said Randy McGhie, owner of McGhie's Ski Bike & Board and organizer of Tour de Summerlin.

Also happening today in Summerlin is the 12th annual spring ArtWalk, a weekend-long outdoor art festival at Trails Village Center, 1970 Village Center Circle. Today and Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., more than 75 artists will showcase a variety of pieces including mixed media, photography, jewelry, hand-painted apparel, ceramics, glassworks, watercolors and metal works. Live entertainment will be featured throughout the event.

Next weekend the desert cleanup event is scheduled on May 1. Dozens of volunteers will meet at the western end of Far Hills Avenue at 8 a.m. to pick up trash and other debris that has been illegally dumped along the western edge.

According to Tom Warden, senior vice president of community and government relations for The Howard Hughes Corp., developer of Summerlin, desert dumping is becoming a serious issue threatening the overall safety and sanitation of our valley. "We can all be better stewards of the environment by volunteering our time, energy and resources on a more regular basis," Warden said.

The next major event on the Summerlin calendar is the Mad Mud Run, scheduled May 22. This 4-mile run starts at The Vistas Community Park and travels west on Alta Drive into the desert for a variety of boot-camp style obstacles. The run concludes with a crawl through a 40-foot long mud pit. "It's messy fun," Warden said.

"During the next month, several activities and events focusing on recreation, culture, social enrichment and environmental stewardship are planned in Summerlin," Warden said. "We invite everyone to come out and experience firsthand the active and vibrant lifestyle available in Summerlin."

Summerlin events are promoted on the community's website, summerlin.com with updates posted regularly.

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

Homes are available in a variety of styles -- from single-family homes to townhomes, condominiums and lofts -- priced from the mid-$200,000s to more than $2 million.

For more information on Summerlin, call 791-4500, visit summerlin.com or become a fan at facebook.com/summerlin.