Highland Springs Residents Benefit from an Array of Outdoor Amenities

After visiting friends living at Highland Springs, an Erickson Senior Living community in North Dallas, Tex., Billy and Linda Penn began seriously considering a move themselves.

Upon exploring the amenity-rich campus further, they knew that the community was perfect for them too.

"One of the main attractions was the greenhouse and the community garden as well as the many outdoor areas where we could walk and ride bicycles," says Billy.

Now, Billy and Linda take advantage of the many opportunities to enjoy the fresh air on the serene, 89-acre campus they call home.

Green thumbs

For the Penns, nature is deeply embedded in who they are and is key to their overall well-being.

"I grew up in Piney Woods, near Lufkin, Tex., where I roamed the woods freely and enjoyed the outdoors," Billy recalls. "I spent as much time as I could outside. When we weren't out working the hay field, I was riding horses and bicycles and chasing my brothers. My dad introduced us to gardening about 75 years ago.”

He adds, "And Linda grew up on a farm.”

So, it should come as no surprise that Billy and Linda chose a residence as close to the community garden and greenhouse as possible.

In fact, Billy was so excited about the amenities in their "backyard" that he took the reins of the Highland Springs gardening club as president shortly after they moved in.

"Garden spaces have been added and the area was fenced in," he says. "It's grown so much since that time. We have a wonderful garden space.”

Club members maintain 79 garden spaces that are teeming with vegetables, fruit, and flowers. Neighbors and friends also benefit, as it's a popular spot for peaceful afternoon strolls.

"We love the activity with others," adds Billy. "When I see someone going outside to the garden, I think, 'There's my friend out there.' So, I head out there too. And when we get together in the garden, we end up helping each other.”

Amenities abound

In addition to the gardening club, Highland Springs offers a diverse range of outdoor activities and events, including walking groups, exercise classes, sports tournaments, bocce, and disc golf.

Each day, Resident Life Director Kim Reed witnesses the many benefits residents reap as a result of these outdoor amenities and activities.

"Our residents have hundreds of groups, clubs, activities, and events to engage in, and many of them take place outside on our large, scenic campus," Reed says. "Whether it's a friendly game of cornhole or a brisk morning walk, residents revel in the opportunity to get moving while making friends at the same         time.”

Growing and learning

In fact, a growing body of research supports the fact that spending time outdoors results in improved health in older adults--and Reed agrees.

"Our outdoor amenities enrich the lives of residents, making every day a chance to grow, learn, and live better lives," she says. "This contrasts with the isolation that many older adults encounter when living alone in their houses.”

To help preserve and protect the campus' natural beauty, members of the community are committed to being responsible environmental stewards. Resident-led groups initiate and support campus efforts in recycling and composting.

Because Erickson Senior Living continues to invest in outdoor amenities at its communities, Billy and Linda are excited to see what the future brings.

A family affair

Thanks to the additions to the community garden, family members are able to enjoy it just as much as residents.  

"Now, residents bring their grandkids to work with us in the garden. They dig in the dirt, recover snails and earthworms, and plant and harvest vegetables," notes Billy. "Watching 8- or 10-year-old youngsters develop a deeper interest in nature is as fun as working the dirt ourselves!”

He adds, "We love walking around the campus and through the gardens, just like when I was growing up walking and running through the woods.”

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