Sat. Oct. 25: 6th Annual Prairie Harvest Fest! Food Trucks, Vendors, & Fall Activities!
As part of its first-ever neighborhood giving campaign – and the launch of the community’s Culture of Kindness program, neighbors raised $1,525 for Children’s Hospital in support of the families in care at the hospital. Britta Reza, PPOA Community Manager presented a check to Deannah Baesel, the Children’s Hospital Foundation’s Senior Coordinator for Annual Giving, on December 13 at the hospital’s Denver campus.
At Painted Prairie, we strive to create a Culture of Kindness in our community by extending our hospitality to our neighbors and to the city of Aurora and beyond. We’re proud to support our neighbors and community partners and look forward to the work our Social Committee is doing to launch new service projects and tokens of kindness throughout the year.
If you know, you know we love our parks. We’re excited to share that our park systems will expand in 2024!
The Park at Town Center, Ruby Park, and Violet Park are set to become the next best spaces in our neighborhood. Coming in 2024, those parks are meticulously designed to offer unique experiences, fostering connections and providing spaces for fun, food, and relaxation.
The Park at Town Center will be the heart of an urban landscape – a town square surrounded by retail, office, and residential. Indulge in tasty fresh fare, get your caffeine fix at the local coffee shop, enjoy live music and movies in the open space, or bring a picnic – the Park at Town Center will have everything you need to enjoy the Urban Prairie. Watch the website, our emails, and our social channels for opening dates.
Surrounded by the future Prairie Retreat Park, Ruby and Violet Parks will anchor two new neighborhoods in the next phases of construction at Painted Prairie. The parks will become an integral entrance point for Prairie Retreat Park and its gateway to regional trails and access to the final headgate of the 71-mile historic High Line Canal.
At Painted Prairie, we understand the importance of spaces that not only enrich our lives but also foster a sense of togetherness. These new parks symbolize our ongoing commitment to creating environments where families can flourish, friends can connect, and the community can thrive.
The PPOA Social Committee has been working behind the scenes to plan an amazing lineup of events and programming for Painted Prairie neighbors. In 2024, the Social Committee will spearhead several initiatives ranging from monthly kindness tips to organizing healthy activities for neighbors of all ages. The committee is passionate about crafting events that prioritize wellness, philanthropy, and fostering a community of kindness.
Here’s a high level view of what’s on horizon for Painted Prairie residents in 2024:
Let’s not forget the Movies and Music in the Park, market days, and more. All events are subject to change and subject to cancellation due to weather conditions or other unforeseen circumstantces. Watch your email, the app, and our social channels for updates.
Want to help plan events or just be a part of creating change in your community? We encourage you to reach out via the mobile app. Once logged in, head to the menu in the top left corner, select Clubs & Activities, and tap the first card “Have an idea for a new club or activity?” Then, tap “Share More Info” and respond to the prompts.
At Painted Prairie, we’re pretty big on traditions. Every year since 2020, we’ve had a special tradition here that has continued to shift and evolve as the neighborhood grows — Prairie Holidays. This year, the tradition carried on, as we welcomed a new holiday season at Painted Prairie.
Prairie Holidays has always been our way of celebrating the season, honoring the diversity of our neighbors, and bringing people together in the spirit of the holidays. Besides, what better way to celebrate the season than with your neighbors and friends?
It was a special time where we gathered with friends for holiday cookies, s’mores by the fire pits, hot cocoa, coffee, and a special visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus. A special thank you to our sponsors – Jolynn Crownover of Compass Realty, Amanda Barry of Insured by Legacy Insurance Partners for supplying our coffee and hot cocoa — and Ori Kouahi of US Bank Mortgage and Painted Prairie for the cookies from Gateaux Bakery.
Didn’t make it to this year’s Prairie Holidays event, don’t pout or cry, you have another chance to catch Santa before he gets ready for a night of preparing for gift drops!
