Oakpointe Communities Celebrates the Return of Black Diamond Community Events this September with Labor Days Festival and Hometown Harvest

Ten Trails is excited to invite residents and others in the Black Diamond area to two special events in September. These events include Black Diamond’s long-standing Labor Days festival, taking place September 4-6, and Oakpointe’s third-annual Hometown Harvest Carnival event on September 18. “When it comes to creating exceptional places to live, work and play, each neighborhood is only as good as the community it’s comprised of,” said Brian Ross, CEO of Oakpointe. “What makes a place great is a sense of camaraderie and togetherness, which is exactly why we’ve decided to become a sponsor of Black Diamond’s Labor Days and bring back our Hometown Harvest Carnival. After more than a year of staying home and staying healthy, we’re excited to get back to safely supporting these outdoor gatherings as a way to help bring the entire Black Diamond community together.” More information on both events can be found below:

Black Diamond Labor Days – September 4-6, 2021

The city of Black Diamond, Washington prides itself on its deep historical roots and time-honored traditions. Its Labor Days festival is one that residents look forward to year after year – for over 100 years now. This year’s theme is “Welcome Back,” and each day will include a variety of ways to celebrate, such as a parade, live music, food vendors, and more. For the first time ever, Oakpointe’s Ten Trails community will be kicking off the event on September 4 with a Bike and Scooter Rodeo next to the Ten Trails Welcome Center from 2-4 p.m. This family-friendly event is geared toward helping children learn the rules of the road while practicing important bike-safety skills, and Oakpointe will give away 200 helmets to any child who needs one. Families are invited to stick around Ten Trails that evening for an outdoor movie night beginning at 8:15 p.m. in Civic Park, where they’ll be showing “Toy Story 4.” For more updates and details on Black Diamond Labor Days, visit: http://www.blackdiamondlabordays.org/.

Hometown Harvest Carnival – September 18, 2021

Oakpointe’s third-annual Hometown Harvest Carnival takes place on Saturday, September 18 from 12-6 p.m. in the heart of Ten Trails. After a year away, Oakpointe anticipates this year’s celebration could be the grandest one yet, so the event will span both Civic Park and Village Green. Community members are invited to come and enjoy a variety of food trucks, a beer and wine garden, games, 40+ local arts and crafts vendors, live music courtesy of local country singer Aaron Crawford, and plenty more. Oakpointe is also offering a tasting tour that stops by many of its Ten Trails model homes. Participants will be given a “tour passport” that can be stamped at each destination for a chance to win prizes along the way. Oakpointe is excited to be partnering with Lill Family Wines to share a special Ten Trails-branded wine, which will be available for purchase and consumption in the Beer and Wine Garden located at Civic Park. For more updates and details on the Hometown Harvest Carnival, visit Ten Trails on Facebook at www.facebook.com/TenTrails and click on ‘Events’. www.TenTrails.com 360.469.4043

Three Great Benefits of Living in a Master Planned Community

There are many reasons why one might choose to live in a master planned community! We wanted to highlight three that are relevant right now. As pandemic restrictions ease,  many people will be seeking to meet new friends and spend time with loved ones they have not seen in a while. Ten Trails offers amazing amenities that not only keep you active, but also give you opportunities to meet new people and gather more safely outdoors. Our current residents also are a great resource for newer residents who may be looking to get more involved with their local community.

Opportunities to Meet New People 

Meeting new neighbors who may become potential lifelong friends is easy in a master planned community like Ten Trails where shared outdoor amenities create natural gathering spaces. Our community fire pits, outdoor sports courts, walking trails, and playgrounds all encourage casual interaction with neighbors. When gathering together with others returns, we plan to bring people together again for some of our well-known community events featuring live entertainment, food and fun for residents from all over Southeast King County.

Amenities to Keep You Active

Our community walking and biking trails offer ample opportunities for residents to get outside and get active. With miles of trails that weave throughout the community and its natural areas, starting a new fitness routine is easy at Ten Trails. We also have an outdoor community ping pong table, basketball hoops and bocce ball courts.

Chance to Get Involved in Your Community

Master planned communities like Ten Trails foster a sense of community-mindedness amongst residents. Things like a resident-only community social media page, community events, and community shared amenities bring residents together in ways they would not be able to otherwise. At Ten Trails, our residents come together to support one another and their local community in countless ways. Recently, in recognition of “National Cereal Day,” we held a community food drive where residents brought non-perishable boxes of cereal to our Welcome Center to be donated to the local Black Diamond Community Center food bank. This is just one of many ways our residents give back to the local community. www.TenTrails.com 360.469.4043

Hike the Nearby Summit Ridge Trails

Nearby Summit Ridge offers an easygoing six-mile loop for hikers of all skill levels. While the trail is often used for mountain biking, you may see some horseback riders along the way as the path intersects with trails that connect to Henry’s Ridge and Lake Sawyer Regional Park.

