Jane Cardillo, Freelance - Edmonton Journal
Published: Saturday, June 5, 2010

A beautiful outdoor setting, handsome homes and easy access to all parts of the city are big draws in any neighbourhood, but Parkland in west Edmonton now has what many homebuyers consider the deal clincher: a brand new school.

An elementary-junior high is set to open in September, says Tom Lumsden, a senior development manager with Carma Developers, the company that created the neighbourhood, located off Anthony Henday Drive at 62nd Avenue.

"That's probably one of the best features of the community, better than anything else you'd want to put in there," Lumsden said.

But it's not the only one. The Canadian Home Builders Association, Edmonton Region, has bestowed four Best Development awards on the neighbourhood since it first opened in 1999.

"The whole community was created around the Triple Five wetland, which is a 22-acre (nine-hectare) natural reserve," Lumsden said. "There's a stand of mature trees right in the centre of the community, which really plays on the whole parkland theme."

Situated on nearly 200 hectares of rolling woodlands, Parkland is an outdoor enthusiast's delight. Walking and cycling trails loop through the community; geese and ducks nest in reeds by the shores of several man-made ponds; and a playground lets kids burn off energy while parents visit.

One of those parents is Catherine Guinn, who was there on a sunny, windy day, with her little boy, Braden. Guinn said the neighbourhood's natural setting played a big part in her family's decision to move to Parkland.

Another resident, Karen Hermary, moved to the community in January with her husband and adult son. Her daughter, 21-year-old Katie-Lynn, also bought a house there.

"We're never moving again," Karen said. "It's where we're staying."

The houses were the big attraction for Karen. She had toured a show home by Daytona Homes several years ago and loved it.

"I said, 'I want this house,' " she recalled. "And we came back."

Katie-Lynn, who also bought a home by Daytona Homes, likes the west-end location and Parkland's proximity to services. It's 10 minutes from West Edmonton Mall and five minutes from Whitemud Drive. Anthony Henday Drive is minutes away.

A commercial area, which includes a grocery store, gas bar, banks and fast-food outlets, is within walking distance for most neighbourhood residents.

A new nine-home show home parade, featuring starter, move-up and estate houses is now open in Parkland, Lumsden said.

Builders include Daytona Homes, Sterling Homes, Landmark Homes, Park Royal Homes, Parkwood Master Builder, Canyon Spring Homes and Classic Landmarks Master Builder.

The new parade is located south of 62nd Avenue off Hemingway Road (west of 205th Street).

"They're all within a block of each other, which is great for visiting," Lumsden said. "People can park at one and walk the block between the (others)."

Visitor reaction has been very positive, said Craig Lazaruk, a sales representative in Daytona Homes' move-up show home.

"We get a lot of single families or families that are starting to grow," Lazaruk said.

Prices for Daytona's move-up product start in the $420,000 range. People touring the show home will find a formal dining room, open kitchen, a great room with fireplace and a big bonus room on the second floor. The master bedroom is its own little getaway, with a luxury ensuite that has a built-in makeup counter, soaker tub and separate shower.

Daytona's starter homes have features people are used to finding in more expensive houses, sales rep Christie Smith said.

"You're getting rounded corners, (textured) ceilings, low-E windows, high-efficiency furnace and water tank."

Prices start at about $335,000, she said.

The estate show home by Parkwood Master Builder boasts a glass-tile floor in the foyer and glass-tile risers on the magnificent branched staircase leading to the second floor. The main-floor open kitchen, dining and living areas overlook man-made wetlands. The finished walkout basement has doors leading nearly to the water's edge.

Orest Strayski, area manager for Parkwood in Parkland, said the homes start at $479,900, "plus lot, plus GST."

The 1,679-square-foot-bungalow estate show home by Canyon Spring Master Builder is steeped in luxury. It features espresso-coloured hardwood on the main floor, an upper deck and a circular staircase leading down to a finished walkout basement.

People "absolutely love" the house, said Susan Whitney, Canyon Spring's area manager.

Entry level for her company's estate product is $550,000.

All in all, Parkland is a nice place to live, Lumsden said.

"Residents seem to be quite active and involved with each other," he said. "We have kilometres of walking trails and we have large open spaces, which were intended to create areas for people to congregate and enjoy nature."

For more information on Parkland, visit parkland-community.com

News source: http://www.edmontonjournal.com/Parkland+neighbourhood+lives+scenic+name/3116088/story.html