The unique — and heartfelt — differences in a Rodrock Development

There is something distinctively unique about Rodrock Developments, and one need only talk to residents to hear the litany of reasons why. For some, it’s the multitude of family-friendly amenities. For others, it’s the one-of-a-kind Moms’ Council. Still for a good number it’s the way Rodrock Development does business — giving back both to its residents and the greater community as a whole.

Rodrock Developments are laced with paved trails, linking neighbors, providing easy access to the communities’ amenities and local schools, and serving as an invitation for daily strolls. Unparalleled extras — including playgrounds, pools, clubhouses with workout facilities, and more — delight families and build a sense of camaraderie.

Friendships and further fostered through get-togethers hosted by both the Homeowner’s Associations and Darol Rodrock’s groundbreaking Moms’ Council. An abundance of family-friendly activities are planned thanks to the Council, including spring egg hunts, July 4th bike-a-thons, and pumpkin-carving contests, depending upon the community. In December, families adore the holiday hayride and caroling event, featuring Belgian draft horses pulling wagons down luminary-lit streets.

Meanwhile, eNeighbors, an e-newsletter and website devoted to each community, allows neighbors to trade messages, look for sitters or lost pets, sell items, plan back-to-school ice cream parties, and more.

And Rodrock Development and its residents, in partnership with the Darol Rodrock Foundation, regularly give back to those in need. This November jump-started a drive to benefit more than 150 children in foster care who’ll attend the annual Darol Rodrock Foundation Holiday Party. Every year, children show up in anticipation of a great holiday party, but many are under attired for the cold. To that end, Rodrock communities and beyond held a Winter Coat, Hat, and Gloves Drive, garnering dozens of warm coats and more for these very special kids.

As if all this doesn’t drive home a sense of community, this year Rodrock Development held a Nicest Neighbor Contest. E-mails poured in as Kansas Citians nominated the best their communities had to offer, and the applications were truly awe-inspiring.

Brinda Swanson, of Parkhurst, was named the grand-prize winner and awarded a night out on the town for her incredible works in her community and beyond.

“I’m honored and humbled to have been chosen for the Nicest Neighbor award,” Brinda says. “I live in the Parkhurst neighborhood full of amazing people, many of who are deserving of this award, as well. We are part of a true community…a group of people who make new neighbors feel welcome and provide a support system that will always be there if needed. That all starts with the foundation that Rodrock Development provides. In the 17 years we’ve lived in our Rodrock community, we’ve enjoyed those events that bring neighbors together (e.g. 4th of July parade and pool party, holiday hay rides, etc.). Through these events, we’ve met our neighbors who’ve become our closest friends.”

Parkhurst built on the Rodrock foundation, establishing its own way of giving back. Thirteen years ago, a few neighbors got together to have an Oktoberfest-themed party in their cul-de-sac. The event grew in popularity and size until it became the neighborhood’s largest event—and one people look forward to all year long.

“Each year, the event benefits a different charity that’s directly impacted someone in our neighborhood, including Alzheimer’s Association, Tom Karlin Foundation, Inclusion Connections, and KC Hospice House, just to name a few,” Brinda says. “This is an elaborate event that requires dozens of neighborhood volunteers and includes a potluck dinner, polka band, DJ, kids’ games, and live and silent auction.”

Most recently, the Parkhurst community rallied behind its very own 6-year-old Finley Rosen, who was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in 2016.

“Within days, our neighborhood was lined with bright yellow yard signs that read ‘Finley’s Superheroes,’ so the family would see the support as they drove through the neighborhood, and the funds raised from the signs were donated to the family,” Brinda continues. “Beyond the day-to-day support people provided, we raised more than $20,000 at the 2016 Oktoberfest to donate to the oncology department of Children’s Mercy Hospital in Finley’s honor. We followed that in 2017 with a record-breaking donation to the Dream Factory (who provided a dream to Finley) of $21,678! To put that in perspective, there was no fancy dinner at a luxurious hotel…that amount was raised in one evening with about 200 neighbors eating hot dogs and potluck under a big white tent in the middle of the street! The generosity and heart of this neighborhood never ceases to amaze!”

“In this season of giving thanks, we are grateful to Darol Rodrock for creating this place that we call home with our neighborhood ‘family,’ Brinda adds. “We love this neighborhood so much, when we decided to buy a bigger house 4 years ago, we just moved to the other side of the same neighborhood!”

For more information, visit Rodrock.com.

This story was originally published December 9, 2017 at 12:00 AM with the headline "The unique — and heartfelt — differences in a Rodrock Development."