Oak Crest Celebrates 30 Years While Looking to the Future

Happy 30th anniversary, Oak Crest! As the Erickson Senior Living community in Parkville, Md., celebrates three decades of vibrant living, staff members and residents alike are taking time to reflect on the tremendous growth and evolution that Oak Crest has enjoyed.

At the same time, the community is looking ahead with a wide range of future-oriented investments designed to support both current and future residents.

"We are moving the needle in the senior living industry with the modern look and feel of our campus, the way we have incorporated and upgraded technology throughout the community, and our exclusive Signature Dining program. In addition, we are continually looking for ways to improve," says Executive Director Mark Roussey. "We are very excited for the future."

Good investment
Throughout the last thirty years, Oak Crest has been the place for people who want a vital, engaged retirement lifestyle, by offering more amenities, activities, and resources than ever.

Over the last few years alone, Erickson Senior Living's multimillion-dollar investment in support of the addition of enhanced amenities and services has resulted in some of Oak Crest's most notable upgrades, including a complete makeover of the Crestview Station clubhouse.

The project, the fruition of years of planning and development, was informed by ideas and feedback from current and prospective Oak Crest residents.

These renovations include a new reception lobby, media lounge, group fitness space, upgraded dental suite, games room, creative arts studio, on-site hair salon, and the addition of a bar and lounge area leading to the full-service dining venue, the Oak Room.

In addition, the Acorn Pub was expanded to include a new patio area, providing residents with a comfortable outdoor space. State-of-the-art access points were also installed to enhance internet access throughout the clubhouse.

Other updates throughout the campus include the addition of a CVS Pharmacy® retail store, a zero-entry swimming pool and jacuzzi, and Friendship Park, an outdoor social space featuring a fountain, two bocce courts, and a putting green.

Upgraded designs
Oak Crest has also been working to modernize many of the original homes on campus.

"The most sought-after floor plans were once studio and one-bedroom residences," says Sales Director Dan Plakatoris. "In recent years, the trend has been toward larger open spaces. We responded by converting over 100 of our one-bedroom layouts into two-bedroom designs with open floor plans."

Vibrant lifestyle
These investments are attracting even more new residents to the community.

Carol Speargas, who moved to Oak Crest in 2023, has enjoyed making the most of these refreshed amenities and activities.

"The first time I visited the campus, there was so much going on. There were people out socializing and activities taking place. I liked the idea of living in a larger community where there are many different people and a lot of things to do," says Carol.  

Easy access
While Oak Crest has witnessed much change over the last three decades, the community's appealing atmosphere remains unchanged.

"There is so much to do here. We really like the fact that everything is connected and you can get to the pool, the restaurants--anything you want without going outside," says Mary "Eileen" Esposito, who moved to Oak Crest with her husband Paul in 2019.

Both Paul and Eileen exercise in the on-site fitness center. Eileen volunteers with the Oak Crest Welcoming Committee and the Balloon Fairies, a group organized to gift residents with birthday balloons. Paul is a member of the Coin Club, the Garden Club, and plays pinochle and tennis.

"It's amazing how many people you get to know when you join the clubs here. We have made a lot of good friends that way," says Paul.

Words of advice
Paul, Eileen, and Carol are among hundreds of community members ready to honor three decades of growth and change with a host of upcoming special events and celebrations, including a 30th anniversary-themed gala, golf tournament, and fall carnival.  

As residents celebrate, the sales team continues to meet with a record number of retirees--all eager to embrace the Oak Crest lifestyle.

"Oak Crest is continually making updates and improvements while always doing things that make life better here," says Paul. "I think it's one of the things that keeps people coming to the community."

He continues, "And the administration supports the residents and is responsive to our needs. They really do a great job!"

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