Community life continues to bloom at Arden, South Florida’s only “agrihood” and among the few places in the country to feature a farm as a central component to community life. The master-planned community in western Palm Beach County recently added John Thompson to serve as Community Manager. With residents now moved into their beautiful new homes and more families visiting each week, he will be responsible for welcoming and supporting all current and prospective homeowners.
Thompson brings to Arden extensive experience in community association management, previously serving as general manager of a property owners association in Georgia, executive director of an association in South Carolina and general manager of an outdoor resort in Long Key, FL. He additionally served as vice chair and chairman of the Community Associations Institute’s National Large-Scale Managers Committee and South Carolina’s Legislative Action Committee. He earned his associate’s degree in agriculture and bachelor’s degree in business entrepreneurship from Ferrum College, and a master’s degree in project management from The Citadel.
“Arden is by far one of the most exciting new communities being developed in Florida, with new thinking and the best of everything. I’m looking forward to putting down roots here and managing the day-to-day operations,” said Thompson. “With my professional experience and personal interest in agriculture, this is a dream job for me.”
Developed to promote healthy living, community engagement and a connection to the great outdoors, Arden will eventually include 2,000 homes that will back up to a community green space, including parks, playfields, greenways, nature trails or lakes. The scenic property features 20 miles of expertly mapped walking and biking trails; a central lake for fishing, kayaking or canoeing; parks; playfields; a two-story recreation center; and a five-acre working farm and event barn.
Arden’s focus on healthy living is enhanced by its farm and event barn. Under the direction of two skilled Farm Directors, the five-acre parcel will produce tropical fruits, vegetables and herbs to be shared among residents. The farm will also feature an event barn where residents can gather for seasonal themed events, market days and classes on a range of topics, from organic gardening to flower arranging to healthy cooking. Residents can also dig into the experience by participating in volunteer days and farm tours. Now underway, the farm and barn are expected to open later this year.
The heart of recreational activity at Arden will be the gracious two-story clubhouse, complete with a resort-style pool that cascades over two levels. The peaceful upper pool and spa are surrounded by private cabanas for those who want some quiet time, while the lower pool offers water play areas perfectly suited for families. There will also be plenty of separate indoor and outdoor gathering spaces for all ages to enjoy.
The upper level of the clubhouse will have an inviting Wi-Fi café serving coffees, lattes, juice and grab-and-go food items, including frozen treats; meeting and event rooms; and an outdoor, covered patio with a fireplace. The lower level will include a large fitness room and a private exercise studio with Wellbeats™ virtual trainers on demand.
Freehold Communities is the visionary development team behind Arden and is currently developing over 10,000 residential lots in Texas, Tennessee, North Carolina, California and Florida.
Arden is located at 19425 Southern Boulevard just west of the new Palm Beach State College campus and Publix shopping center. The impressive collection of top-quality homebuilders at the 1,200-acre master-planned community includes Ryan Homes, Lennar, Kennedy Homes and Kenco Communities. Between the four builders, there are more than 20 innovative floor plans to choose from in a wide range of sizes, styles and design. For more information, please visit www.ArdenFL.com