Lakelands, Gaithersburg, Maryland facts for kids

Lakelands is a special kind of neighborhood located in Gaithersburg, Maryland. It's known for its unique design, which aims to create a friendly, walkable community. Lakelands was planned right next to Kentlands, another similar neighborhood, and was designed to feel like an extension of it.

What Makes Lakelands Special?

Lakelands is built using ideas from something called "New Urbanism." This is a way of designing towns and neighborhoods that focuses on bringing people closer together. Imagine a place where you can walk to shops, parks, and even your friends' houses easily. That's the goal of New Urbanism.

Understanding New Urbanism Design

New Urbanism, sometimes called "neo-traditional" design, is all about creating communities that feel like old-fashioned towns. These designs often include:

• Walkable Streets: Sidewalks are wide and safe, making it easy to walk or bike everywhere. You don't always need a car.
• Mixed-Use Areas: This means homes, shops, and offices are all close together. You might live above a store or walk a few blocks to get groceries.
• Community Spaces: There are lots of parks, town squares, and public areas where people can meet, play, and relax.
• Variety in Homes: You'll see different types of houses, like townhouses, apartments, and single-family homes, all mixed together. This helps create a diverse community.
• Front Porches: Many homes have front porches, which encourage neighbors to sit outside and say hello to people passing by.

How Lakelands Was Planned

Lakelands was designed by a company called Duany Plater-Zyberk & Company. They are famous for creating many New Urbanism communities. The idea was to make Lakelands feel like a natural part of Kentlands, which was built using similar principles. This means both neighborhoods share a similar look and feel, with friendly streets and community areas.

Life in the Lakelands Community

Living in Lakelands means being part of an active community. Because everything is so close, kids can often walk or bike to school or to visit friends. There are often community events, farmers' markets, and places for people to gather. The design encourages neighbors to interact and build strong connections.

History of Lakelands Development

The planning for Lakelands began in the late 1990s. It was developed by a company called National Capital Land Corporation. The goal was to expand on the success of Kentlands and create another vibrant, walkable community in Gaithersburg. Construction started in the early 2000s, bringing the vision of a neo-traditional neighborhood to life.