Civitas’ master plan for Aurora, Colorado’s award-winning residential community, Painted Prairie, includes 30-acres of open space across seven parks, each featuring native landscapes and plants from the Colorado plains. With a community-wide emphasis on shared spaces, the parks include playgrounds, dog parks, gathering spaces, trails, community gardens, and art installations. A central town center also includes outdoor gathering spaces for concerts, movie nights, and markets along with a mix of retail, restaurants, and hotels.

The team’s commitment to sustainable development, community building, and environmental stewardship create a deep and long-lasting sense of community that differentiates Painted Prairie from conventional suburban neighborhoods and sets new standards for future development. Connectivity is the leading concept of the project and is what led the team’s developmental ideas through the entire creative process. 

The overall aim is to foster a sense of pride and participation for the community by highlighting how people have connected with the prairie for generations.