History Of Our Pennsylvania Retirement Community
“A community that will be a prototype of excellence.” – September 1980
This was the philosophy that guided a group of men and women who founded Sherwood Oaks. This handful of volunteers who would later become its first residents, collectively visited over 50 retirement communities in PA before they incorporated, raised funds and bought 84 acres of farmland in what was then sparsely populated Cranberry Twp., PA.
As they designed Sherwood Oaks “from the ground up” they assured themselves of several important features. For example, it was essential to have an on-site health center that included medical exam and treatment rooms, skilled nursing care, assisted living accommodations, 24 hour access to a community nurse and physical rehabilitation.
Secondly, early residents were encouraged to take active charge of their own lives. Today, there are nearly 60 resident committees that govern travel and entertainment and provide advice to management on matters affecting resident life.
The founders also looked for – and found – property that had great natural beauty. Today’s lovely Western PA retirement community, just north of Pittsburgh, features mature woods, lakes, natural walking trails, many perennial and vegetable gardens, and over two miles of covered walkways. Although the campus has seen improvements over the years, it is still a place “oriented to preventive medicine, rehabilitation, vigor, and to encouraging residents to take active charge of their own lives.” (From Dream to Reality, the Story of Sherwood Oaks, edited by Sally Dewees.)
