Residents Enjoy the Abundant Green Space at Maris Grove

Nestled on 87 scenic acres with an abundance of outdoor amenities, Maris Grove, an Erickson Senior Living community in the Brandywine Valley of Pennsylvania, is redefining retirement living.   

From strolling along beautifully landscaped trails to starting a friendly game of bocce with neighbors, there are dozens of ways for residents to discover the joys of connecting with nature and one another, enhancing their physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

The great outdoors

Scientific studies have consistently confirmed the health benefits of spending time outdoors, including reduced stress, improved mood, and enhanced physical health. Thanks to Maris Grove's thoughtfully designed outdoor spaces, residents are experiencing these findings themselves.

"Nature has a way of bringing people together," says Resident Life Director Kathy McCrossin. "We've designed our outdoor spaces to provide moments of peace and opportunities to socialize. Whether it's sitting by the pond or enjoying the vibrant blooms of our resident gardens, there's something for everyone."

Maris Grove's serene garden spaces and strategically placed benches offer perfect spots for reflection or catching up with friends. 

"Our walking trails are a favorite among residents, not just for exercise, but also for the chance to connect with friends and neighbors," adds McCrossin. 

Ways to engage

Outdoor recreational activities at Maris Grove cater to a wide range of interests and fitness levels. 

"Many of our clubs and groups utilize the pond and picnic area," McCrossin says.

"The campus putting green is always buzzing with activity," she adds, noting that residents have also formed several men's and women's golf groups who play at local courses. 

In the off-season, they keep their skills sharp by utilizing Maris Grove's indoor golf simulator. "It's a wonderful way for residents to stay active," she says. "It's not just about the game--it's about the connections they build while playing."

Other outdoor pursuits include bocce, pickleball, and an astronomy club. Thanks to staff members' efforts, residents also have an abundance of seasonal outdoor events to attend, like summer concerts, alfresco dining evenings, and firepit gatherings. 

Environmental stewards

In addition to promoting resident well-being, Maris Grove's campus supports environmental sustainability, as native plants attract pollinators. 

To help preserve and protect the campus' natural beauty, residents have formed gardening and recycling programs. Thelma "Mickey" Meyer, who cochairs the Green Team Sustainability Committee, moved to Maris Grove in September 2017 from Charlottesville, Va. 

"About three years ago, there were a group of people concerned with the climate and environment, so the Green Team was formed to address these concerns," says Mickey. 

The Green Team aims to educate residents and staff about environmental issues and encourage eco-friendly activity at the community. 

"Recycling and reusable bags has been one of our major projects here," Mickey says. "The administration at Maris Grove purchased a large number of reusable bags for people to use when they pick up a take-out meal at one of our many on-site restaurants prior. We are publicizing that a lot, and it is well-liked and becoming adopted." 

In addition, the group educates others about recyclable materials, food scraps, and the importance of planting native plants in their community garden spaces and patio gardens.

"One of the great things happening here is that our director and our director of grounds agreed to plant one of the slopes that used to have grass with perennial native plants as an experiment to see how well it would do," she says, noting that native plants have deeper roots than grass, so they prevent erosion. "If this project proves successful, we're hoping it can be repeated on other slopes."

‘Very restorative'

With its blend of natural beauty, engaging activities, and strong community bonds, Maris Grove continues to set the standard for retirement living--proving that the best years can be filled with vitality and joy, right in the heart of nature.

When she's not working to save the outdoors, Mickey enjoys taking the long, winding walk down to the pond. 

"It's lovely and very restorative when you just need a break from the world or from life," she says. 

"That's the way I use the outdoors here."

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