In recent years, leading a happier, healthier lifestyle has become more important than ever. People are looking for ways to relax, de-stress and make fitness-focused decisions for both themselves and their families. Naturally, one of the first places to start will be at home with health and wellness being a key trend in home design. However, a healthy environment doesn’t have to stop at the front door. For residents living in a planned community, they have an opportunity to get out, get active and get connected with the neighborhood around them. This provides developers an excellent chance to outfit the community with bonus features that will provide value to health-conscious residents without significantly raising costs.
Here are five ways your community can create opportunities for health, wellness and community interaction that your residents will adore without straining your budget.
1. Develop a self-guided community tour.
There are few things more relaxing and beneficial for staying fit than a nice stroll through the neighborhood, which is why well-kept walking trails are consistently one of the highest-valued amenities for any community. Whether solo or with the family, exploring the area allows residents to see everything your community has to offer, while also providing chances to meet the neighbors. To add a bit of excitement and education to a neighborhood walk, consider adding small signs, exhibits or even a scavenger hunt detailing local plants, wildlife and historical features of the community. Providing an extra level of interaction and education can create a more fulfilling experience and create a greater sense of unity and pride between residents and their homes, which can be a vital part of building a strong planned community.
2. Create an oasis at the hydration stations.
From the hardest weekend workouts to a simple walk around the block, there is one wellness rule that is always worth remembering: stay hydrated.
For residents that are out enjoying everything your community has to offer, a spot to catch their breath, refill their water bottles, and even fill up a bowl for their four-legged friends can be a welcome sight in the middle of a hot day. In addition to providing a way to stay safe in the summer sun, placing hydration stations at key points in your community can also provide a chance for residents to meet and interact.
3. Unlock the power of pedals with a bike-sharing program.
Why walk when you can ride?
In addition to making your community walkable and accessible, creating a bike-share program within your community is another fantastic way to get your residents out and about. Not only can this provide a heart-healthy way to navigate the community and provide another spot where neighbors can get to know each other, but it can also cut down on noise and traffic in the neighborhood.
4. Have a brain-building blast.
When considering the world of health and wellness, it’s vital to remember that exercise and physical fitness are only half the battle. Keeping your brain engaged can be just as important as a set of pushups or a morning jog. With this in mind, creating events centered around relaxing, but stimulating mental activities can be highly beneficial for your community. Whether it’s a series of poetry nights or art therapy sessions encouraging your residents to express themselves, jam nights with all of the musicians in your community, or even a board game night, providing fun and engaging experiences can give your residents a chance to unwind and settle in after a long day.
5. Create a community cookbook.
Nothing brings together a community like good home cooking, and chances are that many of your residents will have a recipe that they are especially proud of. Compiling the healthiest recipes and sharing them with the community as a whole, with credit to the chef, can foster a sense of camaraderie while providing your residents with a chance to add something new and unique to their dinner rotation. In addition, the release of this cookbook on your community’s blog or website could coincide with a community cookout, providing residents a chance to try all of the culinary masterpieces their neighbors have made.
Wick Marketing specializes in residential real estate and bringing communities to life. Please reach out to Barbara Wray at barbara@wickmarketing.com or (512) 564-4289 to learn more about how Wick can support your community’s success.