At that very first Prairie Holidays celebration, Santa and Mrs. Claus recorded a special message just for the neighbors at Painted Prairie. We may be guessing here, but ever since the Claus’ recorded that video, Painted Prairie has been Santa’s first Colorado stop on Christmas Eve night! Coincidence? We don’t think so.
Relive that first Prairie Holidays as the jolly couple share a special moment with the Painted Prairie community by reading the holiday classic “Twas the Night before Christmas,” suitable for all kids aged 1 to 100 (or older)! Share your traditions and favorite family holiday stories on Instagram or Facebook by snapping a photo, posting, and tagging Painted Prairie (@paintedprairieco on Instagram)!
We are thrilled to introduce the Painted Prairie Social Committee, a new and formally chartered committee of the Painted Prairie Owners Association. The goal of this committee is to ignite the spirit of camaraderie among neighbors and to orchestrate fun, memorable activities throughout the year. There are currently three Painted Prairie residents on the committee, some of whom you may have seen or met at Prairie Harvest Fest near the pumpkin patch. They also recently shared an event survey to learn more about what the community is looking most forward to during future events. Thanks to all of you who took the time to respond—event planning is already in the works for 2024!
The committee is passionate about crafting events that prioritize wellness, philanthropy, and fostering a community of kindness. While the committee has kickstarted the year with a series of meetings, the horizon looks even more exciting! If you have ideas about clubs you would like to charter or participate in or simply want to engage, we encourage you to reach out via the mobile app. Once logged in, head to the menu in the top left corner, select Clubs & Activities, and tap the first card “Have an idea for a new club or activity?” Then, tap “Share More Info” and respond to the prompts. As we move forward, there will be abundant opportunities to volunteer and play an active role in community building.
Opportunities for involvement will be shared via email, through Facebook and/or via the app, so stay tuned. We look forward to providing even more engagement and interactivity among residents in the coming months and years!
This time of year, with Thanksgiving just around the corner, is a perfect opportunity to reflect on the blessings in our lives. It’s a season of gathering with loved ones, savoring delicious meals, and counting our many reasons to be grateful.
In a special look into the traditions and thoughtful reflection on the theme of gratitude, Painted Prairie residents Jacci Cradle and Gabriele Dos Santos Prasse remind us that cultivating a spirit of gratitude and holding onto family traditions, is not just a once a year “thing.” It takes practice and a whole lot of honing in on what is truly important in life. Both women were kind enough to speak with us in greater detail about what this time of year looks like for them and their families.
Traditions during this time of year are very important to my family. We cherish coming together to celebrate with loved ones, sharing meals, and giving back to the community. One of our cherished traditions is volunteering at local organizations, like food banks or shelters, to support those in need. We also enjoy decorating our home, spending time with family and friends. These traditions reinforce the values of giving, togetherness, and community, which are so important to us.
I am profoundly grateful for the love and support of my family, the opportunity to make a positive impact on people’s lives through various means, and for the chance to meet and connect with people from all walks of life. What brings me joy during the holiday season and throughout the year is seeing the spirit of kindness and generosity in people, especially young people, who are actively engaged in their communities and working towards a better future. Their energy and determination remind me of the limitless potential in our society.
Painted Prairie has become a place that feels like home for my family because of the strong sense of community and the diverse and inclusive atmosphere. It’s a place where we can connect with neighbors, support local businesses, and truly feel like we belong. The shared values of unity, diversity, and sustainability in the community align with what our family holds dear. It’s a place where children can thrive, and we can contribute positively to the community.
Cultivating a habit of gratitude is not something that should be limited to just November or the holiday season. Throughout the entire year, my family and I make it a point to reflect on our blessings regularly. We do this by keeping a gratitude journal, sharing what we’re thankful for during family dinners, and making an effort to express our appreciation to those around us. Acts of kindness and giving back to the community, whether through volunteering or other means, are also essential for fostering a sense of gratitude throughout the year. This practice reminds us of the importance of empathy, compassion, and working together for a better world.
The Thanksgiving tradition is one of our favorites. We celebrate with delicious food around friends and family.
We’re thankful for officially moving to Colorado (4 months ago) and finding a great community to settle in. What brings us joy? Being able to do what we love and care for our family!
