Barefoot Lakes, Firestone, Colorado

Overlooking a portion of the lakes with native, natural Colorado wildflower plantings in the foreground.
(PHOTO: Jessica Davis, Art+Business ONE)

Barefoot Lakes, Firestone, COFIRESTONE – A new community is coming to life in Firestone that is taking a step ahead in every way possible. Barefoot Lakes is just getting started, and it’s already awesome.

Typically, when we speak of neighborhood amenities, the conversation is about the physical features. At Barefoot Lakes, the planners have created a sense of spirit that goes well beyond street layouts and landscape blueprints.

This innovative approach, brought forth by Design Workshop, is based on four important principles: Wellness, Distinctiveness, Stewardship and Inclusiveness. You’ll see examples of this nature-honoring approach throughout Barefoot Lakes. These four tenets are shaping the development today, and will continue to guide this exciting community into the future.

Wellness: In this natural setting, residents feel that they are getting the best of Colorado. The proximity to the mountains is balanced with easy access to DIA, but there is an abundance of space to enjoy the natural serenity of two lakes that are embraced by lakeside trails, paved and crusher fines paths.

Native wildflowers, flora and fauna punctuate the landscape. Nearly three miles of lakeside trails wind through the neighborhood. One of these trails even crosses between the two lakes. Future plans include fitness stations and pause points for contemplation – or just catching your breath.

“This is a community where differing paths and trails take you on a journey through natural, Colorado settings,” explains Ethan Demby, Director of Integration for Art+Business ONE, the branding agency for Barefoot Lakes. “The trail system is designed to connect neighborhoods and neighbors, yet provide sanctuaries to rest and take in the surroundings, like Sunset Pavilion.”

Distinctiveness: Barefoot Lakes is minutes from neighboring St. Vrain State Park and just adjacent to St. Vrain Creek. This is a community that values the aesthetics of place. Front Range views give way to foothill sunsets and calming sounds of nature.

Barefoot Lakes, Firestone, CO

The “Sunset Pavilion” is an interesting amenity for gathering. The perforation on the ceiling tracks the sun and acknowledges the winter and summer solstices. (Photo: Brookfield Residential Properties)

“At Barefoot Lakes, we have created abundant outdoor spaces where you can revel in your own private moments and embrace a lifestyle that is rich in nature,” says Jeff Zimmerman, Principal of Design Workshop.

Peninsula Park is a regional park being developed within Barefoot Lakes by Brookfield Residential in collaboration with the Town of Firestone and Carbon Valley Recreation District. A large lawn and amphitheater area will provide a meeting place for community events.

Stewardship: Instead of large swaths of irrigation intensive turf, there are iconic large scale planting vignettes that are based on native grasses and plants. Native stone forms retaining walls and oversize boulders function as play areas.

Planners are enhancing the riparian landscape with native plantings that reduce the need for potable water. The topography itself creates a natural system of storm water management.

Inclusiveness: Great care has been taken to provide universal access to all recreation destinations. There are spaces for community gatherings and social interaction, to be used by people of all ages.

“Many communities today appear to be targeted to a particular part of our population,” Dave Carro, Senior Project Manager at Brookfield Residential says. “But really, we find that whether they are Boomers or Millennials, homebuyers are all looking for a lot of the same things.” This multi-generational appeal is carried over into the types of housing that are being created here as well. Four different collections of homes, by three outstanding home builders, are featured at Barefoot Lakes.

Brookfield Residential offers two series of home plans. The Avenue Portfolio, from the mid $300s, is a reinterpretation of urban-style, bungalow homes. The porches are big. The light is abundant, and the architecture is elegantly attainable. The Harvest Portfolio, from the $500s, uses natural light as the theme, with glass doors that spill out onto covered patios. Windows turn the kitchen into a sunroom and the sunroom into… an even sunnier room. Welcome to your bright, beautiful twenty-first-century home.

CalAtlantic Homes presents their Perspective Series, from the low $400s. Six innovative floor plans are designed for how homeowners live today. Homes feature large kitchen islands, great rooms, full basements, main floor studies, up to six bedrooms and many options to choose from.

Richmond American brings five home plans to Barefoot Lakes, from the low $400s. Inspired floor plans, designer assistance at their Home Gallery and a personalized buying process from contract to closing ensure a great homeownership experience. Each design gives you and your family plenty of space to relax or entertain, upstairs or downstairs, inside or outside.

You’re going to want to live here
For information about sales office and model home hours and more about the community and its amenities, visit BarefootLakes.com, or Facebook.com/BarefootLakes. Barefoot Lakes is about 30 minutes north of Denver, situated between Denver and Loveland, just northeast of I-25 exit #240. It is next to two charming lakes and the St. Vrain River. From I-25 take Exit #240 (CO-119) east then make an immediate left on I-25 Frontage Road East (County Road 9.5). Travel north one mile to Barefoot Lakes Parkway and turn right. Go to Eagle River Road, turn left and look for model homes on your left.

 

Inaugural Run Barefoot (shoes required) sets the pace

Runners, take your mark!

The inaugural Run Barefoot 5K on Saturday, Sept. 16, will bring participants out to see this new, rarified setting. The race has a 10 a.m. start time (you won’t have to get up at the crack of dawn) and takes runners around the two namesake lakes and into the community where it ends in a celebratory block party. Live entertainment, food trucks and children’s activities add to the festivities. The low $35 registration fee includes a special edition T-shirt, flip flops, food truck ticket and refreshments for participating athletes.

The Run Barefoot 5K will benefit the One World Running organization, an international program promoting an awareness of health, fitness and nutrition by providing running shoes to those in need in the United States and around the world. Participating runners are encouraged to bring an extra pair of shoes to donate, or they can donate their running shoes at the end of the 5K. A kids’ fun run will take place just before the Run Barefoot 5K.

After the run, everyone is invited to tour eight model homes to see the exciting ownership opportunities available right now at Barefoot Lakes. Each builder has a selection of move-in ready homes available right now. You can have your very own Barefoot Lakes address in time for the holidays.

By L. L. Charles, At Home Colorado