Arvada is a vital, active recreational friendly community, a fact recently recognized by the League of American Bicyclists who have named Arvada a "Bicycle Friendly Community" in 2008. The League awards the designation to Cities that have demonstrated that they are integrating bicycles into the community. Currently there are over 135 miles of trails within Arvada and the City maintains a special website where bicyclists can report hazards on the trails.
The scenery and wide path make cycling Arvada a pleasant experience. The trails do connect with Denver and Wheatridge to make commuting via bike a breeze. Some of the larger trails include the Van Bibber trail, with a new Ward road underpass, the Ralston Creek trail and the Fairmount trail. A trail map can be accessed here:
http://arvada.org/city-services/arvada-maps/
The APEX Park and Recreation District provides many more ways to be active from the APEX recreations center located at 72nd Ave near Ward Rd. to the Garrison St. sports complex, Lutz ball fields and several indoor and out door pools. They strive to make activity and fitness relevant for everyone with classes for kids and adults and facilities for children, tees, adults and seniors alike.
Having an active, involved population positively impacts property values. The more people get out to exercise and play the more likely they are to keep trails clean, keep roads and facilities in good repair and general ensure the community remains attractive. Arvada property values continue to hold steady, even in todays rough market a testament to the involved community.
