Charlestown Residents Benefit from An Array of Outdoor Amenities

If the day of the week ends in y, it's a good day for Mary Wright to be outside. 

From fishing at the lake and walking around the park-like campus to tending to her garden space, Mary appreciates all the outdoor activities at Charlestown, an Erickson Senior Living community in Catonsville, Md. 

"I love being outdoors!" says Mary. "On nice days, I like to go down to the lake, where I sometimes fish for hours. I also have a garden space where I grow tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, watermelons, and cantaloupes."

In fact, a growing body of research reinforces the connection between spending time in green spaces and improved health in older adults. With 110 acres to explore and enjoy at Charlestown, there are plenty of opportunities for residents to enhance their well-being in the great outdoors. 

Outdoor oasis

For Mary, who moved from a house on a third of an acre in Anne Arundel County, having a space for gardening just a short stroll from her residence was a huge draw. 

"The house I moved from had a garden that measured 30-by-80 feet," notes Mary. "Having an outdoor space where I could grow things was important to me."

Charlestown's community garden features 90 personal spaces, each measuring 10-by-10 feet, where residents' green thumbs can grow a variety of plants and flowers. 

Two other groups, the Wildflower Group and Birdbrains (bird watchers), also offer excellent opportunities to connect with neighbors who share similar hobbies and interests.

Fun in the sun

If you don't want to get your hands dirty, Charlestown is also home to a softball field and team, a 1.5-mile walking loop around campus, and two bocce leagues. 

Resident Jack Nieberding organizes one of the leagues, which plays on Wednesdays throughout the spring and fall. He also holds a Saturday morning "open play" time for those who want to practice--or for new players who just want to drop in and give it a try.   

"We have a lot of fun! The games are competitive, but it's all friendly competition, and you have the opportunity to meet new people all the time," says Jack. 

In addition, outdoor events like summer concerts, a Pride Parade, a summer solstice celebration, and a Fall Fun Fest allow residents to unwind and enjoy the park-like campus.

Backyard observatory

The half-mile wooded nature trail near the community's Cross Creek Clubhouse is a hidden gem. 

Running along a stream called Herbert's Run and boasting nearly 70 different species of wildflowers and 30 species of trees, the trail is a popular place for residents to get in their steps.

Jack and his wife Peggy live at the head of the nature trail and often watch the wildlife from their living room or outdoor patio. 

"We can walk out on our patio and see all kinds of wildlife, and it's very convenient to just walk over to the lake on campus," says Jack.

Lake Charles is a three-acre, eight-foot-deep, man-made lake stocked with largemouth bass and sunfish. It is home to Charlestown's Black Swan Yacht Club, which uses the lake to race radio-controlled sailboats. 

Preserving nature

To help preserve and protect the campus' natural beauty for future generations, members of the community are committed to being responsible environmental stewards. 

Each year, Charlestown recycles over 280 tons of materials from residents, employee offices, and the Dining Services department. 

"The unique beauty of the community enhances the outdoor activities that residents and employees enjoy," says Mary Evans, community resources manager. "It also contributes to our promise to make good health and well-being a priority."

Worry-free living

For residents like Mary and Jack, one of the greatest advantages of living at Charlestown is being able to enjoy the great outdoors without the responsibility of landscaping or yard work. 

"We are happy we moved," says Jack. "We were living in a two-story Colonial [in Ellicott City, Md.,] with a half-acre to take care of. I had to mow the lawn and shovel the snow. Here, I don't have to do any of that! We just get to enjoy the outdoors."

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