Our Community Memories
"Communities are not remembered by their buildings. They are remembered by the people who lived, laughed, volunteered, celebrated, and cared for one another."
"Communities are not remembered by their buildings. They are remembered by the people who lived, laughed, volunteered, celebrated, and cared for one another."
We Invite residents from parks across Florida to share:
What was your community like when you first moved in?
What traditions do you remember?
What made it special?
What has changed over the years?
What would you like future residents to experience?
For more than 30 years, Anna Parker called Spanish Lakes Golf Village home.
When she and her husband purchased their home in December 1994, the monthly lot rent was just $242. They moved to Florida looking for what so many retirees seek—a welcoming community, new friendships, and an active lifestyle.
"We loved the people," Anna says.
As she reflects on those early years, her memories are filled with community events, volunteer organizations, and neighbors who genuinely enjoyed spending time together.
There were walking groups that met each morning before gathering for coffee at the clubhouse. Clubs were active and well attended. The Performing Arts group staged annual productions that filled the auditorium for multiple nights. The billiards club held tournaments, New England Club dinners were community favorites, and holiday celebrations brought neighbors together.
Anna remembers residents organizing bus trips, Easter celebrations for children, Christmas gatherings, and community dinners that often ended with dancing.
"It was a very friendly, active group of people."
One memory stands out to her more than any other.
She recalls seeing the original owners, Mr. and Mrs. Wynne, attending community functions alongside the residents.
"They were wonderful people," Anna says.
Over time, however, Anna believes the atmosphere gradually changed.
She doesn't point to one single event. Instead, she describes a slow decline in the sense of community she once experienced.
When asked what the community has lost, her answer is immediate:
"The relationship with the Wynnes."
She believes that personal connection mattered.
"It would make a difference if they showed up."
Anna also expressed concern that many residents today are reluctant to speak openly.
"No, they are not comfortable, because they have the fear of retaliation."
Although she says she has not personally received notices from management, she believes that many residents worry about drawing unwanted attention to themselves.
Despite those concerns, Anna's interview is not centered on conflict.
Instead, it is a reminder of what many longtime residents remember most fondly: neighbors helping neighbors, volunteers creating activities, and a community where people felt connected.
As Anna prepared to return to Maine to be closer to her family, she left one final thought.
She hopes that some of those traditions—and that sense of community—can one day return.
At Silent Seniors No More, we believe those memories matter. They remind us that strong communities are built not only through policies and rules, but through relationships, volunteerism, and people who care enough to bring their neighbors together.
We thank Anna Parker for sharing her memories and allowing us to preserve a piece of the history of Spanish Lakes Golf Village.