Live an Active Outdoor Lifestyle at The Lakes

The Lakes neighborhood isn’t just a place to live. It’s alive. Offering unmatched amenities for outdoor enthusiasts of all kinds, from runners to bikers, walkers, bird watchers or those simply taking in the picturesque views, The Lakes is a community that supports and encourages an active outdoor lifestyle with year-round activities that bring people together.

Outdoor Living at The Lakes

Home to more than four miles of trails, The Lakes community is the perfect environment for residents who enjoy outdoor activities. The trail system wraps around Houts Reservoir and Equalizer Lake, providing beautiful views to accompany your outdoor workout or activity. Check out the Stay Fit at The Lakes Pinterest board for inspiration on using the outdoor space to your advantage by turning it into your own personal gym!

Multiple parks within walking or driving distance offer plenty of open space for you and your family to gather. Frank Park is located off the main trail near the Lake Club and has over two acres of open space that includes a playground and a picnic pavilion. This is the ideal spot to spend a sunny afternoon. Chapungu Sculpture Park at Centerra is a short drive from The Lakes and presents a great opportunity to immerse yourself in Zimbabwean culture. It’s a fantastic place to stroll through while learning about the expressive power and artistic validity of contemporary African artists. Chapungu is also home to Sounds of Centerra, a concert series in the park on Fridays through July into early August. Now in its twelfth season, Sounds of Centerra has become a place where the community comes together – lawn chairs or a blanket are all you need to enjoy the musical lineup.

Equalizer Lake and Houts Reservoir are right in The Lakes’ backyard and residents are encouraged to make the most of the water recreation amenities. Convenient dock access to Houts Reservoir means you can kayak, canoe, fish and observe wildlife a few steps from your front door. Residents can check-out kayaks from The Lakes between Memorial weekend and Labor Day from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. or bring their own private kayak or canoe as long as they have an updated Lakes’ permit sticker.

The most popular summer amenity is The Lakes community pool. Complete with a splash pad, lap lanes and gathering spaces, the pool is sure to be one of your favorite hang-out spots. This year the pool opens on May 18, 2019 and will remain open every day from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. until September 15, 2019. The pool is only open to residents, so be sure to bring your access key card in order to enter. Please note, there is no lifeguard on duty, so be sure to supervise young children while swimming.

Beyond Your Backyard

If you are looking for a day trip to bring out your wild side and wanting to fulfill your active outdoor lifestyle dreams, Highway 34 is your gateway to one of Colorado’s best amenities. Rocky Mountain National Park is a short 60-minute drive from The Lakes and is home to a spectacular mountain environment. Take in the sights on foot while adventuring on a hike or enjoy the scenery from Trail Ridge Road, which is accessible by car. There’s plenty of wildlife and wilderness to keep you company during this quintessential Colorado experience.

Community Partner: High Plains Environmental Center

Another notable feature of the community is High Plains Environmental Center (HPEC). This non-profit organization located in the heart of The Lakes focuses on sustainability, eco-literacy and community design. They help maintain many of The Lakes’ trails and open spaces, creating the foundation for an active outdoor lifestyle, and worked hard over four years to have Centerra be named the first Certified Community Wildlife Habitat. Being a Certified Wildlife Habitat means that Centerra is home to over 107 animal habitats. These habitats bring several bird species that are often seen around The Lakes whether they are nesting, flying, or hunting for food. Monthly Bird Walks are an enjoyable way to take get to know these feathered neighbors. Join expert Sheila Webber for a bird walk around Equalizer Lake on the first Saturday of each month from 8:00 to 10:00 a.m. until October.

The Lakes community is extremely lucky to have access to these outdoor amenities, but what also makes this community so special is the responsibility that residents take upon themselves to maintain these beautiful areas. HPEC encourages residents and guests to rel ish the outdoors with their four-legged friends, but also asks that dogs are kept on leashes while exploring trails and in open spaces in order to protect wildlife and their surrounding environments. Residents can also help The Lakes keep its unique character by reporting concerns to the HOA to ensure each element of the community is available for all to enjoy.

No matter what outdoor activity or amenity you choose to utilize, opportunities for outdoor living abound at The Lakes. Embrace your wild side in a community that is Certified Wild.