I became a member of Holliday Park six and a half years ago. I learned of the Cooperative twelve years earlier when I partnered with a member to go on one of Holliday Park’s Caribbean cruises. On the cruise, I was so impressed with the Holliday Park members that I met, and all I learned about Holliday Park living, that I decided that one day I was going to live there.

I signed up for two different units when I applied, because I saw it as a way to get in faster. Then as luck would have it, I found myself at the top of both lists at the same time. I turned down the first unit, because I realized that in my anxiousness to move in, I had selected a unit that really would not meet my needs. Then I was informed that they had one of the other units I had applied for, available. I came to look at the unit with my daughter-in-law, and as we were walking up the sidewalk to see it, I told her that she was about to see my new home. I just knew I was going to take it.

On move-in day, a neighbor came by to welcome me with a plate of homemade chocolate chip cookies; and as I met my other neighbors, there was this wonderful feeling of belonging, and it has never left me. Since then, I have formed new and amazing friendships here; become a volunteer with the Night Patrol, and the Building and Grounds Committee; and gone on another Holliday Park cruise (this time to the Baltic Sea), and a trip to China.

After I was settled, I enjoyed showing off my unit to friends, and answering their questions about living in a cooperative. All were shocked at the economic value of living in Holliday Park, and they were very impressed with the beautiful clubhouse, the large pool, and the attractive grounds. So much so, that two of them applied and were accepted for membership.

Right away, I enjoyed taking my grandchildren to the pool, and joining in on some of the social activities. Having a social life is made very easy here. There are many activities for all ages and interests, and for just plain fun. For example: the annual pool party is not just for “water babies.” You can stay in the clubhouse and play cards, or any other game that appeals to you, along with the others who are not going in for a dip.

Holliday Park has truly lived up to my expectations. It meets my needs, and even throws in a few luxuries. So in return, that is why I volunteer. The volunteering makes me feel like I am giving back, and making an investment in keeping Holliday Park a value. I know cooperative living is not for everyone, but if it is what you are looking for, Holliday Park can’t be beat!

This entry was posted on Wednesday, January 7th, 2009 at 10:51 pm and is filed under Holliday Park. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Responses are currently closed, but you can trackback from your own site.