AARP Hearing Center
AARP Livable Communities Map
Anchorage Park Foundation (2021) Print
2021 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Public places
└ Park enhancements
└ Park enhancements
Folker Park is a 2-acre urban forest located within the city of Anchorage. The park is adjacent to intergenerational living facilities and in the past was used by people of all ages. However, many of the park's volunteer caretakers have stopped routine maintenance, leaving many areas overgrown and essentially unusable. To improve the park, the Anchorage Park Foundation installed six outdoor musical instruments, a reflexology footpath, a healing maze and age-accessible fitness equipment. They also gathered volunteers to weed garden beds, pick up trash and plant flowers. Today, the park a central hub for the community once again, and a source of pride for residents.
Photo Gallery
Image:
Click on a photo to learn more
See More Projects Like This One
Ferrum, VA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: This project will create the first section of an ADA-accessible trail, accommodating residents of all mobility needs. This project aims to address older adult isolation by providing a safe, level trail for outdoor activity.
Searchlight Township, NV
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: As part of long-term efforts to improve Rex Bell, Jr. Trails Park, the Searchlight Betterment Organization installed a bocce ball court onsite. The courts are open to the public four days a week and participants can check out game sets to use for free. Project organizers say the courts have helped combat social isolation, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Since construction completed, the site has offered lessons on the rules of bocce ball, and volunteers have stepped in to coordinate local player groups for adults and children
Malad City, ID
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: This project will build regulation-size outdoor pickleball courts for use by local residents, providing a popular recreational form for exercise to people aged 50.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Anchorage, AK
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2017
Project Category: Engaging people in transportation options/safety
Description: Alaska Trails worked with Bike Anchorage to shape sustainable transportation in Anchorage. The two organizations educated residents about the city's Non-Motorized Transportation Plan, an effort to integrate bike, pedestrian and train networks into a multi-modal system. They also informed residents about Anchorage's Complete Streets policy, which aims to remake city streets to safely accommodate pedestrians, bicyclists, drivers and bus riders of all ages and abilities. In addition, Alaska Trails supported Safe Routes to School, an initiative that promotes walking and bicycling to school. This outreach effort included social media posts, print and television news coverage and a newsletter. Alaska Trails continues to work to encourage locals to use the state's trails and each year Bike Anchorage holds a Winter Bike Fest to promote cycling in the city.
Anchorage, AK
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: The Navy League Council created its Sea Services Memorial. The memorial is located at the USSAnchorageanchor site to honor the two ships of that name, as well as the Navy's role in Dutch Harbor during World War II. The Council refurbished an anchor onsite, improved landscaping and made accessibility updates. Organizers also installed storyboards describing each ship's historical significance.
LEARN MORE AND STAY INFORMED
Find articles and resources about making communities more livable for people of all ages
Download or order free publications from AARP Livable Communities
Sign up for the free, weekly, award-winning AARP Livable Communities eNewsletter
Don't see your community listed?
LEARN HOW IT CAN JOIN THE NETWORKConnect with your AARP State Office
AARP has offices in all 50 states as well as in the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
AARP Alaska State Office
3601 C Street
Suite 1420
Anchorage, AK 99503
United States