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Appalachian Agency for Senior Citizens (2023) Print
2023 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Public places
└ Park enhancements
└ Park enhancements
Richlands had few accessible parks, leaving older adults and people with disabilities without safe spaces for fitness or social connection. The "Fit for Life" project added wheelchair-accessible swings, air walkers and benches to an underused park, while volunteers brightened the space with colorful features. Now, older adults can exercise, socialize and join community outings in a park designed for everyone. "I had the best day," said one visitor, capturing the joy and renewed sense of belonging this project brings. Plans for similar parks in other communities are already underway.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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Hartford, CT
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: This project improved accessibility at Pope Park for older adults and people with disabilities. Project organizers installed ADA-compliant picnic tables with benches, designed to accommodate individuals using scooters or wheelchairs. The added amenities upgraded an area of the park with a play area and spray pool for small children. In this predominantly low-income neighborhood few homes have front or back yards, making Pope Park an important outdoor space for residents of all ages. Project organizers say the new seating highlighted a need for more accessible pathways in the park, which are now being designed.
Tallahassee, FL
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: Following a year-long planning process, the City of Tallahassee constructed a linear park in its Greater Bond neighborhood. The park includes a walking trail stretching from Speed Spencer Stephens Park on the east side of the city to the St. Marks Trail to the west. Originally a drainage easement, the site once had an open ditch running through it. To ensure the new park's accessibility, the City installed a bench swing and a wheelchair-accessible drinking fountain with a water bottle filler. Designed as a community gathering space, project organizers hope the linear park acts as a catalyst for neighborhood revitalization.
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."
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Abingdon, VA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Public or private transit access
Description: Older adults struggled to access the Coomes Recreation Center because accessible parking was 340 feet from the entrance and few knew how to use local transit. The project moved seven accessible spaces closer to the door, added ADA upgrades and clear signage, and worked with the local public transit provider to make the center a regular bus stop. It also produced educational videos and held training sessions to teach people how to navigate public transit. These changes improved safety and independence. One participant said closer parking now lets him drive himself to therapy, a shift that underscores the project's impact.
Bluefield, WV
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Lifelong housing and accessibility
Description: This project will renovate the historic Hotel Thelma into 10 affordable apartments for older adults and a restaurant. It will include solar panels, an intergenerational garden, and exhibits on Thelma Stone's legacy.
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