Amenities: Connection with Nature
From the moment you pass through the five-acre woods at the entrance of Friendship Village, you'll feel a special connection with nature. Friendship Village's 60-acre campus encompasses three sparkling ponds, plant-filled indoor atriums, beautiful garden spaces and walking paths. With beautiful scenes both inside and out, you can enjoy a close connection with nature all year-round.
The W.H. Roger Smith Memorial Garden
The Smith Garden, nestled between two Bridgegate pavilions, offers beautiful landscaping and outdoor seating areas as well as a shuffleboard court and putting green (for those times you're feeling competitive).
The Bridgegate Atrium
This three-story, light-filled atrium is home to lush tropical plants that have thrived in the space since it opened. It also features an indoor koi pond, one of three such ponds developed by Friendship Village's resident-run Land Stewardship Committee.
The Village Square
Located between the Bridgegate Atrium and Bridgewater Place, the Village Square offers covered tables, beautiful gardens and places to enjoy views of the koi pond.
The Meditation Garden
This contemporary garden design, wrapped around Friendship Center, offers quiet spaces to reflect and enjoy gorgeous landscaping and views of Friendship Woods and the Five Oaks area.
Friendship Woods
This five-acre woods along Friendship Village's southern boundary is the largest undeveloped remnant of historic Sarah's Grove. Recently accepted into the Chicago Wilderness nature reserve, it offers walking paths among century old giants and native flowers. Friendship Village is committed to leaving this acreage in its natural state.
The Summergarden
Covering the strip of ground bordered by Bridgewater Place, Heron Pond and Friendship Center, the Summergarden offers spectacular views of the pond, Friendship Woods and native waterfowl. One of its most popular features is a two-tiered waterfall that creates soothing "white noise" as it re-circulates the water of Heron Pond.
The Wintergarden
With an abundance of natural light and potted specimens, Bridgewater Place's two-story Wintergarden Atrium draws the beauty of the outdoors into the entrance of its newest neighborhood.
Heron Pond
Heron Pond, the largest of the community's three ponds, is home to a variety of fish and waterfowl. Available for fishing, the pond is accessible from Friendship Center's Heron Pier and from the Summergarden. Many Bridgewater Place apartments and public terraces offer lovely views of this five-acre water feature.
Private Garden Spaces
If you have a green thumb, then you might consider a private garden space. Interested residents receive their own plot of land on campus to plant their favorite flowers and foliage.
