Community Private Open Space
A wonderful asset to The Trails is the approximately 25 acres of collectively owned private open space surrounding the homes. The HOA actually owns and is responsible for this space. It is NOT Jeffco Open Space. Also the fields under the electic towers that pass north south through belongs to The Trails and NOT to Xcel Energy.
On three sides of the development- North, East, South, there is a perimeter trail bordered by split rail fencing. The HOA is responsible for this fence and maintains it during the annual Spring cleanup.
From the communities inception the design has been to perserve the natural surroundings and create a semi-rural setting. Based on this, over the years the HOA has worked to achieve a balance of the homeowners’ needs and the environments. The community has chosen not to further develop it’s surrounding land. Over the years suggestions of developed playgrounds, swimming pools or soccer fields have been suggeted have never gained acceptance.
Mowing
Where and how much to mow has been an issue over the years. Recently the HOA has had the North, South, & East side trails mowed regularly, while doing more limited mowing ‘behind’ homes that back to open space. If a homeowner has a particular issue with the mowing near their home they are asked to communicate with the HOA Exec. Board in Spring when the mowing schedule is determined.
Other Grounds Keeping
The two entrances to The Trails (Windy & Virgil) need regular attention during the growing season. The HOA arranges for local children to take on an area and then pays them for weeding and work done to maintain the entrances. Families who have a family member interested in doing this work is welcome to contact the HOA Exec. Board and let them know of their interest.
The ‘islands’ in the east-side cul de sacs are usually maintained by those homeowners who live there, but if they are not cared for they will be mowed by the HOA a couple of times each summer.
The trees in the open space often need maintenance. In the past as needed tree experts have been contracted to trim and assess the larger trees. For the smaller trees along the creek, the Spring cleanup time is used to trim and clean the creek way. To prevent flooding issues down No Name Creek, the HOA must insure that debris is cleared and that the creek’s flow is not obstructed.