ORLANDO – Unlike many who look forward to a slower pace when approaching retirement, Richard and Donna Garrison – two of the newest residents at VillageWalk at Lake Nona – are just getting warmed up; for a race that is.
The former Atlanta couple spent more than two years exploring communities throughout Central Florida and on both coasts before agreeing on VillageWalk partly because of its “fantastic health and fitness amenities.”
“VillageWalk at Lake Nona has six miles of walking and bike paths in every direction and the very first day we moved in we ran six miles,” Richard said. “We’re active competitive triathletes, so having this available to us is great.”
Competitive is putting it mildly.
The Garrisons – who celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary in June – have competed in six Ironman competitions and 35 marathons since getting hooked on the grueling combination of running/biking/swimming races back in the 1970s.
“We tell everyone the reason we have such a good marriage is because we exercise so much we’re just too tired to fight,” he joked, adding that they’ve participated in a total of somewhere between 300-400 races the past 20 or so years. “And, we have several trophies to show for it.”
Donna, 62, an accomplished watercolor artist, took third place in Ironman of Florida last year, and Richard Garrison, 60, a senior executive consultant for Franklin Covey time management training and assessment company, said he usually finishes in the top five of his age group.
But, the walking paths aren’t the only things that attracted the couple to VillageWalk at Lake Nona. Richard said they also appreciate that VillageWalk’s Florida-style homes are built by a company with a great reputation for quality work and they love its location near Orlando International Airport.
“It’s convenient to the airport, a new medical community, and a short drive to the beaches, as well as the Orlando attractions without being close enough to be consumed by the tourists and traffic,” he said.
Constructed by Pulte Homes, VillageWalk is an example of a "walk" community concept, according to Sean C. Strickler, vice president of sales for Pulte Homes of North Florida.
“It’s a uniquely-designed neighborhood where almost every home includes a lake view and residents can easily access the 26,000-square-foot town center by means of pedestrian bridges and sidewalks,” Strickler said.
VillageWalk has its own on-site activities director and features a deli/market, 24-hour state-of the-art fitness facility, a heated resort-style pool, a lap pool, six lighted clay tennis courts, a basketball court, a lakeside gazebo, and a library/business center, he said.
With five children, nine grandchildren and two grandchildren on the way, Richard said he expects his whole family will have something to keep them entertained on their visits.
“All five of our kids have run marathons,” he said. “And, one of our sons has done an Ironman competition, so I’m sure they will make use of the amenities here.”
The Garrison’s are gearing up now for an Ironman competition in January in Key West. Richard said the race will include a swim – complete with jellyfish and lots of other marine life – around the southernmost post of the United States.
“If the good Lord is willing, we’ll keep doing these races for as long as we can,” Richard said. “It’s a big part of our lives.”
About Pulte Homes
Communities built by Pulte Homes are designed to deliver the best quality of life for home owners. By combining innovative Life-Tested® designs, an unwavering commitment to quality and attention to detail, Pulte Homes is the nation’s premier home brand for upwardly mobile home buyers. As the most awarded homebuilder in customer satisfaction, Pulte Homes has consistently ranked among top home builders in third-party customer satisfaction studies. For more information about Pulte Homes, visit www.pulte.com.
About PulteGroup
PulteGroup, Inc. (NYSE: PHM), based in Bloomfield Hills, Mich., is one of America’s largest home building companies with operations in approximately 60 markets throughout the country. Through its brand portfolio that includes Centex, Pulte Homes and Del Webb, the company is one of the industry’s most versatile homebuilders able to meet the needs of multiple buyer groups and respond to changing consumer demand. PulteGroup conducts extensive research to provide home buyers with innovative solutions and new homes designed for the way people actually live today. As the most awarded home builder in customer satisfaction, PulteGroup brands have consistently ranked among top home builders in third-party customer satisfaction studies.
For more information about PulteGroup, Inc. and PulteGroup brands, go to pultegroup.com; www.pulte.com; www.centex.com; www.delwebb.com
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