Residents Enjoy the Abundant Green Space at Riderwood

Nestled on 120 acres of enviable green space, Riderwood, an Erickson Senior Living community in Silver Spring, Md., offers unbeatable access to dozens of outdoor amenities that encourage activity and connection. 

Whether competing on a bocce team, dining alfresco, tending to a community garden patch, or taking a leisurely stroll along campus walkways, the opportunity to enjoy the fresh air in a secure, serene environment is just one of the many benefits of living at the popular community.

Ways to engage

Riderwood's pickleball group has seen membership grow from 20 to almost 100 active members over the last several years, illustrating the growing number of residents interested in spending time outdoors. 

"I've found that all Riderwood resident groups are receptive to new members, and the pickleball club is very involved in encouraging people to come out and try," says Cynthia "Cynnie" Hood, president of the pickleball club. 

"We provide everything but the shoes. We also offer lessons at both beginner and intermediate levels," she adds.

"The best part about the group are the numerous chances to socialize. We host group dinners, parties, and welcome receptions so new members can meet each other. More than anything, we like to have fun!"

Other popular outdoor activities include bocce, gardening, birdwatching, and walking throughout the beautifully landscaped campus. Cynnie enjoys walking her dog DotCom frequently.

"There are lots of residents here with dogs. Each walk is an opportunity to spend time with neighbors or meet someone new," she says.

New additions

This spring, Riderwood unveiled the community's new outdoor activity complex, complete with an equipment storage area. It also houses the relocated putting green and driving range. 

This new addition follows on the heels of the six new pickleball courts completed in 2023 and the meditation garden added in 2024. 

"The meditation garden is the perfect spot for communing with nature and finding serenity. It's very peaceful," says Resident Life Director Fiona Divecha. 

For resident foodies, both the Blue Heron Pub at Lakeside Commons and Wye Oak Bistro at Town Center offer alfresco dining in the warmer months. And later this year, a new grilling station for residents will open outside of Montgomery Station.

"All of our outdoor amenities and activities promote a vibrant lifestyle," says Divecha. "There is so much research on how spending time outside keeps you healthy--how simply surrounding yourself with greenery can make a difference." 

Fun in the sun

Taking advantage of Riderwood's bucolic backdrop and amenities, Divecha and her team organize a variety of outdoor events, including the popular spring carnival. With more than 400 residents, employees, family members, and friends in attendance every year, it's one of the largest events on campus. 

"It's so much fun for everyone, and it's a great chance to enjoy time together as a community," she says. "The live band--playing all the classics--is a big hit, as are the activities and games for the kids."

Celebrating the seasons

In the fall, everyone looks forward to the annual Harvest Festival featuring a live band, food trucks, a petting zoo, a cupcake contest, and fall favorites like donuts and cider. 

"Spending time outdoors is important to our residents. It's our goal to offer a wide range of opportunities to do just that," says Divecha. 

Residents also prioritize the preservation of 120-acre campus they proudly call home. Recently, the Resident Advisory Council created a new committee--called the Environmental Coalition at Riderwood--to bring together the efforts of 12 groups dedicated to creating a more sustainable world.

"As a group, we declared 2025 as 'Earth Year,'" says Karen Douglas, committee chair. "Rather than a single day, taking care of our environment is an ongoing commitment."

Sustaining their community

A variety of communitywide efforts, including a composting program for food scraps, electronics and plastics recycling, repurposing items through the Treasure Chest resale store, monthly films and discussions on sustainability, and an environmental book club, are just some of the many ways 

Riderwood residents work to protect the environment. 

"Our goal, as a committee, is to suggest and incorporate earth-friendly actions the entire community can embrace," explains Karen. 

"Riderwood is a beautiful place to live, and we want to do our part to protect our home," she says.

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