Mountain Biking at Summit Ridge

The cross-country trails at Summit Ridge feature many runs for mountain biking. Most are twisty and technical trails with numerous bridges, log rides and ladders. The sight lines are good for watching out for other riders, and there is also a flow park with lines suitable for beginning, intermediate and advanced riders. The trails also connect with other cross-country trails at Black Diamond Open Space.

Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance 

Many of the trails at Summit Ridge are maintained by the Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and the nation’s largest statewide mountain bike association. Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance represents thousands of riders through eight regional chapters and is committed to sustainable recreation, trail maintenance, advocacy, education, volunteerism, and trail building.

Logging Trails Along the Ridge

The uppermost logging road trails up along Summit Ridge offer sweeping views of the Cascades and are less shaded than the lower trails, making them ideal for early spring hikes and catching the afternoon sunlight. www.TenTrails.com 360.469.4043  

Springtime Outings for Animal Educational Experiences

Springtime is a great time of year for people of all ages to connect with animals. There are many local farms in the area around Ten Trails that offer petting farm interactive experiences with domestic animals. For an informative experience seeing wildlife, head to nearby Northwest Trek to see their bears, wolves, big cats, and more. Spring is also a great time of year for a wildlife hike to look for migrating birds.

Fox Hollow Farm

Fox Hollow Farm, located in nearby Issaquah, is now open for visitors for its children’s car track, greenhouse, gardens, trails, river park and animal areas. Guests to the farm are being limited due to Covid-19 restrictions. Check their website for available times and book your visit in advance. Ticket prices are $5 per adult and $8 per child, per session.

Sammamish Animal Sanctuary

Sammamish Animal Sanctuary is a nonprofit organization where formerly homeless, neglected or animals that need a forever home are cared for as they live out the rest of their lives. The farm is accepting visitors this spring in limited numbers due to Covid-19 precautions and requests visitors schedule a tour through their website before visiting. Visits to the farm are free, however donations are appreciated to help pay for the food and care the animals receive.

Go on a Birding Hike

An inexpensive pair of binoculars or a keen eye are all you need to go on a birding adventure with kids this spring. As birds migrate into western Washington for the season, see how many different species you can identify on your hike. For a list of some of the best places for birdwatching in our state, check out the Audubon Society’s website.

Northwest Trek Wildlife Park

Dedicated to conservation and education, Northwest Trek has been a popular attraction for local residents and tourists for decades.  The park is now offering visits to a limited number of guests at a time for all outdoor attractions. Visit this spring to get up close and personal with the park’s many residents like gray wolves, black bears, and grizzly bears. www.TenTrails.com 360.469.4043

Fun Ways to Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day This Year 

Finding ways to celebrate the holidays to make them special for kids can be challenging during Covid restrictions, but there are plenty of ways you can make St. Patrick’s Day fun at your new Ten Trails home!

Scavenger Hunt to Find a “Pot of Gold”

Everyone loves a scavenger hunt! Create a series of clues for kids to search in your home and backyard, all leading to a “pot of gold” prize that can be actual money, coins, or chocolate coin candies.

Buy Shamrock Plants 

Shamrocks are very hardy indoor plants and will bloom throughout the year under the right conditions. These make a great starter plant for kids as they are low maintenance and easy to care for. Buy shamrocks at nearby Four Corners Maple Valley or a local nursery for a pretty, holiday-themed plant the whole family can enjoy.

Dress up in Green 

Make sure everyone in the family has something green to wear on St. Patrick’s Day for their in-person, zoom learning, or day at work. Tradition says if you forget to wear something green, you may get pinched by the leprechaun!

Make Traditional Irish Fare 

Traditional Irish recipes like Irish stew, corned beef and cabbage, and Irish soda bread are great staples to serve on St. Patrick’s Day. For a fun, easy treat to make with kids, try making Irish “potatoes” which are not made with any potato at all. These no-bake candies consist of cream cheese, coconut, butter, sugar, and cinnamon and resemble small potatoes when rolled together and chilled. www.TenTrails.com 360.469.4043  

Break out of the Routine this Winter and Try Something Completely New

The Covid-19 pandemic has upended lives across the country and many of us are struggling to find ways to break out of the monotony that can come with many days spent at home, with limited options for socializing. Here are a few ideas of new things you and the family can try this winter to help break up your normal routines!

