Oak Hammock Lauded for Integrating Lifelong Learning into Landscape
GAINESVILLE -- May 1, 2005 -- Oak Hammock at the University of Florida recently claimed the Outstanding Achievement Award presented by the City Beautification Board at The Thomas Center on April 21. The awards, delivered in several categories, annually honor excellence in landscaping and urban civic design that enhances the city and its surrounding areas.
Oak Hammock, the UF-affiliated Life Fulfilling Community for mature adults, is situated on 137 environmentally sensitive acres south of Williston Road. Improvements cover 55 acres and help preserve virtually all of the upland forest on the north side of the site.
Siting Oak Hammock's focus on wellness and lifelong learning, the City Beautification Board wrote: "To help and protect residents, color and texture cues are used in the landscaping. The walking trail in the upland preserve passes interesting flora, geological features and bird-watching sites. Landscapers used native species throughout the project. Dogwood, red bud and plum were incorporated into the landscape design wherever possible. A voluntary exotic/invasive species management plan is being implemented, and UF's Center for Wetlands is helping develop the best management practices for the use of chemicals and irrigation throughout the site."
"We are very proud of this award," said Dave Stauffer, Oak Hammock CEO. "It's a natural extension of our philosophy that our setting is a picturesque, environmentally sound environment, energized by a truly unique affiliation with UF."
Other Oak Hammock features highlighted by the beautification board include:
- Extensive walking trails and interconnected outdoor decks overlooking a large water feature.
- An outdoor tennis and exercise area that doubles as a playground for grandchildren.
- Community gardens that include raised plots for residents with declining mobility.
- Four interior landscaped courtyard areas and "village green" meeting areas.
- Walkable neighborhoods with sidewalks and front porches that allow neighbors to interact.
