Pembroke Commons forms diverse circle
The 150 homes of Pembroke Commons form a circle -- both literally and figuratively.
The neighborhood "is shaped as a circle," said Susan Wade, co-president of the homeowners association for Pembroke Commons, in reference to the physical placement of the homes. "It's a very traditional neighborhood in that sense."
(Pembroke Commons is) a great place to be with a family. We knew we wanted to be in the (Naperville) North 203 District. "(We’re also) relatively close to the 5th Avenue train station.”
James Krebaum, resident five years
"We’re close enough to bike ride to downtown Naperville all the time. We also have a larger land plot than being right downtown. The kids go to Highland School, which is a great school.”
Ramona Vaikutis, resident seven years
"We have very friendly neighbors," said resident James Krebaum. "Everybody knows everyone."
Activities abound for both the children and the adults in the form of various events planned by the homeowners association. Activities range from an annual picnic, two book clubs, Christmas gift exchanges, a Fourth of July bike parade, couples euchre and more.
The homes, built in the early 1980s, feature "a diverse group" of homeowners, according to Wade.
"It makes for always interesting conversations," Wade said.
Wade added that young families are moving into the neighborhood along with the original owners. With the young families come many young children.
"We actually fill up a whole school bus of kids (going to) Highland School," Wade said.
• Only one street, Johnson Drive, leads into Pembroke Commons.
• Pembroke Commons consists of 0.12 square miles, according to www.city-data. com.
• The zip code in Pembroke Commons is 60540
1. Pembroke Commons park is the site for many a neighborhood gathering in Pembroke Commons. More than three acres make up the park, according to the Naperville Park District Web site. The park is situated on the northwest end of the circular neighborhood. Its central feature is the playground.
How to get there: Pembroke Commons park is at 1132 Kenilworth Circle. Take Naper Boulevard south to Hobson Road and make a right. Turn right on Johnson Drive. Continue to Kenilworth Circle and make a left. Follow the road around to the park on the left hand side.
2. With more than 13 acres leased and featuring a 0.39-mile walking trail, according to the Naperville Park District Web site, Goodrich Woods is just across the street from Pembroke Commons and is a popular site for runners and walkers. The woods are part of the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County. For visitors who wish to drive, a parking lot holds 15 places, from which one can set out to hike and see the scenery.
How to get there: Goodrich Woods is at 25W507 Hobson Road. Simply make a right on Hobson when coming from the north on Naper Boulevard. The woods will be on your left-hand side.
3. The Compass School , just east of Pembroke Commons, features programs for infants, toddlers, preschoolers and kindergartners, along with after-school programs and a summer camp. The school is one of two locations in Naperville (the other one is at 3040 Reflection Drive) and has emphasized Reggio-inspired early childhood learning since 1999, according to the Compass School Web site. This style of learning focuses on the child as an individual who learns through sensory experiences, collaborative learning and the ability to express him or herself and have some control over the direction of the learning.
How to get there: The Compass School is at 1128 Compass Court, which is accessible by taking the first right just west of Naper Boulevard on Hobson Road.
