Brooksby Residents Benefit from An Array of Outdoor Amenities

Jane Gagliardi's move to Brooksby Village, an Erickson Senior Living community in Peabody, Mass., was greatly influenced by her love of the outdoors.

"The outdoors was my playground as a child growing up in Connecticut. Walking in the woods, playing games outdoors, and watching frogs and pollywogs in area ponds all brought much enjoyment and a sense of freedom," Jane recalls. "I consider access to green space essential for our quality of life."

So, it should come as no surprise that Brooksby's many outdoor amenities and stunning scenic views were the first things Jane and her husband David noticed about the community. 

"There were several features specific to Brooksby which appealed to us," she says. "The size of the campus, the lovely ponds, and its location adjacent to Brooksby Farm and the Danvers Rail Trail. It all provides more natural outdoor space." 

Now, Jane and David find every opportunity to make the most of their beautiful, 90-acre home!

Amenities galore

Whether you prefer to dine al fresco or go for a stroll along the campus' landscaped walkways, Brooksby offers plenty of ways to enjoy the great outdoors.

Music on the Patio, a concert series of resident and local community musicians, is organized by Brooksby's community resources coordinators. 

"We had a variety of musicians--a violinist, accordionist, harmonica player, and several guitarists--entertain residents on the new patio at Kingsbury Clubhouse this past summer and fall," says Resident Services Manager Melissa Luke. "Last season ended with a honky-tonk band in October."

More music events as well as poetry readings and one-act plays are in the works for the summer. 

Luke notes that the clubhouse patio also boasts a firepit, which welcomes groups of residents for conversation, and a water feature to foster a calm environment for outdoor yoga and tai chi                       classes. 

Taking in the view

Although Brooksby had all the outdoor amenities and activities Jane and David were looking for, there was one box left to check. 

"We were aware of the organized group walks at Brooksby, including Danvers Rail Trail and Brooksby Farm walks and bird-watching walks," she notes, "but David and I wouldn't have considered moving here if we didn't have a balcony and a view of nature." 

So, they started searching for a residence with a picture-perfect view of campus. 

"We quickly decided on a unit overlooking a pond with views of turtles, a variety of birds, and muskrats in the warmer months," Jane says. 

Staying active

Since settling into their residence in 2023, Jane has pursued a variety of outdoor activities, including skiing, cycling, tending to her space in the community garden, and walking--a new favorite. 

"Time in nature is soothing and grounding for me. I find myself smiling whenever I see wildlife on campus, whether it is a butterfly, deer, bunny, heron, or other birds," she says. "Along the Danvers Rail Trail, residents have reported several sightings--a snapping turtle building its nest and a variety of birds, such as red-tailed hawks and downy woodpeckers." 

She adds, "Of course, the walks are also a wonderful way to get to know other residents!"

Jane is also working together with her neighbors and community leaders to prioritize environmental stewardship in their daily lives. Friends of the Pond, climate change groups, and other environmental initiatives are looking for ways to help preserve and share the campus' beauty. 

"It would be great for wildlife and overall ecology, especially as we experience the increased impact of climate change," she says. "It would also provide more wildlife viewing opportunities for residents."

Invest in yourself

As a former clinical social worker, Jane's focus on her own well-being and the well-being of others is important to her. Reflecting on how the outdoors has impacted her overall health, Jane is glad she and David chose Brooksby to be their forever home. 

"[Access to the outdoors and nature] is fundamental to my emotional well-being and a great way to take care of my physical health," she says.

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