Nature-rich and wellness-focused, the community of Walsh provides an integrative, active lifestyle for each man, woman, and child.
From the very beginning, the planners of Walsh approached the community’s design with a thoughtfulness that encourages engagement with both residents’ neighbors and the world at large.
“We were always looking for an opportunity to get families off the couch and away from the TV and spend quality time in nature,” says Tony Ruggeri, the co-CEO of Republic Property Group, Walsh’s developer. “We want families to get to know each other in a dynamic environment that captures their attention.”
With this goal in mind, an innovative playground, beautifully designed athletic club, and a resort-style public pool are just three of the amenities slated for residents in 2018.
Theater Park & The Imagination Playground
Because natural play is so crucial for any developing child, some of the top experts in the business, including notable architect David Rockwell, and Hart Howerton urban environment principal Paul Milana embraced a hybrid mind philosophy as they designed the space within Theater Park, the third of 3 iconic parks in Walsh’s first phase.
“When he planned the community, the way the topography works there’s a natural bowl shape,” says Ruggeri of the area’s name. “The lots and homes surrounding it bend up into the hillside like theater seats looking down on the park.”
The crown jewel of the Park is the musical playground. Created to indulge all the senses, a, jungle gym is accented by interactive “Easter Eggs” that unlock surprises such as musical instruments buried within the play structures.
As Walsh’s smallest residents whiz down the in-ground slide, take a trip on the 100-foot zip line or engineer structures from giant foam blocks (Rockwell’s Imagination Playground – one of 2 sets in the neighborhood), they inadvertently activate the principles of Camp Fire, developing their imaginations as they indulge in play.
A crucial element of the park’s design may be its most obvious facility, one overlooked in far too many public spaces.
“We introduced a restroom into the park for the first time,” says Ruggeri. “When you have kids, if you have to keep going back to your house it limits your ability to spend an uninterrupted afternoon in the park. Having this facility unlocks more free time to spend with your family.”
The Walsh Athletic Club
Not your typical “open 24-hours a day” fitness center, the 10,000-square-foot Walsh Athletic Club was created to be equally functional and easy on the eye.
Says Republic Property Group marketing director Travis Selcer, “We wanted to make it feel like it wasn’t a gym, so we researched classic architecture styles and pulled in elements we thought were beautiful. “
Arched windows, an expansive foyer, and vaulted ceilings came from a surprising inspiration—namely, antique fruit storage buildings found across Europe. The space suffused with natural light is ideally suited for a workout that consists of dynamic free movements.
Instead of cluttering the weight area with giant machines, residents are encouraged to use free weights, do pull-ups and utilize ball workouts. An electrostatic glass that can darken with the flip of a switch separates the main gym from a multi-use movement studio so that residents can spin, stretch or catch up on cardio in complete privacy.
Amenities here include marble locker rooms and showers, towel service and kids club for busy moms and dads. A six-lane junior Olympic pool, tennis and basketball courts and a sand volleyball court accent the outside grounds, completing the facilities’ luxurious feel.
The Resort Pool
The last amenity of the trio, the outdoor pool is slated to open by the beginning of the summer season, A relaxing getaway within the community environs, the resort-style pool is surrounded by ten covered cabanas plus chairs made for lounging. From its shaded baby pool to its gently sloping beach-style entry, the entire area will be manned by licensed lifeguards. Adorned with a tree that rains down water, a swim-up island is a refuge for bathers on a sweltering day.
Says Ruggeri, “There are also water cannons so that kids can conquer the island—they love controlling areas, so it will be a fun command post for them.”
An open space accented with picnic tables allows food trucks to drive in and park, assuring residents will have a day-long vacation spot within walking distance of their home street.
