Residents Enjoy the Abundant Green Space at Seabrook

Most mornings in warmer months, Pat Duplak is up to her elbows in soil as she happily tends to her plantings at Seabrook, the Erickson Senior Living Community in Tinton Falls, N.J. 

"I've always had a garden. I was raised with a family that had nurseries and garden centers," says Pat, who serves as chair of the Seabrook Community Garden. "The garden, for me, is really a bonus to have here at Seabrook. It satisfies my soul to be out there."

The Community Garden is just one of the many outdoor activities and amenities promoting physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being on the scenic 98-acre campus. In fact, recent studies show a powerful link between access to green space and improved mental and physical health. 

This is icing on the cake for Seabrook residents who enjoy spending time outdoors. Whether gardening, visiting the dog park, or embarking on a leisurely stroll along landscaped walkways, the opportunity to enjoy t a secure, serene environment is one of the many benefits of living at the popular community.

"Being outdoors, utilizing our beautiful spaces, getting the fresh air, it goes a long way," says Mark Maccaroni, Seabrook's resident life manager. "I always encourage residents to go outside, move around, and socialize."

Staying active

With a wide range of outdoor amenities on campus and a location just six miles from the Jersey Shore, Seabrook provides the perfect opportunity for residents to live their best lives.

When Pat and her husband Jim Pegg moved from Warren County nine years ago, it wasn't long before Pat rolled up her sleeves and joined the Community Garden.

The garden consists of 81 individual spaces residents can reserve. In addition to growing flowers, Pat cultivates tomatoes, beets, and cucumbers on four patches and a raised bed. 

"I read somewhere that gardening, as a hobby, is probably better exercise than almost anything else you can do. Physically, it helps me keep up my stamina," says Pat. "It's great for your mental and spiritual health as well."

Prior to making her way out to the gardens, Pat often starts her day with an hour-long walk around the community. Sometimes, she'll follow one of the marked trails around the campus.

The trails and pond play host to a wide variety of wildlife, including Canada geese and merganser ducks; snapping, painter, and box turtles; and catfish. Deer and fox are often spotted during the twilight and evening hours. For its welcoming environment, the Seabrook Community Garden was named a Certified Wildlife Habitat by the National Wildlife Federation and the New Jersey Audubon.

A path with benches circling the garden offers residents and their visitors a chance to take in the beauty while socializing.

Socializing outdoors

Seabrook residents also enjoy additional outdoor activities, including the seven-hole miniature golf course--host of several competitive tournaments and the intergenerational golf league, comprised of grandchildren and great grandchildren competing alongside residents. 

Golf enthusiasts also enjoy the professionally designed putting green, providing the challenge of PGA level slopes and angles, as well as the annual fall putting contest. And the resident bocce club, recently doubling in size, offers spring and fall league play. 

"Even if I wasn't the chairperson, I would still be out by the gardens meeting people," Pat says. "Anytime I go by, if I see someone, whether I know them or not, I stop and have a chat with them. The garden gives me contact with people. It's very social."

Seabrook's various outdoor events also provide residents the chance to meet and mingle with their neighbors. On the Great Lawn, an outdoor amphitheater hosting concerts from early June to mid-September, residents enjoy the sounds of popular local music groups representing different genres. The Great Lawn is also host to group fitness classes, a well-being fair, and holiday celebrations. 

"Our residents love being outdoors enjoying the mix of activities available to them," adds Mary Kaba, Seabrook's resident life director. "Whether they're looking to be physically fit, move around more, or feel the sunshine, being outdoors has great health benefits and it's a great way to make a connection with others."

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