Fondest Memories Scrapbook
Every day residents are making memories at Marley Park. Here are a few of our favorites:
The annual Turkey Trot features a "Young Pilgrim Dash" with prizes
for the winners!
Arbor Walk Turkey Trot - November 18, 2006
A baseball fan from Marley Park takes in a Spring Training game at the Surprise Stadium.
Spring Training Day - March 10, 2007
Residents show their patriotism and participate in the annual pie bake-off.
Star Spangled Celebration - July 3, 2007
The annual Star Spangled Celebration features fun and games for the whole family!
Star Spangled Celebration - July 3, 2007
Marley Park's Out & About club enjoys a night of dining and intrigue at the Mystery Mansion Dinner Theater in Scottsdale.
Out & About - August 4, 2007
The Shrek Family having fun at the Homestead Harvest Festival.
Marley Park Boo Bash - October 27, 2007
A young resident decorates a picture of Frosty the Snowman at the Heritage Club.
Home for the Holidays - December 8, 2007
The Marley Park Jazzerettes perform at the 3rd Annual Home for the Holidays event.
Home for the Holidays - December 8, 2007
Kick-the-can, hide-and-seek and other games children used to play in neighborhood streets have largely gone by the wayside as families' lifestyles have changed and technology has lured kids inside. At Marley Park, however, getting together with friends outdoors is typical for teens, as they gather to share laughs, solve homework problems and fulfill a competitive spirit. "I love all the different activities for kids in Marley Park," says 13-year-old Carly Ganz, one of the many teens who call Marley Park home.
Kids and teens at Marley Park don't necessarily play kick-the-can, but they're creating their own childhood memories through spontaneous and structured activities.
The Teen Room was established following a focus group comprising approximately 20 pre-teens and teens. The design of the Teen Room was based on the focus group's answers to questions about what games, equipment and decor they would want to see in the room. "When I look at the Teen Room now, it's cool to know I helped design it," says Carly.
To help Marley Park residents get to know their neighbors and create cherished memories, the Marley Park Community Life team plans year-round celebrations for the community. "We work hand-in-hand with residents to encourage them to interact with their neighbors and the community," says Kelsea Vescova, Marley Park's community life manager. "That leads to a sense of ownership within the community."
Resident Billy Bungert loved growing up with the celebrations of her hometown, a small suburb of Oklahoma City. "My fondest memories are of the parties, ice cream socials and carnivals that seemed to happen all the time. I loved being part of them." When Bungert and her husband relocated to Surprise, AZ and found a home in Marley Park, she was able to experience again those same memorable celebrations. "Organized events are the real glue of a community because they bring people together," she says.
Every October, the "Homestead Harvest Festival" features park decorations, a carnival, pumpkin carving, a pumpkin patch and a costume contest.
In December, during "Home for the Holidays," residents can enjoy holiday carolers, festive music, Mrs. Claus reading stories to children, holiday photos, a tree-lighting ceremony and a home-decorating contest.
In March, baseball is a big draw for residents attending Spring Training Day at Marley Park and nearby Surprise Stadium. "We hold a pre-game picnic in the park and then shuttle between 250 and 300 residents to the stadium for an afternoon game," Vescova says.
On Arbor Day in April, all of the students from Marley Park Elementary School have an opportunity to participate in a walking field trip along the community's Arbor Walk, the pedestrian-friendly planned trail system within the community. "Every student receives a guide that teachers can use to familiarize the students with the plants along the trails," Vescova says." Next year, Arbor Day will be part of a larger Founders' Day celebration to honor the community's first residents and civic partners."
