I recently read a heartwarming article about Three Crowns Park, a continuing care retirement community (CCRC) in Evanston, Illinois, and their long-standing relationship with the children’s summer sports camp across the street. Historically, when camp ended each day, the children walked over to Three Crowns to enjoy ice cream with the community’s residents at the on-site restaurant. That simple tradition created meaningful intergenerational connections that delighted residents, campers, and staff alike.
When COVID-19 disrupted that routine, Three Crowns adapted. This summer they reimagined the gatherings to keep everyone safe: instead of indoor ice cream socials, children and residents met outdoors and enjoyed individually wrapped frozen treats. Residents maintained distancing and followed health protocols—especially important since children under 12 were not yet eligible for vaccination—yet many residents said they still treasured hearing the children’s laughter and watching them savor their treats.
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Sharing the outdoors
Intergenerational programs offer real benefits—companionship, purpose, and mutual joy—and the Three Crowns example raises a broader question: how can other retirement communities rethink their often-extensive properties to serve the surrounding community? Many CCRCs possess underused outdoor acreage that could serve as a community resource, especially as urban and suburban areas face increasing pressure on public space.
Imagine CCRCs making sections of their grounds available for neighborhood events such as small festivals, kids’ carnivals, farmers’ markets, outdoor exercise classes, youth sports practices, or camping-style programs. Some of these properties occupy scenic parcels—lakesides, woodlands, or open fields—that could suit a range of safe, supervised community activities. In many locales, youth teams and community groups struggle to find suitable practice or event space; CCRCs can help fill that gap.
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Opening doors makes better use of a CCRC’s indoor spaces
Indoor space in CCRCs is another underutilized asset. Lap pools could host youth swim practices during off-peak hours. Fitness centers might be available to freelance trainers or small group classes a few days a week. Multipurpose rooms with stages could host community art exhibits, concerts, theater productions, fundraisers, or local club events—often through separate entrances that keep campus access controlled.
Libraries and conference rooms are ideal for small meetings, tutoring sessions, remote-work drop-ins, or startup gatherings that need a professional setting now and then. As remote work continues for many people, occasional access to a quiet meeting room is increasingly valuable.
The chapel, too, is a logical spot for community religious study groups, guest speakers, or small cultural events. Commercial kitchens inside CCRCs could support cooking classes or pop-up events led by local chefs. Thoughtful scheduling and clear policies can allow these spaces to serve neighbors without disrupting daily life for residents.
>> Related: Bon Appetit: CCRCs Opening Their Dining Facilities to the Public
Open-door partnerships benefit all
Allowing community use of CCRC spaces doesn’t necessarily mean the retirement community must run every program. Instead, partnering with local organizations can bring in new faces, ideas, and opportunities that enrich resident life. Residents may enjoy guest speakers, cultural performances, or fresh intergenerational friendships—just as Three Crowns residents have built bonds with children who later returned as volunteers.
Opening facilities can also raise public awareness about the retirement community’s services and quality of life, providing natural marketing and outreach without heavy-handed promotion. Visitors see the campus, meet staff, and experience programming first-hand—an organic way to build reputation and community goodwill.
Admittedly, public access requires thoughtful policies, scheduling, and safety measures—especially during a pandemic. But looking ahead, the primary goal is to make better use of available space for the common good. A spirit of openness and service allows CCRCs to give back to their neighborhoods while creating new experiences and meaningful connections for residents. When communities collaborate thoughtfully, everyone benefits.