Masterplanned community Elara at Marsden Park in Sydney’s north west has launched a new kind of mums and bubs group, bringing the youngest and the oldest residents together for a catch up every fortnight.
Stockland’s Aspire at Elara is a purpose-built neighbourhood for over 55’s who want to downsize from the big family home but are seeking an alternative to moving into an apartment or a traditional retirement living village.
Unlike traditional retirement living, it is structured under community title, with all costs paid upfront and residents retain all capital gains and complete ownership of their home and land.
Playgroup numbers continue to grow significantly, both with Elara residents and the broader community more generally, and now sees upwards of 70 participants including children at each session.
This is a prime example of the many benefits of living in a master planned community, creating opportunities for intergenerational socialisation according to Stockland’s Calum Ross, Regional Development Manager for NSW & ACT.
Calum says “that’s really what we’re all about at Stockland. We want to create highly liveable and connected communities that offer our residents the option to be as social and active as they choose”. He adds “socialisation of this kind has a positive impact on not only general wellbeing, including one’s mental and physical health, but also helps to break down feelings of isolation and depression.”
Amanda Schultz, playgroup organiser and resident at Stockland’s Elara, said “I think it really benefits everyone involved to have such a range of age in participants. I know for my kids, I love that my eldest is able to chat with older residents who may have interesting life stories or new insights on the world.”
“For the retirees, it’s a chance to socialise with some children and babies which they might not often get a chance to do” she said.
Those interested in joining the playground can visit https://www.stockland.com.au/residential/nsw/elara/news-and-events/elara-parents-group for more information.
