Residents Enjoy the Abundant Green Space at Wind Crest

Before Mary "Jeannie" and Ralph "Moe" Trail moved to Wind Crest, an Erickson Senior Living community in Highlands Ranch, Colo., they lived on a farm just outside Kansas City, Kans. 

So, it should come as no surprise that they were eager to begin exploring the scenic grounds of Wind Crest's 84-acre campus as soon as they settled into their two-bedroom, two-bath residence. 

"Now, we walk all over the community. We take short walks and long walks," says Jeannie. "There's a pond, and last summer, a mother duck raised seven ducklings. We would walk there every day to watch and see how they were doing, and that was fun!" 

She adds, "We also walk along the High Line Canal, and there are a lot of birds, so we birdwatch. We've seen several owls grow up, and there are also raptors, red-tailed hawks, and so many others. In the winter, there are ducks on the pond. It's beautiful."

Green is good

In fact, a growing body of research supports the fact that spending time outdoors results in improved health in older adults--a real benefit for Jeannie, Moe, and their neighbors.

"Being outside has a huge positive impact on your physical, emotional, and mental health," says Associate Executive Director Ashley Cable. "At Wind Crest, we strive to offer a wide range of outdoor activities so residents can connect with their neighbors and soak up the sunshine."

"Just being outside has always revived me mentally," Jeannie says. "When I taught school, I loved having recess duty to get outside for 15 minutes. On our farm, we were used to a lot of space, and walking around here gives us the chance to access that amount of land again!"

Fun in the sun

With a goal of walking five miles each day, Jeannie and Moe note that their favorite fresh air activity is strolling along campus walkways. But the couple participates in many other outdoor endeavors as well. 

Together, they tend to a patch in the community garden. "We grow vegetables that we like to eat in season," says Jeannie.

They also enjoy attending the annual summer concert series held at the outdoor amphitheater on campus. "It's fantastic! They have incredible bands that play concerts throughout the summer. The residents running it look for bands that engage the audience so that they are excited to get up and dance," says Jeannie. 

"We don't miss it!" adds Moe. 

Wind Crest also offers outdoor exercises classes, such as yoga and tai chi, and some groups even stage tournaments for bocce, horseshoes, and cornhole outside.

"Our pickleball courts are very popular," adds Cable, "as are the putting greens and disc golf."

Environmental stewards

To preserve and protect the community they are proud to call home, residents work with staff members on several environmental initiatives. 

"Our Sustainability Committee works with the Resident Advisory Council to give us ideas for how we can have more green efforts at Wind Crest," says Cable. "As a result, we have a pollinator garden with walking paths that has become a kind of outdoor retreat space. There's also a Veterans' Memorial as well as a Legacy Garden, with memorial bricks and benches. They are all nice places for reflection, meditation, and walking." 

She adds, "Residents have also led recycling efforts throughout the years. They partner with their neighbors, their building, and their neighborhood to have drives throughout the year."

Wind Crest has also invested in its outdoor amenities over the years to enhance residents' vibrant lifestyle. For example, the dog park, Cable notes, was upgraded in 2023 to include new shading structures, a bigger entrance for dogs, and new benches.

Dining alfresco

Another popular activity at Wind Crest is outdoor dining at two of the community's restaurants.

"Carter's and Windows have outdoor patios," says Cable. "We also host an outdoor Summer Barbecue Series, where there's a weekly barbecue on different patios throughout the community."

"Whenever we can dine outside, we do," says Jeannie, both at campus restaurants and on their own patio.

They also appreciate the opportunity to socialize with their neighbors--whether at dinner, during activities, or as they are out and about in the community.

"The people here are so interesting! They've always got something to talk about," says Moe.

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