We love being in an active community that brings us together at the different events throughout the year. We have been fortunate to enjoy the farmers markets, the neighborhood BBQ, the pancake breakfast, the family painting class, movies at the park and the Fall Festival! Our son and dog also love all the parks!
We make time for uninterrupted family dinners and give thanks for those moments!
At Painted Prairie, we strive to promote a community of kindness and encourage our residents to extend that kindness beyond our neighborhood borders. We will continue to share stories about the people of Painted Prairie, our community, and what makes living here so special.
It was a beautiful day for the fourth annual Prairie Harvest Fest. The sun was shining, the fall vibes were vibing, and the community spirit was soaring as Painted Prairie’s Prairie Harvest Fest kicked off October. With over 2,000 attendees, High Prairie Park was hopping with activity offering a day filled with fun, food, and fantastic memories.
One of the highlights of the day was our first-ever costume contest. The creativity and effort put into these costumes were nothing short of astounding. From adorable kids to adults who unleashed their inner superheroes (and more), the contest brought an extra layer of excitement to the event.
Foodies were in for a treat, with amazing food trucks serving up delectable delights, catering to every palate. From savory to sweet, there was something for everyone.
The open-air market featured 25+ vendors, showcasing local artisans and fresh produce. Shoppers had a chance to explore a wide range of products, from handcrafted jewelry to soaps and plants, making it the perfect opportunity to support local businesses.
The day was made possible by our generous sponsors. We thank Visit Aurora, Gaylord Rockies Resort, US Bank, Prairie Pediatrics, Focus Real Estate, and Exit Realty for their contributions that helped make Prairie Harvest Fest a day to remember.
Looking ahead, we can’t wait to see you all next year. Keep an eye on our website and social media channels for updates on our upcoming summer event series. We’ll be back with more fun, more memories, and a bigger celebration of our amazing community. Thank you for being a part of Painted Prairie’s Prairie Harvest Fest.
See you next year!
We have some “paw-some” news about Prairie Paws Park…it’s OFFICIALLY OPEN! Located on E. 61st Drive, and close to the future Pioneer Park, Prairie Paws Park is an exciting new spot for canine fun that caters to dogs of all sizes. We can’t wait to see all the fur babies out there enjoying our latest amenity.
Prairie Paws Park is the place for fun and excitement for dogs of all sizes. From spacious play areas to comfortable seating and shade structures, this park is just another great amenity to add to the list of amazing spaces at Painted Prairie.
Recognizing the diverse needs and play styles of our furry friends, Prairie Paws Park includes separate play areas for small and large dogs. This thoughtful division ensures a safe and enjoyable environment for all our Painted Prairie pups. Small dogs can frolic and socialize with dogs their own size, while larger breeds can indulge in energetic romps without inhibitions
Prairie Paws Park is designed with comfort for both dogs and humans. The park features a couple of benches so you can keep an eye on your pets at play. In addition, sail shade structures provide ample shade during sunny days, creating a cool and sheltered space for dogs and people to beat the heat.
To stimulate dogs’ natural instincts and offer them a sense of adventure, Prairie Paws Park incorporates play logs and stumps into its design. These natural elements introduce a touch of the prairie, inviting dogs to jump, climb, and explore their surroundings.
We recognize the importance of maintaining a clean and safe environment for our furry friends. To ensure optimal hygiene and durability, Prairie Paws Park features a synthetic turf surface. This specialized turf not only provides a soft and comfortable area for dogs to play and run on but also enables easy maintenance and upkeep. Say goodbye to muddy paws and hello to a clean and easy play experience in all weather conditions!
With its carefully designed features such as separate play areas, comfortable seating, natural play elements, synthetic turf, and a concrete track, this park offers something for every dog and their owner. Whether you’re seeking socialization, exercise, or a moment of rest, Prairie Paws Park is the go-to destination for you and your furry companions.
So, gear up, leash up, and get ready to embark on exciting adventures with your pups at Prairie Paws Park!
