Residents Enjoy the Abundant Green Space at Linden Ponds

Nestled on 108 acres of enviable green space, Linden Ponds, an Erickson Senior Living community in Hingham, Mass., offers unbeatable access to dozens of outdoor amenities that encourage activity and connection. 

With temperatures warming up, residents are already out and about tending to their garden spaces, competing on bocce teams, and dining alfresco. 

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 that since moving to Linden Ponds in 2004, my access to the outdoors has benefitted my physical and mental well-being," says resident Barbara Ward. 

Unmatched surroundings

As cochair of the resident Landscape Committee, Barbara takes pride in caring for the appealing landscape that makes Linden Ponds so special.

"As a recognized arboretum, our campus is lush and gorgeous," she says. 

The native trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants on campus are all identified, cataloged, and digitally tagged with descriptions. And a portion of the community is a wetland conservation, enhanced by native trees like katsura, weeping European beech, and tulip. 

"We work hard to maintain our beautiful campus," says Barbara. "The Landscape Committee works closely with the General Services staff while our Arboretum Committee maintains our status as an official arboretum." 

She continues, "The Linden Ponds Gardeners use their patches to grow flowers and vegetables, and our Compost Committee strives to keep food scraps out of landfills. And finally, our Nature Club gives members the opportunity to commune with nature on walks on and off campus."

Peaceful strolls

Given Linden Ponds' natural beauty, it should come as no surprise that Barbara's favorite outdoor activity is walking around campus. 

"We have several informal walking groups, and many residents enjoy walking together, individually, or with their dogs," she notes. "There are also many benches throughout the community for simply sitting and taking in the beautiful surroundings." 

"One of our most popular outdoor activities is the Mindful Moments Walk," says Resident Life Director Mairi Bleakie. "Residents take their time strolling through different designated stations, many with views of the Plymouth River."

At each station, residents can relax on benches offering simple meditation exercises focused on a particular sense. 

Amenities abound

In addition to the various nature and walking groups, Linden Ponds offers a range of outdoor amenities and activities including bocce, cornhole, and croquet. 

"Along with some friendly competition, all of these clubs provide residents the opportunity to meet their neighbors and socialize. Many of these groups plan additional activities outside of playing their sport," says Bleakie. "It's an especially nice way for new residents to make friends."

In 2023, Linden Ponds unveiled new bocce courts near Evergreen Terrace, which has resulted in a growing number of players. 

The opening of Granite Commons--an expansion of Rose Court, the community's continuing care neighborhood--will bring a beautiful new courtyard with rooftop gardens. 

Dog owners enjoy meeting at the campus dog park with their furry companions. And for resident foodies, both the Acorn Pub--with a gas firepit--and the Harbor Cafe offer alfresco dining in the summer months. 

"Our outdoor gathering spaces are really popular. In addition to the restaurants, we have a lovely terrace near Evergreen Terrace that residents use in the spring and fall to sit, sip a cup of tea or a glass of wine, and catch up with neighbors," says Bleakie.

A reason to celebrate

Bleakie and her team also organize a wide variety of outdoor events, including the popular Summer Concert Series and the annual Garden Promenade, Linden Ponds' largest outdoor celebration. 

"The promenade is a lovely annual tradition that takes place in the resident gardens each June," she says. "Residents like socializing in the gardens, drinking lemonade, listening to music from our Linden Ponds Repertory Company, and eating hot dogs, popsicles, and ice cream. It's our official kickoff of the summer."

"The Garden Promenade is one of my favorite events," says Barbara. "We use the occasion to offer self-guided tours of trees in a section of the campus. I not only enjoy the scheduled activities, but I also enjoy unscheduled time outdoors."

These robust outdoor amenities are just one of the reasons to consider a move. Request more information today!