Missoula, MT

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019

Project Category: Accessibility of amenities

Description: To expand access to people who have historically been left out of caving, spelunking and speleology activities, the Montana State Parks Foundation installed a new ADA-compliant weather and shade covering at the entrance to the Lewis and Clark Caverns Paradise Room. Since the project completed, thousands of tours of the cave's magnificent Paradise Room have taken place. The Montana State Parks Foundation has also secured more funding and has made similar accessibility improvements at other parks across the state. The project brought in new partners, increased community awareness of accessibility efforts and led to increased engagement from volunteers and visitors.

Montpelier, VT

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024

Project Category: Accessibility of amenities

Description: This project will add a pair of rest areas to the site of a weekly farmers market, making the outdoor space more comfortable for older adults. The rest areas will include shade tents, seating and a water station.

Danforth, ME

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024

Project Category: Accessibility of amenities

Description: This project will improve accessibility at an open-air pavilion in Danforth's downtown by adding benches and a sound system. This will make community events held in the space more welcoming for residents of all ages and abilities.