Summerlin events, programs help build sense of community

Throughout Summerlin's 25-year history, the community earned a reputation for its lifestyle that comes standard with every home purchase. This lifestyle is created in part by the community's many outdoor amenities, including 150-plus miles of trails; 150-plus parks of all sizes with tennis, basketball and volleyball courts, pools, lighted baseball fields and playgrounds; nine golf courses; and proximity to Red Rock Canyon, known for world-class hiking, climbing and cycling.

Summerlin's hallmark quality of life is further enhanced with a full calendar of year-round resident events hosted by the Summerlin Council, the nonprofit arm of the Summerlin Community Association that oversees recreational, athletic and social programming. These events, many which have become family traditions for multigenerations in the community, boost community engagement and promote connectedness with like-minded residents. Many Summerlin residents say a major perk to living in the community is the long list of resident-only events afforded to those who call the community home.

"Summerlin is truly in a league of its own in terms of social and recreational amenities," said Randy Ecklund, vice president and executive director, Summerlin Community Association. "Not many communities have their own quasi-private 'parks and rec' department like Summerlin does," he said. "Holiday events, sports leagues, summer camps and special activities are part of the Summerlin experience and have long played a role in building a strong social infrastructure here."

Since its creation in 1997, the Summerlin Council has hosted a wide range of annual events for Summerlin families, from the Egg Hunt, Snow Day and Firecracker 5K run to Strawberry Festival, Friday Nite Live summer concert series and the Pumpkin Patch. The Council also facilitates several popular sports activities, including little league, swim team and an adult softball league.

The annual Summerlin Council Patriotic Parade, the only public event planned by the Council, is enjoyed by the entire Las Vegas Valley. Each year more than 35,000 people attend the parade, which has become the valley's largest July Fourth parade.

Resident-only classes, programs and learning opportunities for children and adults comprise the robust list of educational and cultural offerings at Summerlin's three community centers. Classes range from Pilates, swim lessons, martial arts and yoga to Kindermusic, dog training, Summerlin Cotillion and even Mandarin Chinese language lessons. Residents are informed of the class schedules through two publications printed by The Summerlin Council: a catalog called Experience; and Summerlines, a monthly newsletter mailed to each household.

This year, a fourth community center boasting the community's third pool will open, expanding the number of locations where residents have access to activities and classes organized by the Summerlin Council.

"Foundational to The Howard Hughes Corp.'s master plan for Summerlin is a superior lifestyle for residents," said Danielle Bisterfeldt, director of marketing, Summerlin. "Living here isn't just about owning a nice home, it's about living in a beautiful community with abundant social and recreational opportunities that allow you to get to know your neighbors, stay fit, have fun and enjoy life. It's community building at its best."

To learn more about Summerlin's amenities and new homes, visit Summerlin.com.