QUALITY IMPROVEMENT
Sunshine, Smiles, and Snacks: O
utdoor dining spaces are must- haves in today’s senior living communities. Residents can use
them throughout the day to enjoy a meal, chat with friends or watch a game of bocce. From a programming perspective, they of- fer ideal seasonal venues for cocktail hours, barbecues, ice cream socials and even out- door movie nights. “They are the single most popular space
in a community,” said Schelley Hollyday, principal at senior living consulting firm The Hollyday Group. “Residents love them, but there are some very specific design fea- tures that need to be there, or they won’t use them.” Paramount among these is protection
from the sun, wind, and rain. Her firm rec- ommends locating outdoor dining areas in a sheltered spot such as a covered porch or patio. If that’s not feasible, covered the seat- ing area with extra-large patio umbrellas. Ideally, the dining patio will have level pav-
ing and comfortable yet sturdy seating and will be located next to an indoor restaurant or bistro. “Make it as inviting and comfort- able as possible and make it easy for residents to get to and use,” said Jeffrey Anderzhon, senior architect at Eppstein Uhen Architects. At Watercrest Winter Park, a new luxury
assisted living and memory care commu- nity in Florida, the outdoor dining area is in a manicured garden just off the main restaurant. The grill and portable kitchen equipment will be used during programmed events to offer grilled fish, meats, and vegetables along with salads and desserts. During the hotter days of summer, a pool- side seating area will be used for serving light appetizers and fruit mocktails. “We’ll take advantage of the comfortable weather during spring and fall months for
26 SENIOR LIVING EXECUTIVE MARCH/APRIL 2020 Hoppmann Group
the residents to enjoy scheduled events, but they are welcome to enjoy outdoor dining every day,” said Whitney Lane, senior vice president of operations at Watercrest Senior Living. Memory care residents have their own garden courtyard where they can enjoy similar events in a secure environment. An attractive setting with interesting
features adds more appeal. At Aspire at Belmont Bay, a resort-style community under construction in Woodbridge, Va., the outdoor dining patio faces a parklike landscaped area with a large lawn, bocce court, shade trees, a pergola, and a wooded border beyond.
In urban areas, rooftop dining spaces can
be enhanced with planters, water features and unobtrusive railings that allow residents to enjoy the view while seated. With thought to design, outdoor dining
spaces can be the most popular gathering spots on campus. They offer a healthy com- bination of sunlight, fresh air, and socializa- tion necessary to resident well-being. “Outdoor spaces are critical to the quality
of life for seniors,” said Anderzhon. “It’s important to think about them as you’re designing the community and not just con- sider them an add-on. They need to have as much attention to detail and design as the indoor spaces.”
The Appeal of Outdoor Dining Spaces By Cynthia Bombach
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