RECREATION COMMUNITIES

Sometimes It's Easy Being Green: Atlanta's Upscale Recreation Communities Discover GreeRSpace

64 KNOWAtlanta Winter 2005

By Michelle Bourg

It's a beautiful morning on the walking trail. Lemon yellow sunlight is slanting through the trees. You've had a nice chat with a neighbor, and just now, down by the creek, you've

spotted four downy baby geese, waddling after their mother across the dewy grass. Stepping off the trail at your front door, you have plenty of time for a shower and to stop at the comer cof­fee shop before heading to work. Sounds like a dream? As more Atlanta builders and buyers rediscover greenspace communities, people are combining city convenience with the peace and open space of the country, making scenes like this commonplace-after the alarm goes off.

RECREAT I ON COMMUNI TIE S

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66 KNOWAtlanta Winter 2005

With ample and inviting open space just outside your door, it's easier to stay active, a plus for your family's physical and mental health.

Greenspace is currently the premier amenity offered by residential developers , replacing golf. According to developer David Chatham, Georgia builders have been including more natural space in their projects over the past three to four years, and while Georgia still lags behind the nation in this type of development , favor­able zoning regulations have aided green­space community growth over the past half decade.

These communities are increasingly being sought by homebuyers who recog­nize the impact of their surroundings on their quality of life. Many popular recre­ation areas are often crowded, especially on weekends. With ample and inviting open space just outside your door, it's eas­ier to stay active , a plus for your family's physical and mental health. Less focus on

RECREATION COMMUNIT I ES

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Greenspace developments are available in just about any area of the city and in a range of prices.

structured activities encourages families to participate together and meet their neigh­bors. As Chatham puts it, "Everybody can walk; you don't have to be a great golfer." Even if you never lace up a pair of walking shoes, you can benefit from greenspace. Increased tree cover means cooler summer temperatures and better air quality, allow­ing a relaxing "escape to the country" without the lengthy commute.

If the idea of greenspace appeals to you, bear in mind that there is no set definition of the term. Builders websites and print ads are filled with pictures of wildflowers and babbling brooks, but the truth is that "greenspace" can vary dramatically from community to community. Most common are walking trails, parks and soccer or ball fields , but some neighborhoods encompass lakes, streams, or wildlife areas. David Chatham points out that property size drives the type of recreational space offered: a smaller acreage may utilize several small parks instead of one large one. His 600-acre River Green development in Canton offers picnic areas, nature trails , and a lake, along with a racquet club and swim center.

Nature trails are also a feature at Green Summers in Cumming. Over two miles of natural surface trails wind through lightly wooded areas, leading to the pavilion and

soccer field , along with a creek and picnic area .. A batting cage and horseshoe pit are also planned. Representative Frances Woolard notes that the some of the hous­es have screened porches , allowing resi­dents to enjoy the outdoors from the pri­vacy of their homes. At The Reserve in Dallas , public realtions spokeswoman Amanda Charlesworth describes the atmosphere as "laid back but active." Here you'll find over two miles of trails, along with a creek, picnic pavilion, playground, and activities field. As a bonus, the prop­erty adjoins historic Pickett's Mill State Park, giving residents easy access to even more open space.

Vintage Communities' Knollwood Lakes neighborhoods really live up to their name. Located in Lawrenceville and just minutes from Gwinnett Mall, their center­piece is four stocked lakes , ringed by both natural surface and paved trails. Benches dotting the paths allow walkers and jog­gers to pause and enjoy the view. Another Vintage community, Wildwood at Meadowgate, has two ponds connected by a greenbelt area with a stream and nature trails, in addition to a pool, tennis courts, and a playground.

If the equestrian life is what you desire, you'll find it in Ball Ground at Woodhaven

RECREATION COMMUNITIES

Bend on the Etowah. Here , preservation of the natural environment was the builders' primary goal. Set among 300 acres of forests and meadows are lots ranging from three to 20 acres , most designed to accom­modate the horses that canter on the two miles of riding trails. The Etowah River encircles the property, providing fly-fish­ing and a 2.6-mile kayak course. A walk-

ing trail is enclosed in a 2-mile by 150-foot greenbelt buffer that follows the riverfront and forms a wildlife habi tat.

So if you're looking for the excitement of big city life combined with the peace and open space of a small town, it is possible. Greenspace developments are available in just about any area of the city and in any range of prices. You'll need to form your

As more Atlanta builders and buyers rediscover greens pace communities, people are combining city convenience with the peace and open space of the country.

own definition of greenspace, decide what recreational amenities you want, and bal­ance them against those found in the homes. Take the time to visit several neighborhoods to get a feel for whats out there: it takes time, but it's worth it. By choosing a recre­ation community that fits your lifestyle, that dream of lattes and larkspurs you've been having just might come true. •

200 Acre Nature Preserve • Large Family Clubhouse • Aquatic Center • Children's Play Center

Basketball • Tennis • Volleyball • Village Green • Jubilee Amphitheater

70 KNOWAt lanta Winter 2005

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