Go on a Dogsledding Adventure 

Northwest Dogsledding Adventures offers one-hour, seven-mile tours through snowy wilderness with their eager team of 12 dogs. The pack can run up to 20 miles per hour while guests kick back under blankets and enjoy the ride and views. Northwest Dogsledding Adventures is now taking reservations for weekend-only tours through March 31^st, 2021. The cost is $165 for adults and $110 for children under 80 pounds. For more information, visit their website.

Take a Virtual Cooking Class

Cooking is a wonderful skill for anyone to master, and it is a great idea to foster a love of cooking in kids from a young age. Even if you are an adult who is well-adept at cooking, there are always new skills and recipes to learn to keep things interesting in the kitchen! Famous Seattle restaurateur, Tom Douglas, is now offering virtual cooking classes through his company for families or larger groups. Seattle Cucina is also offering virtual classes geared specifically for kids of all ages. You can browse their many class offerings on their website.

Try Sprouting Seedlings Indoors

While we wait for the warmth and sunshine of spring, bring the outdoors inside by starting seed sprouts indoors. When the threat of frost is over, the whole family can enjoy transplanting the new baby plants to an outdoor garden or to a rented garden space in Ten Trails’ pea patches! Some plants that are among the easiest to grow from seed are pumpkins, sunflowers, lettuces, and squash. For information on how to start seeds indoors, check out this website. 360.469.4043 www.TenTrails.com    

Fun Fall Activities for the Whole Family

This fall season is a great time to take the kids outdoors to explore something new! Why not plan an educational and fun outing to take part in one of these fall family-friendly activities soon?

Watch Salmon Runs

The rivers and creeks of the Seattle area come alive in the fall with the yearly salmon runs. Salmon spawn in local waterways, swim out to the Pacific Ocean where they live for a few years, then return to the river where they spawned to complete their life cycle. Salmon are an integral part of the ecosystem in our area, and their spectacular swim upriver is not to be missed. Ten Trails residents can view salmon runs in the nearby Cedar River in addition to many local creeks and streams. For a list of Seattle-area salmon run viewing spots, check out this website.

Search for Sand Dollars in the Tidal Flats at Dash Point

Head to nearby Dash Point in Federal Way during low tide and comb the beach for shells, kelp, and sand dollars. Dash Point State Park offers hiking trails, campgrounds, and unobstructed views of the Puget Sound. Kids will love splashing in the shallow tidal pools and building sandcastles in the 3,201 feet of shoreline.

Go Razor Clamming at Washington’s Beaches

Recreational razor clamming is one of the most popular licensed outdoor activities in Washington State, and razor clamming beaches on the Washington coast can be reached from Ten Trails in less than three hours. If you have not tried razor clamming, this fall season is the perfect time to give it a go! This family-friendly activity is enjoyed by children and senior citizens alike, totaling over 75,000 participants each year in Washington. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife has just announced digs for this season. Check their website for dates and license information.

Take a Drive to the Cascades to See Fall Foliage

Pack your cameras and a picnic lunch and head out for a drive into the Cascades this fall to witness some truly spectacular fall foliage! Shades of red, gold, orange and yellow can be found in various locations throughout the Cascades with many varieties of deciduous trees putting on a beautiful show. Before heading out, plan your route and check this website for a map of active wildfire locations and road closures. www.TenTrails.com 360.469.4043    

Nearby Halloween Events

Kick off the fall/winter holiday season by celebrating with the family at some local Halloween events. Ten Trails residents have their pick of local activities to celebrate the holiday! Check out the list below for just a few of the activities you and your family can do this upcoming week.

Wild Waves Fright Fest 2019 

Head to nearby Wild Waves Theme and Water Park in Federal Way for their first annual Fright Fest! Weekends now through November 2^nd, the park has family day activities from noon until 6 pm, and scary activities and haunted attractions for children 13 and over from 6 pm to 7pm.

Halloween Harvest Festival

This coming Saturday in Auburn, Ten Trails families can take part in the city’s Halloween Harvest Festival featuring games, crafts, rides and trunk-or-treating! The event is held at the Auburn Parks Arts and Recreation Building at 910 9^th Street SE from 1 to 5 pm.

The Haunted Woods at Maris Farm 

Maris Farm in Buckley will hold one final weekend of their Haunted Woods attraction this coming weekend! Take a 35-40 minute tour of terror through an abandoned barn on the farm property followed by a trip through a twisty corn maze and a final walk (or run) through the haunted woods. Due to the graphic nature of this tour, it is not recommended for children under the age of ten.

