Community life continues to grow 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 Amy Blackman to serve as Community Manager. With nearly 100 residents now moved into the community and more families closing on their new homes each week, she will be responsible for establishing positive relationships and supporting all homeowners with their HOA needs.
Blackman brings to Arden extensive experience in recreation management, previously serving as recreation superintendent of the City of Boynton Beach and recreation supervisor for the City of West Palm Beach. She is a licensed Community Association Manager, a certified parks and recreation professional, an American Red Cross instructor trainer and certified in Lean Six Sigma, a business program that helps improve processes within an organization.
An active member of the community, Blackman founded the Treasure Coast Chapter of the National Drowning Prevention Coalition and currently volunteers for the YMCA of South Palm Beach County and Manatee Elementary School in Lake Worth. She previously served on the drowning prevention task force for WaterSmart Palm Beach County and on the covenant enforcement committee for the Lake Charleston HOA.
Blackman is a native of Strongsville, Ohio, and earned her bachelor’s degree in recreation from Bowling Green State University.
“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 digging in and managing the day-to-day operations of this unique farm community,” said Blackman.
Developed to promote healthy living, community engagement and a connection to the great outdoors, Arden will include 2,000 homes that 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 an expansive Great Lawn that is regularly programmed with events and activities by Arden’s full-time Lifestyle Director.
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.
The heart of recreational activity at Arden will be the two-story Lakehouse, complete with two resort-style pools. The upper-level Tranquil Pool and spa are surrounded by private cabanas for those who want some quiet time, while the lower-level 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, smoothies, juice and grab-and-go food items; 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.
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.
Arden is located at 660 Arden Lake Way, Wellington, FL 33470, just west of the new Palm Beach State College campus and Publix shopping center on Southern Blvd. For more information, please visit www.ArdenFL.com