Highland Springs Celebrates 20 Years!

Highland Springs, an Erickson Senior Living community in North Dallas, Tex., is celebrating 20 years! To commemorate this milestone, exciting events and activities will be held throughout September.

The fun kicks off with a Western-themed community picnic and hayride, followed by a Roaring Twenties-themed happy hour in the new Pegasus Lounge. Celebrations will continue with an Elton John tribute band and a special, elegant dinner.

While Highland Springs has grown and evolved over the years, one aspect remains the same--the vibrant, social atmosphere, which continues to help residents thrive. Fittingly, the theme for these anniversary celebrations is "Twenty Years of Vibrant Living: Our Legacy, Our Story."

Impressive growth

Construction began on the 89-acre community soon after the official groundbreaking in Spring 2005. In September 2006, Highland Springs opened to much excitement--just ask "pioneer" resident Shirley Crawford, one of the first retirees to move to the community.

"We were here early, ready to go," Shirley recalls. "We moved in at eight in the morning!"

Shirley and her late husband moved into a two-bedroom, two-bath home with a patio in Crestview Terrace, the community's first residence building.

"When we moved in, there was just one neighborhood, with Crestview Terrace and the Hillcrest Clubhouse," she says. "They were just starting the foundation of Springdale Vista, the next residence building."

Highland Springs now includes 11 residence buildings and three clubhouses in addition to eight dining venues, a fitness and aquatics center, a pickleball court, and dozens of clubs for residents to pursue their interests.

A realized vision

Sales Director Christina Christie was one of the first staff members to join Highland Springs.

"I started my career with Erickson Senior Living at Brooksby Village, a community in Peabody, Mass.," says Christie. "When I transferred to Highland Springs in 2005, I joined the sales team as a sales counselor. The community and I have experienced a lot of growth since then."

For Sales Manager Lauren Rozdilsky, her first job out of college in 2005 was with the sales team.

"It's been incredibly rewarding to watch the community grow from the very beginning," Rozdilsky says. "Now, seeing all the buildings filled with life, relationships, and stories--it's pretty special. We've been able to see firsthand how this community has grown not just in size, but in the exceptional experience we create for residents every day."

Christie notes that Eagle's Trace, another Erickson Senior Living community in West Houston, Tex., had only opened about a year before Highland Springs. To help prospective residents learn more about the vibrant lifestyle that awaited them at Highland Springs, the sales team created educational resources.

"When the sales team formed, we had a virtual tour of the community that we would show to prospective residents," recalls Rozdilsky. "We were selling a vision of a vibrant retirement community."

Home sweet home

For pioneer residents like Shirley, that vision has truly come to life. Two decades later, Shirley is still enjoying her home and a busy calendar at Highland Springs.

From using the fitness and aquatics center to serving on Resident Advisory Council committees and running several bridge groups, she is always out and about.

Having dining venues just steps from her home is a big plus. "I love my neighborhood restaurant, Chisolm's," she notes.

But Shirley says the best part of her time at Highland Springs is the friendships she's made.

"When people move in, they know they'll make friends. But what you might not expect is making really close friends--people you can depend upon if you need a hand," she explains.

Looking ahead

Anniversary events aren't slowing down anytime soon! In mid-September, pioneer residents will be honored with a luncheon and reception.

Celebrations will conclude later in the month with an antique car parade around the community, thanks to the Frisco Car Club, followed by a sock-hop party with a DJ and ice cream floats.

Shirley has enjoyed watching the community she loves grow and evolve, and celebrating this milestone with neighbors and staff members makes it even more special.

"We all say that we're very blessed to be living here!" she says.

To learn more about independent senior living, request your free brochure to get the scoop on amenities, floor plans, and much more.

By Susan Ingram