Arnold Palmer Design Co. to create park for Penn State retirement community

Arnold Palmer Design Co., which has built more than 200 golf courses around the world, and Liberty Lutheran, a non-profit human services organization, will partner to develop a multi-purpose park for The Village at Penn State (VPS).

Arnold Palmer stands alongside the Nittany Lion after announcing Palmer Park. (Photo by Stephen Poppe/ The Daily Collegian)

The country’s first Palmer Park will serve the health and recreational needs of residents at the university-based, non-profit retirement community in State College, Pa.

The multi-purpose, outdoor park represents the culmination of expertise in landscape design and golf course architecture with an understanding of the needs and desires of older adults. A signature feature of Palmer Park incorporates areas for active and passive activities to create a unique gathering place for residents.

“Arnold Palmer Design Company and Liberty’s conception of Palmer Park was based on the trend toward more active lifestyles in retirement living,” said Luanne Fisher, president and CEO, Liberty Lutheran. “

We are very excited to be bringing a new level of outdoor recreation, socialization and wellness to the residents at VPS, as well as establishing long-term relationships with academic institutions within Penn State, such as the School of Agronomy and the Department of Landscape Architecture.”

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Palmer Park will be designed to give residents a new way to enjoy the outdoors, exercise and relax with neighbors, family and friends. It will include these features:

• A deluxe practice area with a 10,000 square-foot bentgrass putting green, chipping areas and grass swales.
• A multi-purpose lawn for croquet, lawn bowling, gatherings and other activities.
• Connected walkways and paths with areas for socializing, benches for relaxing and wellness areas.
• Unique water features that offer tranquility and ambiance.
• A greenway with an elegant, country-club style entrance along Palmer Park.
• A “town clock” as a central meeting spot and landmark for the Park.