Portable bocce court boosts US retirement community’s mission to age well

Bocce ball has become a star addition to the activity schedule at the Westminster Lakeland continuing care retirement community in Florida, after the purchase of a portable bocce court hit a sporting sweet spot with its winning blend of social connection and gentle exercise.

Bob Slavkovsky, a resident at Westminster Lakeland, said the inaugural bocce ball competition he helped organize in October drew in dozens of enthusiastic players who are now raring to keep rolling on a regular basis.

“We had a great turnout for a party to celebrate the opening of our bocce court, and we’ve set it up for a whole weekend every month in our activity center.

“People here love bocce and one individual has come up with a wonderful chart to keep score of the games.”

Westminster Lakeland, nestled over 48 acres along the shores of Lake Hunter, invested in an inflatable Packabocce court as part of its commitment to supporting its more than 300 residents to keep active and pursue activities they enjoy.

The community’s new portable 22ft x 6ft mini court is easy to pack down and store after being deflated, allowing its activity center to be transformed into a bocce venue when required while keeping the space available for other activities throughout the month.

Packaworld Chief Executive Peter Roberts said portable bocce ball courts were an ideal fit for continuing care retirement communities aiming to provide residents with exciting opportunities that support physical activity, wellbeing and lifelong learning.

“Retirement communities are discovering that portable bocce ball courts give them the flexibility to offer this wonderfully social sport without having to dedicate any permanent space for it.

“Bocce ball is popular among people of all ages and provides social and mental benefits, as well as physical exercise, making it a versatile solution for helping older people to age well.”

Slavkovsky said the groundswell of enthusiasm among the residents for the retirement community’s new bocce ball program means there are already plans to expand it and play friendly competitions against other senior living communities in Florida.

“Once our teams get accustomed to the game we may go on and compete with other senior communities.”