This post is sponsored and contributed by The Seneca, a Patch Brand Partner.

Community Corner

Check Out This Year’s Cherry Blossoms Via Virtual Reality

Didn't make it to the National Mall this year? The 2021 blossoms are in full bloom with this immersive, interactive 360-degree video.

(The Seneca)

This is a paid post contributed by a Patch Community Partner. The views expressed in this post are the author's own, and the information presented has not been verified by Patch.


In the March 28th issue of The Washington Post Magazine, “Floral Reality” artist Gijs Kast made a wish: “D.C.’s annual Cherry Blossom Festival will be a mostly virtual event this year. If only there were a VR event where grandma could really immerse herself!”

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Julie Gunderson, Sales Director at The Seneca, an assisted living and memory care community opening soon in Rockville, was immediately inspired and sprang into action. She enlisted Brendan Canty, a local filmmaker and musician, to bring the gorgeous sights of the cherry blossoms in full bloom to everyone who couldn’t make the trip.

The 360-degree video, available to view here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0NHZJj0XM9Q, will be used with Oculus VR devices at communities in The Élite Collection, a collection of senior living communities by Silverstone Senior Living and Watermark Retirement Communities. Watermark Retirement Communities developed a signature program, EngageVR, to help residents experience the sights and sounds of settings near and far.

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The teams at The Seneca, The Providence (now open in Fairfax, Virginia) and The Landing (opening early 2022 in Alexandria, Virginia) look forward to bringing more local events, like 4th of July fireworks on the National Mall and fall foliage on Skyline Drive, to life through virtual reality.

Gunderson is proud of the end result and says, “Share it with your grandma and anyone else who could use some hope, renewal and friendship.”

The Seneca is now leasing at its sales office, located at 402 King Farm Boulevard, Suite 145 in Rockville. Consultations are available virtually or in-person. Please call (240) 614-2800 or visit https://senecarockville.watermarkcommunities.com/ to learn more.


This post is an advertorial piece contributed by a Patch Community Partner, a local brand partner. To learn more, click here.

This post is sponsored and contributed by The Seneca, a Patch Brand Partner.

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