Greenspring Residents Benefit from An Array of Outdoor Amenities

Nestled on 58 acres of enviable green space, Greenspring, an Erickson Senior Living community in Springfield, 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, dining alfresco at the new Cork and Fork restaurant, 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 believe Greenspring's outdoor activities benefit my physical and mental well-being. They keep me enthusiastic and happy," says resident Barbara Liechti. "Getting involved in outdoor activities helps keep you young!"

Outdoor oasis

The Greenspring Birders, one of the community's fastest growing clubs, was created by Barbara in partnership with the Environmentalists of Greenspring. 

The group meets at least once a month for an hour-long, fully accessible bird walk around campus. And each quarter, the group embarks on a two-hour walk on the Accotink Stream Valley Park nature trail. 

Following each walk, Barbara sends an email to the club's members listing what was seen on the walk, answering any questions that arose, and providing information on helpful apps to increase the birding experience.

"Even people who are not able to walk with us seem to enjoy the emails and learning more about birds," says Barbara. "I feel like a 'bird influencer,' and I love the role. Since starting the club, I've met so many wonderful neighbors and made lots of new friends."

In addition to the campus's wildlife, Barbara appreciates having an oasis just outside her patio door. 

"My patio apartment offers space for a little garden while providing a view of the woods," she says. "I like feeding the carp at the pond and simply sitting on my patio enjoying nature. I love the beauty and serenity of the beautifully landscaped campus."

Amenities abound

Other outdoor amenities and activities at Greenspring include the putting green, dog park, the gardening club, yacht club, outdoor walking group, and outdoor tai chi.

"Our favorite outdoor activity is going to the pond and feeding the fish with floating freshwater pellets," says resident John Huppert. "The food is good for the fish, and because the food floats, it brings the fish to the top of the water, which makes for excellent viewing." 

He continues, "We also like the community garden. In addition to plants and flowers, many spaces are decorated with statues and other items. It is like being in a small art museum. There is also a butterfly garden near the pond. It's a nice spot to simply sit and rest." 

Roy O'Connor's favorite outdoor activity is hiking on the Accotink Trail. "We can access it directly from a path on campus," he says. "My wife Lynn and I also enjoy maintaining our garden space. On our daily walks, we walk through the garden to see all the other spaces, filled with a variety of vegetables and flowers."

For residents with a competitive spirit, Greenspring offers outdoor bocce, horseshoe, softball, and pickleball teams. And each summer, the community hosts several Senior Olympics events outside.

Resident foodies enjoy dining alfresco at the Cork and Fork restaurant, which offers outside dining for lunch and dinner.

Time to connect

Taking advantage of Greenspring's bucolic backdrop and amenities, Resident Life Director Ashley Walters and her team organize an array of outdoor events, including the annual resident barbecue complete with games and prizes. 

The Summerfest, featuring more than 40 vendors, live music, and a car show; the Fall Festival and Trunk or Treat, an intergenerational event offering pumpkin decorating, hayrides, and a petting zoo; and the Earth Day Eggstravaganza, including an egg hunt, carnival games, flower planting, and face painting are also popular. 

"The Summerfest has enhanced our ability to connect with our neighbors," says Roy. "Like all our outdoor events, it is well attended."

"We are proud to offer a variety of ways for our residents to spend time outdoors," says Walters. "Greenspring's outdoor amenities and activities are carefully curated to encourage an active and social lifestyle, benefitting resident's overall well-being."

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