By Liz Chaffin
By Liz Chaffin
Living in beautiful Summerlin can’t solve all of life’s challenges, but when stress and worry threaten to detour your pursuit of happiness, Summerlin and it’s adjacent neighborhoods certainly offer plenty of ways to decompress. There are places that are perfect for morning meditations or afternoon primal screams—whatever you need to reacquaint yourself with inner peace. Below are 8 such parks that offer mini escapes within their picturesque enclaves. You might call them Zentinations.
Blossom at Gardens Park
Sure there are tennis courts and playgrounds available, but we think that the opposite side of Gardens Park is where the true opportunities for finding Zen lie. First, there’s a Peet’s Coffee nearby so you can grab your favorite roast to sip while you meander the sidewalks with or without your pooch. Or simply sit on a bench and watch others stroll by. The point is to do nothing but commune with the Cherry Blossoms until all your worries subside.
Relive a childhood fable at Willows Park
Willow’s Park near Town Center Road has a couple of favorite residents: The Rabbit and The Tortoise. They won’t be racing, but if you walk through the main park and up the trail, you’ll find them hanging out right before the tunnel. Feel free to share your troubles. They’re good listeners.
Let Lake Sahara soothe you
The North and South Parks at Lake Sahara offer ample places to sit and watch the sunrays skip across the water. Grab lunch at Baby Birds Café and have yourself a little pick-me-up picnic.
Zone out at Peccole Ranch Park
If a quiet bench is all you’re after, try Peccole Ranch Park. There’s a seated area behind the sand volleyball courts calling your name.
Stroll through Cottonwood Canyon
You don’t have to go far for a rejuvenating hike along winding trails. These paths are easy on the knees and good for the soul.
Zen with the kids at Lone Mountain
Rarely crowded, there are plenty of trails with great views where you can lose yourself and your stress. Plus the science and math inspired play area will keep little minds and bodies busy for a long time. Here you’ll also find a world map noting every country. Use your family time to brush up on some geography. Lone Mountain Park offers wellness and learning all in one.
Be close yet far at Sagemont Park
The outdoor amphitheater is great for picnics, and the proximity to Downtown Summerlin ensures civilization is only a few blocks away.
Leave Vegas behind at Blue Diamond Skate Park
This is where you grab a pizza from Cottonwood Station, enjoy the sunset and hang with the burros who think this place is awesome, too. This part of town will help you forget you’re even in Vegas.
With so many opportunities to let go of life’s worries and enjoy all those little things that count, it will be easy to make 2021 your year of Zen. Pretty sure we could all use that.
