Rodrock Development’s small touches make big differences to residents

“It’s the little things …” as the saying goes. Yet an appreciation for smaller details is lost on most developers, who instead have their sights set on the big picture. That’s why it deeply resonates with homebuyers when they experience all the thoughtfully planned, small touches that make such an incredibly big difference within Rodrock Developments.

Darol Rodrock has always been focused on family, first as a teacher and coach, and later as a home builder and developer. And while the scope of his projects may have grown, his commitment — and attention — to the individual hasn’t changed. That’s why Rodrock includes so many added extras in each of his communities.

His developments are delicately laced with paved trails linking neighbors, providing easy access to the communities’ amenities and local schools, and serving as an invitation for evening strolls and friendly meetings. Unparalleled amenities — including well-equipped playgrounds, zero-entry pools, richly appointed clubhouses with workout facilities, sports courts, and more — delight families and build a sense of community and camaraderie.

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

Farmers’ Markets bring fun and fresh produce straight to residents, all without having to leave the community. 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.

“Newcomers tell us all the time that living in a Rodrock Development community is more like living in a small town, where neighbors look out for one another,” said Brenda Sanders, president of Rodrock & Associates, Realtors. “In today’s fast-paced, electronic world, families are desiring a neighborhood where they can unplug and know their neighbors.”

It’s a difference that stuck with Kathryn Hays, who grew up in a Rodrock Development and absolutely loved the time her family spent in Wedgewood.

“I remember thinking our neighborhood was always so pretty and so well maintained,” she recalled. “We had such a wonderful community and thoroughly enjoyed the playground, pool and walking trails. I have so many precious memories of my childhood there and remember how enthusiastic my parents had been about the building process with Rodrock, as well as how much pride they took in their beautiful home and the relationships they (and we) built with all of our neighbors.”

So when Hays and her husband began talking about building a home, she immediately began scouring Rodrock Development’s website. “After living in one of their beautiful communities as a child, I knew firsthand Darol’s wonderful reputation as a builder and developer,” she said.

The family moved into their new home in Forest View at the end of March. “Simply put, it’s perfect,” Hays said. “Forest View has everything we hoped for: beautiful but secluded views, close highway proximity, amazing pool and splash pad, huge playground and walking trails, not to mention an elementary school in the neighborhood, a middle school a mile away, and a new high school under construction within two miles.”

“We were pinching ourselves as neighbor after neighbor visited us with cookies and the neighborhood welcome committee brought us an entire welcome tray of goodies and information when we moved in,” she continued. “We arrived just in time for the neighborhood Easter Egg Hunt and were incredibly impressed with amount of work that was put in by community volunteers to create such a wonderful family event. Everyone we met that day reiterated their own love for our community and reinforced our choice to make Forest View our home.”

Hays says it’s evident that the neighbors of Forest View take pride in their community, from the Moms’ group, to fundraisers for the elementary school, to the Farmer’s Market hosted at the pool, to the welcome committee, and the countless family events hosted throughout the year.

“Everything has been well attended and supported, and it’s so refreshing to see a community so full of pride and encouragement for one another,” she said. “We actually joined with our next door neighbors and hosted our first block party this past weekend. We’re in one of the newest cul-de-sacs in Forest View, and we had nearly 60 people in attendance. I went to bed grinning knowing this was exactly the kind of community we’d been hoping for. Nothing makes me happier than knowing my kids will be growing up in a safe, beautiful neighborhood filled with encouraging people.”

The Hayses actually love Forest View so much that the family convinced friends to build a house on their street. “When we knew they were thinking about moving, we told them we’d done all their research for them, and they needed to look no further than Forest View,” Hays said. “They, too, fell in love at first sight and will be breaking ground on our street in the next few weeks with an expectation to close in February 2016.”

A bevy of little things have made a big difference for residents such as the Hays and countless others throughout Rodrock’s more than 35-year career. There’s a reason homebuyers and agents alike consider Rodrock Developments standouts within the state. Stop in at a Rodrock Development and look around — you’ll be surprised how many little extras add up to one amazing home-buying experience.

For more information, visit Rodrock.com.

This story was originally published August 22, 2015 at 7:00 PM with the headline "Rodrock Development’s small touches make big differences to residents."