Haunted Forest of Maple Valley

The Haunted Forest of Maple Valley has activities for kids of all ages including a trick-or-treat event this coming Saturday, October 26^th, from 5 to 6 pm. More mature residents who are looking for a scare can check out Terror on the Cedar River, a haunted tour that takes place this Friday, October 25^th and Saturday, October 26^th from 7 to 11 pm.

Halloween Craft Party

Residents looking for a quieter Halloween experience can check out the Halloween Craft Party at the Renton History Museum this Saturday, October 26^th from 11 am to 1 pm. Art supplies will be provided, however supplies are limited, so call ahead to reserve your spot. 360-469-4043 www.TenTrails.com    

Head to Ten Trails for our Annual Hometown Harvest Event!

Join us for Hometown Harvest at Ten Trails featuring fun activities for the entire family on Saturday, September 14^th from 12 to 6 pm. Throughout the day, we will have bouncy houses, pumpkin painting, a beer garden, game truck, more than 30 craft vendors, face painting, balloon animals, food trucks, dessert trucks and a petting farm! All these activities will take place in our Civic Park and Village Green.

Tasting Tour at Our Ten Trails Model Homes

In addition to all the fun activities at our parks, we will also have a tasting tour at our model homes! There will but a shuttle service bringing guests to seven different stops at our models and Welcome Center with sample items to eat or drink at each stop! Featured vendor samples are from Farm Shed Wines, Bordeaux Wine Bar, Schilling Cider, Café Pacific Catering, Gracene’s Cupcakes and more!

Hometown Harvest Event Giveaways 

The Hometown Harvest event will feature a number of great giveaways including a Yeti Tundra 35 cooler, Mariner’s tickets, and a trip to Friday Harbor with a ride aboard the Victoria Clipper! To be entered to win any of our giveaways, grab a passport from our Ten Trails Welcome Center, get your passport stamped at our other six tasting tour locations, and turn in your completed passport to our Welcome Center or Ten Trails event tent at the Civic Park.

Relay Races, Live Music and Hot Air Balloon Rides 

From 3 to 4 pm in our Civic Park, we will have relay races with prizes and the Seahawks’ Blitz will be signing autographs and taking photos with guests! Stay at the Civic Park from 4 to 6 pm to watch a comedic dueling piano performance on our park stage. The event will conclude with hot air balloon rides, weather permitting. Don’t miss this day of fun at Ten Trails! www.TenTrails.com 360-469-4043  

Celebrate Spring Flowers with Nearby Festivals and Activities 

Early spring is here and local flower-themed spring festivals and events mark the celebration of the end of a lengthy, cold winter. If the grey skies have been bringing you down these past few months, these activities will be sure to brighten your day!

Hellebore Tea at Lake Wilderness Lodge, March 10^th at 2pm 

The Lake Wilderness Arboretum Foundation in Maple Valley will host its yearly fundraising event, the Hellebore Tea. Guests look forward to this festive occasion which pays homage to the hellebore flowers that bloom in late winter and early spring. Attendees wear creative hats, enjoy delightful tea-party food, and bid on silent auction items to benefit the Lake Wilderness Arboretum Foundation. Our very own Kate from the Ten Trails Welcome Center will be in attendance, joining the Lumberhouse Brewery table. For tickets and more information, send an email to info@lakewildernessarboretum.org.

Skagit Valley Tulip Festival, April 1-30

Now in its 36^th year, the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival will run throughout the month of April. The festival includes a street fair, art shows, parade, fun runs, show gardens, gala, and much more. Don’t miss your opportunity to take a scenic drive through the valley to view fields of daffodils, irises, and tulips for as far as the eye can see! Make sure to bring a camera because these backdrops are definitely social-media-worthy! For more information, visit https://tulipfestival.org.

Seattle Cherry Blossom Festival, April 26-28

Hosted by the Seattle Center, the Cherry Blossom & Japanese Cultural Festival commemorates the gift of 1,000 cherry trees that Japan bestowed upon the city in 1976. Attendees gain an understanding of Japanese cultural roots through live performances, visual arts, demonstrations, food, and hands-on activities. One highlight of the festival is the popular Taiko drummers show. Of course, cherry blossom viewing, known as Hanami, is the visual gift that keeps hundreds of thousands of guests returning to this festival year after year. For more information visit http://cherryblossomfest.org/   www.TenTrails.com 360-469-4043