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Prineville, OR

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018

Project Category: Park enhancements

Description: When organizers with Crook County on the Move asked older adults what they would like to see in Ochoco Creek Park, they overwhelmingly asked for more places to sit along the park's 1.5-mile pathway. So to increase accessibility, the organization installed 12 park benches at 300 foot intervals along the walkway. Each bench has a 4-foot space surrounding it to accommodate wheelchair users and give people a space to park walkers and strollers. Organizers hope the benches inspire older adults and people with mobility challenges to visit the park and reap the benefits of outdoor exercise. Spurred by the success of this project, Crook County on the Move fundraised to install an additional 12 benches along the path. Organizers say they are now looking to install benches in other parks around Crook County.

Anchorage, AK

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023

Project Category: Park enhancements

Description: Special Olympics Alaska expanded its outdoor space to give older adults more ways to stay active and connected. The project added three turf bocce courts, ADA-compliant benches and picnic tables, shade umbrellas and a water refill station. These upgrades created a safe, welcoming environment for recreation and social engagement. Participation in bocce doubled, and one athlete noted the improvements made the courts safe for his walker and that the benches "made it feel inclusive and welcoming."

Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.

Randolph, VT

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020

Project Category: Park enhancements

Description: To give residents the opportunity to express themselves and connect with each other, Sunrise Rotary Club installed outdoor musical instruments near the town's recreational field. The new Harmony Park features chimes, drums, a xylophone, Imbarimbas and a harp. The Club also added benches to the space, along with a welcome sign informing visitors about the instruments.

Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects

Lynchburg, VA

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025

Project Category: Public space activation

Description: Residents wanted to use the Dunbar Community Schoolyard for walking and gathering, but unclear access and a lack of signage made the large campus feel uncertain and underused. The City of Lynchburg installed a pedestrian wayfinding system at key entrances, using clear, large-format signs to welcome public use and guide people through the space. The project helped residents understand how the schoolyard could be used outside school hours. Older adults shared memories tied to the campus and expressed renewed optimism about its future. The wayfinding system strengthened coordination among city staff, schools and residents and marked an early step toward broader improvements that support regular use of the space.

Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.

Lynchburg, VA

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021

Project Category: Public space activation

Description: To organizers with the Downtown Lynchburg Association, an underused, dead-end street had potential to draw visitors downtown. The Association transformed the space into Art Alley -- a vibrant, outdoor art gallery. To activate the space, volunteers covered the pavement in turquoise, orange, pink and green paint. They also set up string lights overhead to provide illumination. Finally, they created the Spark Joy Gallery by installing panels that display digital artworks. Project organizers say the placemaking effort has since inspired nearby property owners to spruce up their building facades, and the Art Alley has become a must-see for tourists passing through town.

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