Ashby Ponds Residents Benefit from An Array of Outdoor Amenities

Nestled on 132 acres of enviable green space, Ashby Ponds, an Erickson Senior Living community in Ashburn, Va., offers unbeatable access to dozens of outdoor amenities that encourage activity and socialization. 

With temperatures warming up, residents are already out and about tending to their garden spaces, competing on bocce teams, joining friends around the firepit, and strolling along beautifully landscaped walkways.

In fact, a growing body of research supports the connection between spending time outdoors and improved health in older adults--and residents agree. 

"I feel that being active and outside has improved my health and well-being," says resident Fran O'Connor. "I love to garden, so the dedicated garden spaces definitely played a part in my decision to move to Ashby Ponds. Now, it is one of my favorite activities!"

Amenities abound

The bocce group, with 500-plus members who compete in both a spring and fall league, is one of Ashby Ponds' largest clubs. Other popular outdoor activities include cornhole, horseshoes, and walking.

"A wonderful neighbor taught me how to play bocce and cornhole. I haven't stopped playing since!" says Fran. "I also enjoy walking around the campus trails."

Last year, a firepit was added to the garden area outside the Cardinal Clubhouse and became the perfect home for Ashby Ponds' first Halloween Pop-Up Bar. 

"It was a fun event. Many residents came dressed in costumes," notes Resident Life Director Faith Edwards. "And it's continued to be a popular amenity on campus, complete with comfortable chairs and pretty string lights. It's not uncommon to see residents roasting marshmallows, reading, or joining friends for a cocktail around the fire."

The opening of Orchard Terrace--an expansion of Maple Grove, Ashby Ponds' continuing care neighborhood--also added to the lively outdoor spaces available with a beautiful courtyard boasting a fireplace, a multipurpose court for bocce and cornhole, and a turf-covered exercise space. 

Fun in the sun

Taking advantage of Ashby Ponds' bucolic backdrop and amenities, Edwards and her team organize a wide variety of outdoor events. The summer concert series, offered each Monday in June and September, is always well attended. 

"My friends and I love the outdoor concerts," says Fran. "We have our favorite tree where we gather early to claim our spots. We bring chairs and wine, or sometimes we purchase drinks from the cart offering wine, beer, and water." 

"And we love the bands," she continues. "Our favorites are the Elvis Presley impersonator, the rock and roll bands, and the military bands. Some of us will get up and dance on the sidewalk. It's just fun to be outside, enjoying each other's company."

The Fall Festival, an intergenerational event featuring bounce houses, a petting zoo, and funnel cakes; Grand Camp, an activities-filled weekend for residents and grandchildren ages 5 through 12; and the annual Summer Olympics offering friendly competition in bocce, sponge relay, walking, and cornhole are popular, as well. 

Last year, the community welcomed the addition of food trucks on a monthly basis. "The food trucks were quite a hit," says Edwards. "With all the recommendations we receive from residents, we plan to invite the trucks several times a month this year."

In preparation for the food trucks, tables and chairs are set up on the Great Oak Lawn, allowing residents to grab their food and eat outside with their neighbors.

Sustaining their community 

To protect the campus' natural beauty, community members participate in a variety of environmental efforts, such as a "glass angels" program to recycle glass and the collection of plastic bags, rechargeable batteries, used eyeglasses, hearing aid batteries, ink jet toners, and ink bottles.

"By working together, our community is helping to preserve our scarce natural resources, providing our children and grandchildren a rich earth and future," says resident Connie Gutowski, chair of the Resident Advisory Council's subcommittee on sustainability. "We continue to strive for a clean, wholesome place to live for many years."

Time to connect

Since her December 2019 move, Fran says she's had the best of both worlds--enjoying the great outdoors without the responsibility of landscaping or maintenance--and she couldn't be more thankful. 

"These outdoor activities definitely help me connect with my neighbors," says Fran. "I have met many friends among my teammates and at the concerts."

Invest in your future self at Ashby Ponds. From top-notch amenities to affordable, maintenance-free residences, you are sure to live your retirement to the fullest. Request more information today!