Residents Enjoy the Abundant Green Space at Oak Crest

While many of us will spend the next few months mowing our lawns and making overdue house repairs, residents at Oak Crest, an Erickson Senior Living community in Parkville, Md., will be enjoying fun activities outdoors on a beautifully landscaped, 85-acre campus--without the responsibility of maintenance. 

"We love it here!" says Patricia "Pat" Harris, who moved to Oak Crest from Kentucky in 2020. "I'm an active person, so I wanted to be in a place that was active and alive. There are so many different things to do. People are always out and about walking, riding bicycles, and playing bocce and Frisbee® golf." 

Whether dining outdoors or tending to plants in the community garden, the opportunity to enjoy the fresh air in a secure, serene environment is just one benefit of living at Oak Crest.

Green is good

In fact, a growing body of research supports the fact that spending time outdoors results in improved health in older adults, which is great news for Oak Crest residents like Patricia. 

Patricia is an avid walker who takes advantage of the one-mile road that loops around the community, and she explores the many trails in the local area for more challenging terrain. 

Resident Ruth Ann Robust, Patricia's good friend and fellow walker, often accompanies her and appreciates that many amenities are on campus, just a short stroll away. 

"You can easily walk from your front door to either Friendship Park or Lake Victoria," says Ruth Ann. "Sometimes, I walk over to Village Square and sit by the turtle pond, where I can get a close look at the fish, frogs, and turtles. My husband and I are big birdwatchers, and we have spotted an osprey, a bald eagle, and even a Canada warbler."

Grandchildren are often spotted feeding the fish and ducks at Oak Crest's Lake Victoria. Wildlife, including deer, squirrels, foxes, geese, ducks, hawks, bluebirds, and woodpeckers, are also attracted to the lake. 

The deck and gazebo overlook the lake, which stretches one acre and reaches depths of three to four feet and are the perfect places to fish. 

In spring, Oak Crest's Blue Heron Yacht Club--a group of model yacht enthusiasts--kick off their sailing season by launching their thirty-one-inch Victoria Racing Class boats onto the tranquil water. 

Amenities galore

For those looking to exercise their green thumb, there is an expansive community garden with in-ground patches and raised planter beds. From aromatic roses to bright red strawberries, residents grow an abundance of flowers, veggies, and fruits. 

Oak Crest is also home to a resident softball team, bocce league, disc golf course, and putting green. Patricia and Ruth Ann are members of the bocce league and play three times a week.

"We have fun! It's a great way to meet new people and make friends," says Ruth Ann. "We are so blessed to have sun shades over the bocce courts so you can play without the sun beating down on you."

The outdoor fire pits are a great place to join friends for a glass of wine after dinner, and grills are available for residents who want to savor summer staples like burgers and dogs.

"We have had "summer nights" gatherings on the Quarry Grill patio during the warmer months and cookouts for Fourth of July where everyone brings a dish. We have also done taco nights under the pavilion and pizza parties," says Ruth Ann. 

The community also boasts outdoor fitness equipment stations and an outdoor meditation area. 

Time for fun and relaxation

Unlike the isolation many older adults experience when living alone in a house, Oak Crest residents benefit from the meaningful experiences and social activities that occur outdoors on the scenic campus they call home. 

"The opportunity to gather with neighbors, family, and friends outdoors is a significant benefit of living at Oak Crest," says Resident Life Manager Dana Huntington-Smith, who plans an array of outdoor activities with her team. 

Special events all year

"Throughout the year, we host a variety of events, including an Earth Day Celebration; a Garden Promenade that highlights our resident gardens; a Party by the Pond featuring entertainment, games, and food; as well as a puppy yoga class held in the courtyard," she says. 

"It's nice to have places to relax outside," adds Ruth Ann. "When it's a nice day, I'll go sit down under the pavilion by the lake or I will grab my book and go sit out in Friendship Park in the shade and read. It's really wonderful." 

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