The grand opening on Thursday, September 21, featured a ribbon-cutting ceremony, food trucks, a champagne toast and other festivities. The ceremony not only marked the completion of The Lawn™ itself but also the completion of phase one of the Town of Little Elm’s Lakefront0153 District.
“Every town needs a heart, and it needs to be a central space that serves as a focal point for community identity,” said Little Elm Town Manager Matt Mueller. “For some communities, it might be a town square; for some, it might be a courthouse, a Main Street, a historic downtown, but when we started hitting our growth spurt over 25 years ago, we didn’t really have that special place of identity… The Lawn can be the heart of The Lakefront™ and the heart of the entire Little Elm community.”
The Lawn at The Lakefront will not only serve Little Elm as the heart of the community, but The Lakefront District itself will serve as the town’s economic engine. Several surrounding cities and communities have been working to bring in businesses that impact the economy — Little Elm’s disadvantage? Not being along a transportation corridor.
“Rather than focusing on what we didn’t have, or what we couldn’t do, our leaders focused on what we did have that others didn’t, and that is 66 miles of shoreline,” said Jennette Espinosa, Executive Director of the Little Elm Economic Development Corporation. “The Lakefront District has allowed us to capitalize on our Lake Lewisville frontage and develop an economic engine that reflects ‘The Town with a Lake Attitude.’”
Looking to the future after working to finish phase one of The Lakefront District, Drew Bailey, the Town of Little Elm’s Managing Director of Tourism and Business Development, said that community events will be the main focus.
“The grand opening at The Lawn at The Lakefront™ is more than just a ribbon cutting ceremony; it’s the beginning of a new era of community-focused events that places the community at its heart,” Bailey said. “Today, we opened a remarkable space where residents and visitors can come together to enjoy dinner at our restaurants, attend concerts, explore farmers markets, or catch a movie at The Lawn. Afterward, they can enjoy a cocktail at one of our businesses’ patios and admire the iconic Little Elm water tower.”
Upcoming world-class events that Bailey said she’s most looking forward to within The Lakefront District is “Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience,” which opens Oct. 28.
“I am eager to continue building and attracting events that enhance the quality of life of our local community and draw visitors from far and wide,” Bailey said. “Together, we will shape the next chapter of The Lakefront™ District. One that promises even more extraordinary experiences and one that reinforces the bonds that unite as a community.”
Learn more about The Lawn™ and its events and features here:https://lakefrontlittleelm.com/lawn-at-the-lakefront/