Gardens of Wilbraham Opens Clubhouse

WILBRAHAM — Community residents, business representatives, and local dignitaries applauded recently as Joseph DellaPuca, general manager of the Gardens of Wilbraham; Jack Galanek, the facility’s marketing manager; David Barry, chairman of the Wilbraham Board of Selectmen; and Richard Butler, member of the Wilbraham Planning Board, officially cut the ribbon at the Clubhouse, the 12,000-square-foot community hub of the Gardens.

Following the ribbon cutting, attorney Joyce Rockwell, on behalf of state Rep. Gale Candaras, read a proclamation from the Commonwealth offering the Gardens its “sincere congratulations” on its official opening. Following the proclamation, Barry, Butler, and Terry Nelson, a former Wilbraham selectman and current resident of the Gardens, recognized the facility as an attractive option for residents age 55 and over, and commended the developers for selecting Wilbraham as the location for this community.

Located on a wooded hillside overlooking the Pioneer Valley, the Gardens offers one- and two-bedroom homes, with an attached one- or two-car garage, along with the option for a second-floor loft or finished basement. The first of the Gardens’ four phases includes 36 homes; 50{06cf2b9696b159f874511d23dbc893eb1ac83014175ed30550cfff22781411e5} of these have been sold, and many homeowners have already moved in. When completed, the Gardens will have more than 200 homes.

The Gardens is considered a “service-enriched” community, and if residents need health care services, they will be available. Additionally, on-site, 24-hour staffing and a personal alert system are included with each home purchase. Local transportation will also be scheduled to bring residents to the region’s many activities and events.

The Clubhouse is the focal point of the Gardens; it has a heated outdoor pool, indoor spa, fitness center, wellness center, library, computer room, great room with widescreen TV, and kitchen and dining facilities for catered events. The Clubhouse will also feature tennis courts and a putting green.

The Gardens of Wilbraham broke ground in July 2005, and DellaPuca was named general manager in October 2005. He has more than 10 years of experience in managing all aspects of retirement communities and has graduate degrees in Hospital Administration and Public Health.

“I’m honored to be part of the Gardens,” he said. “The Wilbraham community has been incredibly supportive, and I look forward to the Gardens becoming the area’s preferred choice for individuals who are looking for a comprehensive, vital, and high-quality adult living environment.”

The 70-acre property is being developed by Athena Communities of Southington, Conn.; Saloomey Construc-tion of Otis; and Valley Planning of East Longmeadow. For more information about the Gardens of Wilbraham, visit the Clubhouse at 2301 Boston Road, Wilbraham, visit online by logging ontowww.thegardensofwilbraham.com.