Amenities That Inspire

Endless Options at La Posada at Pusch Ridge

By Loni Nannini

La Posada at Pusch Ridge is all about retirement possibilities—and transforming them into realities.

“We want to provide the opportunity for residents to either rediscover what makes them happy or to start to learn something new,” said Alexis Martinez, executive VP of La Posada at Pusch Ridge.

“We are able to take care of the mundane parts of adult life like housekeeping and cooking so they have more time for fun. We want to give them back the time to do things that are meaningful to them at this point in their lives.”

The life plan community for adults age 62+ provides an extensive array of comforts and conveniences to optimize every aspect of holistic health and well-being: physical, intellectual, emotional, social, spiritual, vocational, financial and environmental.

Amenities—and relief from the less-desirable tasks of adulting—begin with one- or two-bedroom independent living apartments available in 11 floor plans, many of them with dens. Each apartment offers premium appliances, a full-sized kitchen, laundry room, and a private terrace or balcony.

“We have taken great care in trying to provide all the amenities of home. The apartments are well-appointed and there is a floor plan that will fit anyone’s wants or needs,” said Martinez.

Apartments serve as cozy, private bases from which to access the 350,000-square foot campus, hallmarked by thoughtful conveniences such as hotel-style suites to accommodate residents’ visiting guests.

“We like to remind residents that the entire community is an extension of their home beyond the walls of their apartments,” said Cindy Barbee, director of marketing for La Posada.

Home extends to the central “hearth” of the campus, comprising a dining room with chef-crafted meals and weekly specials; a cafe/coffee bar; two libraries with computer access; several public terraces; multiple meeting rooms and community spaces.

An open-air event lawn and sculpture garden that overlook the brilliant sunsets reflected across Pusch Ridge evolved with input from residents. Resident demand also resulted in rapid charging stations for electric vehicles in the 230-space covered garage. An elected eight-member Resident Council serves as the “voice of residents” to La Posada management.

“The event lawn was originally going to be an indoor pool, but we decided the area would be better used as a central gathering space. The people who make decisions are here to listen to residents’ comments about what they want, then figure out if that is something we can do and implement it,” said La Posada at Pusch Ridge owner’s rep and Facilities Director Kevin Palmer. 

Martinez said the outdoor, resort-style pool, which offers classes in water walking and water aerobics, is another resident favorite. Segregated swimming laps are also part of the pool. (A future indoor pool is planned).

Recreational classes are also available through Viva Center, which features an art and clay studio; a by-appointment salon; and a state-of-the-art fitness center with personal training and classes in yoga, Tai Chi, mindful movement, Sit and Be Fit, and more. Walking and hiking trails and the nearby 130-mile Tucson Loop offer additional recreation opportunities.

Indoor activities include 15+ groups and classes, the majority of which are resident-driven.

“These residents are so active that they do their own thing and we just help them along. We have phone photography, a very active poker group, bridge, mahjong and other games, table tennis, a travel club, a book club, memoir writing, art and clay and much more,” said Martinez.

Volunteerism forges even stronger connections within the campus community through resident-led implementation of the La Posada employee scholarship fund and other initiatives.

Outreach to the larger Oro Valley and Tucson communities include meal preparation for Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southern Arizona, holiday donations to the Golder Ranch Fire District, and initiatives to support Youth On Their Own.

“The sense of community and camaraderie that our residents have created is just beautiful. They are truly building a place to call home,” Martinez said.

Pictured above from left – From Left

Kevin Palmer, Facilities Director, La Posada at Pusch Ridge; Cindy Barbee, Director of Marketing, La Posada Communities

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