Mount San Antonio Gardens, commonly referred to as “The Gardens,” is a highly regarded Life Plan Community situated in the Claremont and Pomona area of Southern California. The community is designed to support older adults in leading vibrant, fulfilling lives in a supportive, campus-style residential setting. The Gardens offers residents a wide array of services and amenities, fostering an environment of intellectual engagement, wellness, and social connection. The Gardens Club, a hallmark of communal engagement, is the umbrella for a multitude of resident committees and interest groups, creating boundless opportunities for residents to participate, lead, and collaborate. These committees include the Conservation & Sustainability Committee, Dining Services Committee, Library Committee, Marketing, Community Outreach, and Admissions Advisory Committee, the Finance Committee, and the Strategic Planning and Marketing Committees, among others.
Residents of The Gardens come from diverse educational and professional backgrounds, bringing with them a wealth of experience in fields ranging from healthcare, law, and education, to science, the arts, and public service. Within the community, individuals such as Jane Hurd and Jay Labinger are actively involved in various committees, including the Bequest Committee and initiatives related to sustainability and the environment, such as the Green Fund. Active resident councils like the Gardens Council provide a resident-governed voice and leadership; for example, Diane Stielstra has served as President of the Gardens Council. Programs for wellness and healthy living are also paramount, with offerings in Pilates and Yoga, and classes led by skilled resident instructors. Recreational and cultural pursuits proliferate, with opportunities for hiking, gardening, playing music, attending book clubs, and enjoying local concerts and exhibits.
The physical campus includes different levels of residences and care, allowing residents to transition smoothly as their needs evolve. Among the living spaces at The Gardens, areas such as the Cedars have become beloved homes for new and longtime community members. The campus itself is renowned for its natural beauty and landscaped grounds, supporting a culture of conservation, sustainability, and appreciation for the environment. Numerous residents contribute to the Conservation & Sustainability Committee and are involved in related initiatives that maintain and celebrate the garden-like character of the community.
The Gardens has developed strong ties with area organizations and institutions, facilitating a vibrant interplay between the community and the broader region. Educational programming and life enrichment opportunities abound courtesy of close proximity to the Claremont Colleges and other cultural centers, which frequently host lectures, concerts, and art exhibits that residents enjoy. Within The Gardens, spaces and activities foster lifelong learning and meaningful engagement, including music performances and history discussions, reflecting the residents’ wide-ranging interests and backgrounds.
Leadership within The Gardens, from the Board of Directors to resident committee chairs and staff, is characterized by extensive professional expertise and deep ties to the community. Members of the Board and resident leaders have impressive backgrounds in fields such as higher education, healthcare, city planning, finance, non-profit management, and beyond. This distinctive blend of professional acumen and community spirit contributes to the unique, enriching lifestyle found at The Gardens. Leadership and mentorship programs flourish within the community, encouraging new residents to become active participants and stewards of the Garden’s future.
Residents can take advantage of a variety of volunteer opportunities both within The Gardens and in the greater local community, often serving on boards, teaching classes, mentoring, and participating in charitable initiatives. Community partnerships and outreach activities are frequent and highly valued, sustaining a purposeful and outward-looking ethos that is integral to life at The Gardens. Additionally, social, cultural, and wellness programs are tailored to foster growth, friendship, and holistic well-being for every resident.
In summary, Mount San Antonio Gardens offers a rich, stimulating, and supportive environment for older adults, defined by its welcoming atmosphere, diversity of programs and committees, commitment to lifelong learning and well-being, and a flourishing spirit of community engagement and stewardship. The Gardens stands out as a place where residents not only enjoy beautiful surroundings and superior amenities but also play a central and active role in shaping the life of this exceptional community.