Making exercise part of community lifestyle

Facilities that encourage families to adapt a more active lifestyle are among the distinct features of Tamarind Cove, the last phase of the successful Ayala Alabang community. The 1.6- hectare development is a joint venture with Bank of the Philippine Islands.

A children’s playground, a 400-meter jogging track that incorporates part of the road network, a series of gardens and an open lawn for ball games are among the amenities designed for the homeowners of this 20-lot enclave. The 1,800 sq.m. area, which incorporates all the amenities, is a few steps away from each of the lots and thus very accessible to residents. According to Tristan dela Rosa, vice-president of Ayala Land, Inc., developer of Tamarind Cove: "The cozy green strip practically serves as the backyard of each lot in the neighborhood."

Dela Rosa points out that sales of Tamarind Cove lots have been driven largely by these and other innovations. In accordance with the wishes of homeowners to live in more intimate communities, the development has also been designed on a cozy scale. Lots, which range from 470 to 775 sqm., are laid out in a cul-de-sac. Homes face each other and neighbors can easily socialize with one another. Moreover, the common area is where residents and their families can congregate for brisk early morning walks or more leisurely evening strolls.

Ayala Land architectural and environmental planner Pert Rodriguez points out that it is also easy to remain active in this special neighborhood. He says that facilities were designed so that whatever size of lot one owned, a homeowner could easily make exercise part of his lifestyle. "We envisioned teenagers and active adults using the jogging track constantly; children being able to play soccer and to fly kites in the open area while toddlers and pre-schoolers could make use of the playground," he says. "And while they played or jogged, they could also interact with one another."

Tamarind Cove’s incorporation of exercise-oriented facilities in its common area is part of the worldwide resurgence of sports as a social activity.