New homes, parks, fields at River Islands
With more than 1,000 homes sold since its 2014 grand opening, River Islands is one of Northern California’s most popular destinations for new-home buyers. Its success is no surprise — not only does the community offer a wide selection of home styles, sizes and prices, it also is host to an array of recreational amenities that appeal to people of all ages.
In the last few months, a number of neighborhood parks have opened, adding new areas for basketball, softball and picnics. Play structures are in place throughout the community, and even dogs have their own park. Vega Park is a large central park designed for a variety of big-scale uses, and Sunset Point Park, just next door, offers bocce courts, sand volleyball, and a boat rental program that provides canoes, kayaks and pedal boats for lakeside recreation.
The first section of an 18-mile trail system around the community is now
open, providing walkers, joggers and bicyclists with views of the San Joaquin River.
Six competition-size lighted soccer fields are being readied for the fall season for a regional soccer program now headquartered at River Islands. Construction is underway for an 8-acre ballfield stadium to bring high school tournament play to the community.
Along with the recreational facilities, River Islands is now home to a number of clubs for bocce players and runners, a seasonal farmers market, and a series of Movie Nights in the Park.
Its Boathouse restaurant and pub serves weekend brunches, and daily lunches and dinners from its lakeside location.
Overall, River Islands now offers 30 different
home designs in the eight neighborhoods that are currently offered for sale, with prices starting in the $400,000, $500,000 and $600,000 ranges. Single-story homes and two-story homes suit a number of lifestyles.
In the fall, Van Daele Homes will hold the grand opening of its Castaway model homes, currently being offered for sale during a preview sales period. The Castaway
models will include two bungalow designs and one large singlestory carriage-style flat. Square footages range from 1,574 to 1,775, with three and four bedrooms available.
River Islands has carefully selected its builders, bringing some of the Bay Area’s and Sacramento’s favorite brands to its Lathrop location. These top builders have brought some of California’s best
architectural talents to the community, providing enough diversity in square footage and design to allow the Bay Area starter homebuyer to find a first home, families to enjoy room to grow, and retirees to enjoy an empty nest.
More than half of the residents of River Islands come from the Bay Area, and many commute back, availing themselves of the ACE (Altamont Corridor Express) trains and buses to BART in Pleasanton.
The Welcome Center at River Islands is a large, comfortable gathering place for people interested in the community to see maps, learn about each of the new home neighborhoods, and pick up a Tour Guide. The Welcome Center is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; for more information, go to riverislands.com.