Rodrock Development Moms’ Council offers community, simple family pleasures

Hours spent at the pool, until your fingers became like raisins. Rag-tag bike parades, followed by sticky, melting popsicles. Playing outside to an orchestra of cicadas until the streetlights flickered on. Such are the summer memories of many a childhood of eras past … unless you live in a Rodrock Development. Because as many Rodrock residents can attest, their neighborhoods are filled with simple pleasures from simpler times, thanks in great part to Darol Rodrock’s groundbreaking Moms’ Council.

Darol’s dedication to healthy neighborhoods is unparalleled, in part because he has a greater appreciation than most for family. Darol grew up in the foster-care system, shuttled from one harsh home to the next. He became acutely aware, as only the dispossessed can, of just what makes a true home. And he’s committed himself to providing truly one-of-a-kind communities that better families and the city as a whole.

Darol’s developments are laced with paved trails that link neighbors, provide easy access to the communities’ amenities and local schools, and serve as an invitation for evening strolls. Amazing 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 Darol’s groundbreaking Moms’ Council, which was started in the 1980s. An array of family-friendly activities are planned thanks to the Council, including spring egg hunts, Memorial Day pool-opening parties, July 4th bike-a-thons, outdoor movie nights, and pumpkin-carving contests. In December, families adore the holiday hayride and caroling event, which features huge Belgian draft horses pulling wagons down luminary-lit streets.

These gatherings help new neighbors have fun, but they also build a strong sense of community and help provide families – and most important, children – a safe place to grow up. And it’s a difference that resonates deeply with residents.

“In our neighborhood, we have more than just neighbors – we have great friends!” says Lori Anderson of Stonebridge Trails. “And our kids have made great friends, too. The Moms’ Council is a wonderful way to stay connected with your neighbors and community.”

Lori’s favorite event is the Holiday Hayride. “Santa comes to visit and talk to each child. There are cookies and hot chocolate after the horse-drawn hayride. It’s so magical to see each child’s face light up as they sit on Santa’s lap and tell him what they wish for.”

The Moms’ Council is a great way to not only engage with neighbors but to help create memories for your children that will last a lifetime, residents say. But it’s only the start to what the Moms’ Council does. Another convenient bonus is the Farmers’ Markets, which the Council brings to many Rodrock communities. The markets provide residents with a rainbow-hued assortment of fruits and vegetables, jams, jellies and assorted baked goods.

As much joy the Farmers’ Markets bring to homeowners, it also gives them the distinct opportunity to give back. Several market vendors have taken it upon themselves to help raise money for area foster-care children through the Darol Rodrock Foundation.

“We’re so looking forward to the upcoming Farmers’ Market in each community and the support the residents give to the Darol Rodrock Foundation by leaving spare change or donations as they make their purchases of fresh produce brought in by Cripple Creek Farms,” says Tammy Coody, the Moms’ Council Coordinator for Rodrock Development. “In addition to families being able to purchase farm-fresh items, Ohana’s Shaved Ice will be contributing to the Foundation as they sell its tasty shaved ice treats.”

Tammy says she can’t count the number of times she’s been told how grateful residents are to have this concept offered to them. “The Moms’ Council is so important because of the busy lives we lead. It offers the opportunity for residents of all ages to participate in family-oriented activities right in their own ‘backyards.’ It provides a sense of neighborhood connectedness, as well as a sense of belonging. I believe we all still seek that, maybe more so now than ever. The fact that the Moms’ Council is still in place, for 30-some years, speaks volumes to our desire to feel part of a bigger family.”

For more information on Rodrock communities and its unique Mom’s Council, visit Rodrock.com.

This story was originally published May 11, 2016 at 12:08 AM with the headline "Rodrock Development Moms’ Council offers community, simple family pleasures."