Bustling community ensures residents remain active and engaged
Cedar Crest residents and pickleball enthusiasts Michael Southwell (left) and Joe Bergen enjoy a game on the court. Note: Photo taken prior to COVID-19 infection prevention measures. (Written by Kate Streit)
Retirement offers time to indulge in hobbies and live life to the fullest. At Cedar Crest, an Erickson Living-managed retirement community in Pequannock, N.J., the abundance of amenities, groups, and activities means there are as many ways to enjoy life as there are residents. Here, it’s easy to remain connected, engaged, and healthy in body and mind.
“An active lifestyle and access to amenities are two of the top reasons our residents find Cedar Crest a great place to call home,” says Executive Director Todd DeLaney. “There’s a strong sense of community on campus, and there are plenty of opportunities to make friends, be social, learn, and have fun.”
The 130-acre campus features three clubhouses with amenities that make everyday life both easier and more interesting, including a fitness center, medical center, all-season pool, creative arts studio, computer lab, salon and barber shop, resident-run library, and resident-run TV studio.
Convenience and culture
Residents can access these facilities just steps outside their front doors, meaning they never even need to leave home base to take advantage. However, when they do decide to go exploring, Cedar Crest is also ideally located to easily enjoy the surrounding area. Close to Route 23 and I-287 in Pompton Plains, the community is a short drive from a variety of restaurants, shopping, and entertainment options. For a quick getaway, Crystal Springs Golf Resort and Spa and Mountain Creek Resort and Ski Area are popular nearby attractions.
For those who like to experience the great outdoors, Rockledge Park, Ringwood State Park, and Ramapo Mountains State Forest are all within a 30-minute drive of Cedar Crest.
Fitness, fun, and friendship
There are more than 175 clubs and activities at Cedar Crest, and sports and fitness are popular choices. Whether you’re into yoga, bocce ball, dancing, or tai chi, there’s no shortage of fun ways to break a sweat. If a resident’s choice of activity or sport isn’t available, all they have to do is ask.
As a longtime pickleball enthusiast, when Joe Bergen first moved to Cedar Crest nearly a year and a half ago, one of his first questions was whether the sport was available. Sales Counselor Ruth Phillips told him that while there was currently no pickleball court on campus, staff would be happy to explore the idea. Joe credits Fitness Manager Jennifer Schweizer with putting in the hard work and coordination to get the court installed. Ever since Joe and his wife Mary moved to Cedar Crest in 2018, they’ve been impressed by the staff’s responsiveness to residents’ requests.
“There’s so much to like about Cedar Crest, especially the friendly people we run into,” says Joe. “There is a strong willingness among the staff to listen to residents to accommodate their needs, and pickleball is a great example of that.”
Michael Southwell started playing pickleball about five years ago. When he moved to Cedar Crest in 2019, he was delighted to hear the sport was soon coming to the community.
Picking up on pickleball
Pickleball involves elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis. Three dads from Bainbridge Island off the coast of Seattle are credited with coming up with the game in 1965 as a fun diversion for their bored kids in the summertime. What began as a family game played mostly in backyards has evolved into a sport that is enjoyed by casual players and serious competitors alike.
According to a 2019 report from the Sports & Fitness Industry Association, pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports in the U.S., with 3.3 million players. As an active person who likes to keep fit, Michael enjoys pickleball for the workout as well as the social aspect and the new friends he’s made playing the sport. In addition to playing twice weekly for a bit over an hour, he also runs five miles most days. You can also catch him playing table tennis or a round of pool in Cedar Crest’s billiards and games room.
Michael was recently elected to the Resident Advisory Council, which serves as a liaison between residents and staff. He’s looking forward to participating and having another venue to get to know his neighbors.
To learn more about Cedar Crest’s vibrant retirement lifestyle, visit CedarCrestCommunity.com.
About Cedar Crest: Cedar Crest, one of 20 continuing care retirement communities managed by Erickson Living®, is situated on a scenic 130-acre campus in Pompton Plains, New Jersey. The not-for-profit community of more than 1,800 residents and 1,000 employees is governed by its own board of directors, affiliated with National Senior Campuses, Inc., who provide independent financial and operational oversight of the community. Additional information about Cedar Crest can be found at CedarCrestCommunity.com.
