SeniorScapes Update

Dear Friends,

It's that time each year where I recap the progress that SENIORSCAPES INC has made toward developing the first holistic senior park in Maryland, if not the country.

Firstly, YES, I'm still at it. Twelve years ago, I began this little project and have been slowly chipping away at the barriers and financial hurdles that have been unduly challenging for an ignorant and impecunious novice in the fundraising/park development space. I’ve learned a great deal about many things required for park enhancement from geotechnical engineering and sediment control to the environmental considerations of the Delaware Tribal Nation. But as with most worthy challenges, the process has taught me even more about myself in terms of humility, resilience, and determination… and pride, because it indeed stands tall in the face of failure. I am oddly grateful for all of it, as well as the wisdom that comes with twelve years of biological aging, because I think I’m well on my way to finally figuring out how to bring big ideas to life. Finally.

But that’s enough about me…

The current status is this: SENIORSCAPES INC , in partnership with the Asbury Foundation , has raised nearly half of the funds needed to build the $500,000+ park. We’ve received a grant from the Delaplaine Foundation, Inc. (thank you!), funds from the Asbury Foundation, and monies from private donations. We have applied for a CDBG grant from the City of Frederick and grants from other non-profit organizations. Fingers crossed, we’ll have the park fully funded (and built!) in 2024.

I am eternally grateful for the support shown by the Frederick community, the rocket fuel provided by J.D. Shuman, CFRE and the Asbury Foundation, the dedication of the SS BOD, and the consistent way my friends and family have literally kept the lights on, year over year, one dollar at a time.

Know this, folks. I will never abandon this project. Not because of fundraising challenges, bureaucracy, or the tiresome passage of time. If I’m quiet on the social media front, it’s because flood plain surveys and the square footage of impervious surfaces just aren't that exciting. But please know that this stone gathers no moss. We’re always rolling!

Of course, if you like to donate and help speed this process up, you can do so at https://www.asbury.org/foundation/ or at https://seniorscapes.org/ .

It’s not only a worthy cause, it’s also a head-scratching “why didn’t we do this a long time ago” no-brainer. Older adults, and future older adults like you and me, deserve this investment in our community, our health, and our futures.

Roll on!

Sue