U.S. master-planned communities are offering miles of trails

More Americans are taking to the streets to stay in shape, but trails offer a better experience by eliminating traffic, providing better safety and creating a more engaging experience.

A 2005 study by the Nevada State Parks showed that two of the most important issues facing Nevadans regarding trails is the lack of available trails and their proximity to home.

Master-planned communities are offering miles of trails right at home that connect residents to commercial centers, parks, other amenities or simply to create a safe place to take a stroll.

Randall W. Lewis, executive vice president and director of marketing for the Lewis Operating Co., which has developed planned communities throughout California and Nevada, told the Urban Land Institute, "Walking and jogging trails have been the most important amenity for the past 20 to 30 years, and still are," he said. "But the design has changed to a soft-surface trail system and greenways that used to be just pedestrian walkways but now connect to community amenities."

Trails built into communities can take several forms and most master-planned communities incorporate several styles to fit residents' needs. Trails built near roadways offer excellent places for traveling, jogging and exercising, while trails built with natural features included offer a more serene experience away from traffic. Natural trails are typically undisturbed areas intentionally left intact during the development process that preserve the green space and create an area for residents to venture into nature.

Rancho Sahuartia Tuscon offers a Safari Trail with bronze statues of animals along the green spaces built into one of the top-selling communities in the United States.

The trails meander past a private water park, community pools and other exclusive amenities.

The Woodlands in Houston, ranked No. 2 master-planned community in the country for home sales, sports 185 miles of trails as part of its dedication to green space.

With safer places to take a hike, stroll or bike ride, trails also increase community engagement. Residents are more likely to interact with each other on a more consistent basis and build relationships that lead to the important sense of community.

Las Vegas' Summerlin touts a 150-mile trail system built into its community on the edges of Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area.

"In our April 2015 resident survey, trails ranked first among parks, golf courses and other recreational facilities in terms of both use and popularity among our residents. In addition to using the community's trails for exercise, residents now use the trails to stroll to Downtown Summerlin to shop, dine and entertain their families," Tom Warden, senior vice president of Summerlin, said in a press release.

On the other other end of the valley, Cadence offers 450 acres of open spaces including a 50-acre Central Park and 100-acre sports park and connects with city of Henderson trails including the Lake Mead Trail and River Mountains Loop trail.

"Cadence residents are able to enjoy a short walk to the Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve or the Las Vegas Wash," said Cheryl Persinger, vice president of marketing for Cadence. "This gives residents the opportunity to see wildlife and migratory birds in a natural environment without having to get into a car and drive a great distance."

For more stories on master-plan living, visit RJREALESTATE.VEGAS and click on the Master Plan Living tab. Also send your photos of community activities to lcollier@reviewjournal.com. Include a description of the photo and we many post it on the site.